A nursing strike is very simply when your baby decides that he or she is not going to nurse. They most commonly occur between six and nine months of age and very rarely result in permanent weaning. Many moms assume that a nursing strike means that the baby is ready for solid foods but in fact, few babies “strike” to eat solids.
There are several factors that can cause a nursing strike. The most common is when mom yelps during a nursing session after baby has taken a bite! However, a yelp of pain is a normal response to a painful bite. Babies are also very responsive to traumatic events. Changes in routine, family stress, or similar factors can lead to a baby declaring a strike. Another common reason for a nursing strike is ear infections or teething; both of which will cause pain to a little one while nursing.
So what do you do when your baby decides on a nursing strike? It is important to remember that healthy babies don’t starve themselves. It is instinctive to find food and rest assured, your baby will come back to the breast. Here are a few tips to get through a nursing strike without weaning:
1. When baby is still half asleep (during the night or at nap time) try sneaking the breast in. This works especially well if you’ve practiced co-sleeping because the baby is already used to nursing without fully waking up.
2. Encourage baby to accept the breast again by wearing him in a sling and/or spending time skin on skin. The closeness will also help keep up your supply.
3. Try nursing while moving. I know that sounds like an acrobatics routine, but the movement will help solve the problem especially if it is related to an illness.
If you are not ready to wean, DO NOT offer substitutes for breast milk. Again, healthy babies will always eat (and nurse) when they’re ready to. You also do not need to worry about pumping during this time. Your baby will help you make up your supply in a few days and if you’re slinging your baby regularly, you may not even notice that your supply went down.