Nursing strike is when a baby refuses to breastfeed even though he’s not in the process of being weaned. It is your baby’s way of feeling you that something is not right.

What causes nursing strike ?

Some of the reasons why a  baby may go on nursing strike involves the following :

• ear infection which causes pain and swelling during breastfeeding
• mouth pain from teething , cold sore or an infection
• a cold or stuffy nose which makes breastfeeding difficult
• reduced milk supply or slow let down
• a teething baby has bitten you and your reaction startled him
• a major disruption in your baby’s nursing schedule
• a change in soap or other toiletry that makes you smell different to your baby
• a change in the taste of breastmilk  which is caused by a vitamin,  drug or hormonal changes

How can i deal with nursing strike ?

Dealing with nursing strike can be tricky but with patience and support, you can get through it.

A nursing strike usually last between 3 to 5 days. However it could go on longer.  While you try to convince your baby to nurse, you have to keep pumping to keep up with milk supply and prevent clogged ducts and engorgement. You can offer the baby expressed milk in a cup, bottle , spoon , an eye dropper of feeding syringe.

Some of the ways you can overcome nursing strike include the following :

• try nursing when your baby is very sleepy. Most babies who refuse breastfeeding while awake may breastfeed when sleepy
• Vary nursing positions. Your baby may be more comfortable with other nursing positions.
• Nurse in motion. Some babies are more likely to breastfeed when you rock or walk them.
• Breastfeed in an environment that is free from distractions
• Give your baby lots of skin to skin contact such as nursing without a shirt on and keeping baby close to your skin in between nursing sessions
• Visit your doctor to rule out any medical condition such as ear infection and thrash

Will a nursing strike affect my baby ?

It can be very upsetting for the baby. Try to give the baby extra attention as well as lots of physical contact. Keep other elements in the baby’s life as normal as possible.

If you are concerned about your baby not getting enough to eat, keep track of the baby’s wet diapers. The baby should have at least 5 to 6 wet disposable diapers or 6 to 8 cloth diapers per day. This is an indication that the baby is having enough fluids. If you have any concerns, call your doctor.