Baby E went on a hard-core nursing strike. I didn’t even know such a thing existed. There were a couple occasions that she would refuse to nurse for a few sessions, or even a whole day once while we were on vacation, but I never thought much of it. Then, on our trip to Minnesota, she popped out 3 teeth and screamed and screamed and refused to nurse one day then nursed less the rest of the trip. Then she jumped to refusing to nurse at night or at nap time. Sometimes she would refuse in the morning too. For weeks.
It was rough on me. Although a 9 month old deciding not to nurse “shouldn’t” seem like a big deal, it made me feel rejected and not good enough. It hurt and frustrated me even though it wasn’t my fault. Moms, if you are feeling this way, you aren’t alone. And it isn’t your fault! Breathe and try to relax, every baby is different, just do your best and breathe.
Nursing Strike
Sometimes a baby will refuse to nurse for hours, days or even weeks at a time. In older babies, it seems like it can be trigger by pain (cutting teeth), a vacation or change in environment, or something happening during a nursing session (sudden scare, accidental spill or jolt, etc). Or introducing foods can throw off a baby’s eating schedule and expectations.
How to Stop a Nursing Strike
There are some tricks to try, but don’t drive yourself or baby crazy trying. Some babies come around on their own, some don’t. Emersyn has some days she wants to nurse and others she doesn’t. She gets a bottle when I’m at work, so I think she figured out the bottle is faster and easier.
- Try a familiar environment. A beloved rocking chair with familiar music. Or a calming environment, with dim lights and quiet music.
- Bottle a bit then switch to breast. Didn’t work for baby E, but a syringe with a little water sometimes would calm her enough to nurse a little before getting angry.
- Make nursing happy again. Bring a favorite toy or cuddly, tickling and giggle while baby is in a nursing position, look at pictures or play together, all while being available to nurse it baby wants.
- Keep baby happy. Some sites recommend basically starving baby until she nurses out of desperation, this seems cruel to me and super-hungry babies aren’t any more likely to be cooperative. Adjust food feeding and use pumping and bottles to keep baby healthy and happy.
- Fix the cause. Whether it’s a painful tooth or a upset vacation schedule, try the best you can to fix the problem then try nursing again.
What if the Nursing Strike Doesn’t Stop?
Emersyn came around for an evening, then went back to refusing nursing and getting a bottle in the evening after I worked a few nights. I tried and then pumped for weeks before the frustration was driving me crazy and I decided to give up and just nurse in the mornings unless she shows more interest. She’s a food-loving little wiggle worm that will be just fine when the milk runs out. Every baby and every mom is different. Try the tricks and pump as long as your heart and mind can handle it. Do what your baby needs. Good luck!
i have never nursed but i can understand that it could be very stressfull,as long as she is getting the milk in the bottle her body must not need it at this time
I had the same thing happen, my son eventually came around and nursed again. Providing a familiar environment was helpful.
I never heard of this one before but I can see how it happens, especially when teething. Now I have to ask my sister if she had issues like this one while nursing as well and see what she did
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