Nursing strikes are usually very stressful for the mother and many mistake it as the baby deciding to #wean.
#Weaning is usually a gradual process over the course of weeks or months.
A #nursingstrike is usually very abrupt.
Some examples of why a nursing strike may occur include:
- Mother/family has been going through a very stressful time
- Baby is sick and #breastfeeding may cause discomfort (e.g. ear infection)
- Change in nursing routine (e.g. mom recently went #backtowork)
- You are #pregnant or having the return of ovulation and #menstruation which can temporary lower #milksupply
If a nursing strike occurs:
1. Feed your baby via any method they will accept.
2. Protect your milk supply and breast health by #pumping regularly (this will vary based on how old your baby is and how often they were previously nursing, but should be done at minimum as often as your baby is taking a bottle/cup during the strike).
When will the strike end?
Most babies under 1 year old will return to the breast after a nursing strike within 2-4 days. You can gently help encourage this by spending time skin to skin (in bed, in bath together) and offering the breast when baby is drowsy (middle of the night waking, try a #dreamfeed, or just when waking up from nap or in the morning).
Don’t make the attempt stressful for you or baby; stop the breastfeeding attempt at the first sign of unhappiness from your babe.
If you suspect you are dealing with a nursing strike or have any other lactation concerns, I would be so happy to help you on your breastfeeding/pumping journey! More info on my Virtual or In-Home consultations can be found here: https://www.moblactation.com/book-online
#LaLecheLeague USA also has great information on nursing strikes at https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/nursing-strikes/