Dealing with Nursing Strikes While Breastfeeding

#bottlefeeding #breastfeeding Nov 13, 2023

A nursing strike is a sudden refusal by a baby to breastfeed. Although usually temporary, it can be distressing for both mothers and babies. A sudden refusal of the breast is not the same as infant-led weaning, and most babies will return to breastfeeding within a day or two. It’s important to stay calm and be patient while determining what is causing the nursing strike so you can get back to regular nursing as quickly as possible.

The first step: determine what triggered the strike.

Investigating what caused the nursing strike in the first place will help direct your next steps. Consider whether you’ve had any recent changes to your schedule, to your skin care or hair care products, or any changes to your health like getting your period back for the first time since delivery. Hormonal changes, different scents, sensing that you are stressed out, etc. can all be distressing enough to your baby that they may refuse to breastfeed. Also, observe your baby for any signs of illness such as congestion, fever, pulling on their ears, etc. as sickness or pain can trigger a strike as well. If you think you understand what may be causing the strike, start by reversing or treating the cause directly, if possible.

Keep calm, and keep offering the breast.

Your baby will be able to sense if you become very frustrated or panicked, so it’s important to stay calm while you try to get your baby back to the breast. Take deep breaths, speak in soothing tones, and reassure yourself and your baby that you can figure this out together. There are many ways to encourage your baby nurse. Here are some tips to try to help you end the nursing strike:

Offer the breast frequently and during sleepy times like before bed or first thing in the morning.
Create a calming environment similar to your baby’s sleep environment. Try nursing in a dark room with the curtains drawn, your sound machine on, and as few distractions around as possible.
Experiment with different breastfeeding positions.
Practice skin-to-skin time with your baby as often as possible, even if you’re not actively breastfeeding to not only increase availability to nurse, but to encourage milk production.
If your baby is easily distracted, clip a small toy to your shirt and allow them to play with the toy while they nurse. Do your best to eliminate as many distractions in the room as possible, and engage with your baby while they nurse.

Maintain milk supply by pumping & hand expressing.

For as long as the nursing strike persists, it’s important to maintain your milk supply by replacing all missed feedings with pumping and/or hand expressing. Continue to offer the breast followed by a bottle if the breast is refused. Every time your baby takes a bottle, make sure to pump to protect your supply.

Ask for and accept help when needed.

Nursing strikes often come with an emotional toll, so take care of yourself while you’re working through it, and ask for help when you need it. It's easy to get frustrated and upset, and that's valid! But don't take it personally. You will likely be back to nursing as usual very soon! If the nursing strike does not end and you aren’t sure what to do next, make sure to reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider and/or a lactation consultant to get extra support for you and your baby! You got this, mama!