Nursing Strike – When Your Baby Refuses to Breastfeed

During a strike, a baby may refuse to breastfeed, even when seemingly hungry, or may latch on only to push away shortly after. While the reasons for a nursing strike can vary, it’s crucial to remember that this phase is usually temporary.

Dealing With a Nursing Strike

A nursing strike might make a mother feel rejected, guilty, and very distressed.

This can happen at any time in any breastfeeding relationship. The baby might suck for a few minutes and then push away, crying and refusing to continue breastfeeding. Your baby might not want to suck, even though they seem hungry.

Some babies are fussy during breastfeeding, stopping a few times but continuing until satisfied. Some babies may be distracted or restless and even fussy after feeding.

Please take a deep breath and remember that this time will be worth it a few months from now. (Hopefully sooner than that)

Relaxing will help your milk flow more efficiently. If you feel overwhelmed, it would be best to stop and try again later when you feel calmer. Get some help with your baby so that you can take a break.

Always ensure that your baby drinks enough, even if you need to feed them donor breast milk or formula. If you need to supplement, it’s best to use a supplementary nursing aid.

A baby who refuses to eat at all (total nursing strike) should be taken to the doctor so that they can be tested for several things, including ear and throat infections or tongue tie.

Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?

1. Your baby should breastfeed at least six times per 24 hours.

2. Amount of wet and dirty diapers according to age group.

3. Weight gain, according to age group.

Refusal to breastfeed or a breastfeeding strike will usually only last a day or two.

Reasons for Breastfeeding Refusal

• The baby is struggling to latch onto the breast.
• The baby is too distracted during feeds, so it is a good idea to breastfeed in a quiet, peaceful environment.
• The baby has pain due to teething.
• The baby is going through a growth spurt.
• Nipple confusion: The baby was introduced to artificial nipples too early and is now confused.
• The baby has been overstimulated and is overtired.
• The baby has a cold or infection of the throat or ears.
• The baby is ready to self-wean from breastfeeding; this is unlikely if the baby is under a year of age.
• The baby has suck problems or a weak suck.
• The baby may have oral thrush.
• The baby may have tongue tie.
• The baby is premature.
• The mother’s flow of milk – milk ejection is too fast or too slow.
• The mother has a low milk supply.
• Pregnancy can change the taste of breast milk, resulting in a baby nursing strike.
• If the mother smells different, the baby might also pull away, maybe if you decide to use a different perfume.
• The mother has used some new substance or strong-tasting cream on her breasts.
• A Mastitis infection can also change the taste of your breast milk.
• Oral contraceptives can give your milk a different taste.
• Unusually long separations from the mother can cause a breastfeeding strike.

So What Can I Do to Get Baby Back Onto the Breast?

• Always breastfeed your baby when calm; this is especially effective after or during a nice warm bath.
• Try to relax and stay calm. Breastfeed in a peaceful, quiet place.
• Breastfeeding your baby upright if your baby has colic or acid reflux.
• Try different breastfeeding positions.
• Feed your baby before he becomes too hungry.
• Make sure that your baby is latching correctly.
• Entice your baby to the breast by putting some breast milk onto your nipple.
• Massage your baby to relax before breastfeeding.
• Breastfeed your baby while utilizing the benefits of skin-to-skin contact.
• Co-sleeping can also help your baby relax while breastfeeding.
• Pump or hand express before nursing to relieve a harsh milk flow. This can also be helpful to those mothers with slow let-down reflex problems, as the pumping can get the milk flowing before the baby nurses.
• Do not give your baby an artificial bottle; instead, use alternative feeding methods.
• Do not force your baby onto your breast; wait… be patient. Forcing your baby to breastfeed can make things worse.
• Using an SNS (lact-aid) can help if the mother’s milk supply is low.
• Using a nipple shield can help if the mother struggles with nipple issues.

One-sided Nursing Refusal

Reasons why a baby only wants to drink from one specific breast:

• They attach easier to that particular breast.
• That breast makes more breast milk.
• The Let-down reflex on that breast is more comfortable for the baby.
• Pain or infection on one side of a baby’s body may cause pain when breastfeeding on one side.

What to Do if Baby Won’t Nurse From One Side?

• Try different breastfeeding positions.
• Express breast milk from the breast that was not emptied; this will keep up your milk supply on that side so that you can store the breast milk for a later stage and also prevent engorgement.
• Learn more about nipple confusion.

Calming Baby for Breastfeeding During a Nursing Strike

• Burp your baby as often as possible.
• It always helps to breastfeed your baby with skin-to-skin contact during a nursing strike.
• Massage your baby before a breastfeeding session.
• Keep baby upright while breastfeeding.
• Walk and breastfeed.
• Swaddle your baby.