breastfeeding strike

When a breastfeeding baby who is happily nursing one day but then suddenly refuses to nurse, that's called a nursing "strike". With a nursing strike, your baby may become unusually fussy at the breast, even being unwilling to latch on and nurse at all. She may scream and arch her back when you offer your breast. It sounds funny, but if it happens to you and your baby, it's not fun at all! It can be very distressing indeed for Mom and baby. You've been accustomed to using nursing as a way of comforting your little one, and suddenly nursing becomes difficult.

It's not an extremely common phenomenon but if it does happen to you, it means a very unhappy baby who is difficult to soothe, and can lead to premature weaning and breast infection for Mom. Here is why babies sometimes strike, and what you can do if your baby goes on a breastfeeding strike. While it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause for a nursing strike, there are a few common triggers:

She may have sore gums from teething
Mom going back to work and thus disrupting the nursing schedule
She has an ear infection (or other illness like sore throat, thrush, or mouth infection)
Too much use of a pacifier or introduction of a sippy cup
A long separation from Mom (baby is "punishing" Mom, as it were)
She may have bit Mom which resulted in a scream - and is now afraid it may happen again
Another stressful event

It may also be something as small as Mom changing the soap she is using in extremely sensitive babies or babies with allergies.

Try to identify the cause... what happened in the hours or days leading up to the strike? Was baby acting fussy or ill? Has she had a big change in her routine lately? Did she bite you and get a strong, possibly scary reaction?

The most important thing you can do is to not stop nursing and continue to put baby to the breast often. You will likely need to pump your breastmilk so you feel comfortable through the day and don't reduce your milk supply. Pumping during this time also helps prevent plugged ducts and breast infections. 

During the nursing strike, wear baby in a sling or other soft cloth carrier. A sling is preferable because it will keep baby near your breasts. It's also important because baby will likely be distressed and fussy and needs the extra comfort of your presence.

Continue to offer the breast to baby often. Offer to nurse when she is sleepy. Babies who are striking will sometimes only be willing to nurse when half asleep. Nurse her in a quiet room so she will nurse for a meal and not just a snack, and have lots of skin to skin contact. You may want to bring baby to bed with you during this time if she isn't already cosleeping. Bathing with the baby is an especially effective way of coaxing her back to the breast. Something about the warm water relaxes her and might help her to latch on again.

Although nursing strike usually lasts a few days, be aware that it is not a sign the baby is ready to wean, as weaning is done gradually over weeks or a few months. It may be difficult for you emotionally to have your baby "reject" your breast, so seek out support. Call a La Leche League leader or another friend who has nursed her babies and who is supportive. See your Doctor if you think baby might have an ear infection or sore throat. And hang in there! You'll be on an emotional and hormonal roller coaster for a few days, but it will likely pass.