Help! My Baby is Going through a Nursing Strike!

(Excerpt from Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers)

Sometimes a baby that nurses well and is not close to weaning age suddenly rejects the breast for part of a day or even a few days. This can be very nerve-racking for both mom and baby. There are many possible reasons for a nursing strike such as illness in the baby, teething, stress in the family, and even something minor like a different deodorant for mom. 

Sometimes encouraging baby to return to nursing requires creativity and lots of patience. Try to stay calm. Attempt to breastfeed your baby when he is content and sleepy. Hold your baby close to you, skin to skin, without a shirt or while taking a relaxing bath. Sing to him or rock him.

In the meantime, especially if your baby refuses to nurse for a day or longer, he will be hungry and still need breastmilk. You can hand express or pump your breastmilk and give it in a small cup. Also, watch for possible signs of engorgement and plugged ducts. If the situation does not resolve quickly in a few days, please call your doctor and local lactation consultant for more assistance. 

Reference: How Do I Get Baby Through a Nursing Strike?

Written by Gina Peterson

Has your baby gone through a nursing strike? What helped? How did you figure it out? Please comment below. Thanks!