How do you fix a breastfeeding strike?

Understanding the Nursing Strike
A nursing strike occurs when a baby who has been breastfeeding well suddenly refuses to nurse. This phenomenon can be alarming for parents, especially when it seems to come out of nowhere. While it can last for several days, understanding the underlying reasons and how to address them is crucial for both the baby’s well-being and the mother’s peace of mind.
Reasons Behind a Nursing Strike
There are various reasons why a baby might go on a nursing strike. Common triggers include:
– Discomfort or Pain: If a baby is experiencing teething pain, an ear infection, or any other discomfort, they may refuse to nurse. It’s essential to consult a pediatrician if you suspect an illness or injury is causing the strike.
– Distractions: As babies grow, they become more aware of their surroundings. A noisy or busy environment can distract them from breastfeeding, leading to a refusal.
– Changes in Routine: Any significant changes in the baby’s routine, such as travel or a new caregiver, can also lead to a nursing strike.
Strategies to Encourage Breastfeeding
If your baby is on a nursing strike, there are several strategies you can employ to encourage them to return to breastfeeding:
1. Stay Calm and Relaxed: Stress can affect both you and your baby. Create a calm environment for breastfeeding. Try to nurse in a quiet, comfortable space where distractions are minimized.
2. Experiment with Positions: Sometimes, a different breastfeeding position can make your baby more comfortable. Explore various holds to see if your baby prefers one over another.
3. Offer the Breast Frequently: Even if your baby refuses to latch, offer the breast regularly. This helps maintain your milk supply and keeps the breastfeeding relationship open.
4. Use Skin-to-Skin Contact: Skin-to-skin contact can help soothe your baby and may encourage them to nurse. Holding your baby close can create a comforting environment that promotes breastfeeding.
5. Avoid Forcing the Issue: Forcing your baby to nurse can create negative associations with breastfeeding. Instead, focus on making the experience pleasant and pressure-free.
6. Consider Pumping: If your baby continues to refuse the breast, consider pumping to maintain your milk supply. You can offer expressed milk in a bottle or cup, which may help your baby associate feeding with comfort.
7. Seek Support: If the strike persists, consider reaching out to a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group. They can provide personalized advice and encouragement during this challenging time.
Conclusion
A nursing strike can be a stressful experience for both mother and baby, but with patience and the right strategies, it is often possible to overcome it. Understanding the reasons behind the strike and employing gentle, supportive techniques can help restore the breastfeeding relationship. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another, so be open to trying various approaches until you find what resonates with your little one.

How do I keep my milk supply up during a nursing strike?

To keep your milk supply up during a strike, you should pump at your typical feeding times, for example every 2-3 or 4 hours. Continue to offer the breast. Don’t force the baby; stop if there is crying or fussing that is not resolving. Take the baby away from distracting environments and noisy places.

Why is my baby suddenly rejecting my breasts?

It could be from a cold, ear infection, stuffy nose, upset stomach, injury, teething, thrush, cold sore, or other reasons. Your baby is upset. Maybe there is a big change in nursing routine, you were apart for a long time, or your baby’s environment is uncomfortable.

How do I get my baby back on the breast?

Try wearing baby in a sling or soft carrier and walking around the house as you attempt to nurse. Or pat baby’s back rhythmically for five minutes before attempting to latch her on. Even rocking or holding baby and swaying for a few minutes may help baby to come back to the breast.

How do you overcome a breastfeeding strike?

Remain CALM and offer to nurse in a very GENTLE manner, never force your baby to the breast. You want to offer your breast in a “no pressure” sort of way. Try nursing in various positions, such as side-lying. Whenever possible, co-bathe with your baby (remove all toys and create a relaxing atmosphere).

How can I increase my milk supply after a nursing strike?

As much as you are able, hold your baby skin-to-skin. The warmth and smell of your body and your milk will keep your baby habituated to your breast and boost your milk production. Baby-led latching and laid-back breastfeeding. While your baby is skin-to-skin, you may notice that she roots around for the breast.

How long does a breastfeeding strike last?

A nursing strike is when a baby who has been breastfeeding consistently suddenly stops. It is not the same as weaning. Nursing strikes usually last between 2 to 4 days, however they can last longer.

Can breast refusal be reversed?

The main point is that baby needs to feel happy again being next to the breast and the best way is to relax with baby next to your breasts for a few days. Most babies eventually become much calmer and can then learn to feed at the breast again.

What does a nursing strike look like?

Babies who are entering a nursing strike typically refuse the breast but seem unhappy, fussy and displeased by not nursing. While your baby probably sometimes becomes distracted at the breast, pulling away or rooting in the middle of a feed is not indicative of a nursing strike, rather they’re just distracted.

Should I pump during a nursing strike?

Pumping or hand expressing will maintain your milk supply and help prevent you from getting uncomfortably full, which might lead to plugged ducts or mastitis. If the nursing strike continues for more than a day you can offer expressed milk in a cup, eye-dropper, feeding syringe or spoon.

Do soft breasts mean no milk?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.