Breastfeeding Strike
Possible Triggers for Refusing to Breastfeed
A sudden refusal to nurse, sometimes called a breastfeeding strike, can be confusing for parents. Many things can cause this temporary reaction. Babies may turn away from the breast because they feel pain or discomfort. For example, teething can make a baby’s gums sore, and thrush can cause discomfort in the mouth.
Ear infections and positions that put pressure on a sore area can also make nursing painful. Illness can also lead to a breastfeeding strike. When babies have a stuffy nose or cold, they may find it harder to breathe while breastfeeding. Even a mild illness can change how they nurse.
Stress and distractions in the environment can trigger a nursing strike. Loud noises, being in a busy room, or a delay in feedings might make nursing difficult. Babies may get upset if their parent reacts strongly after being bitten during feeding. Changes in daily routine or long separations from the parent can also affect their willingness to nurse.
The taste or smell of breast milk can change for several reasons and sometimes leads to breast refusal. Changes in diet, new lotions or perfumes, taking medication, or pregnancy can all affect the taste and scent. Babies might notice and become less interested in nursing as a result.
A drop in milk supply can also cause a nursing strike. This can happen if the baby uses a pacifier a lot, receives formula, or breastfeeds less often. Babies notice when milk flow slows or let-down is delayed, and may get frustrated.
| Factor | Example |
|---|---|
| Physical discomfort | Teething, thrush, ear infection, vaccinations |
| Illness | Stuffy nose, cold, mild illnesses |
| Environmental factors | Loud noises, new routine, stress, strong reactions |
| Changes in milk | New soap/perfume, change in parent’s diet, medication, pregnancy |
| Low milk supply | Use of formula, pacifier use, longer time between feeds |
| Nursing positions | Uncomfortable or new position, pain with certain positions |
Approaches for Helping a Baby Nurse Again
When a baby refuses to breastfeed, parents may feel stressed. There are several steps that can help get nursing back on track. First, keep up milk production by pumping or expressing milk as often as the baby would usually nurse. This prevents discomfort and keeps the milk supply steady.
Parents can offer expressed milk to the baby using a bottle, spoon, or dropper. Changing nursing positions may make a baby more comfortable, especially if there is pain from teething, ear infections, or recent shots. If a stuffy nose is the problem, parents can clean the nose with a bulb syringe before feeding.
Try feeding the baby in a calm, quiet space with few distractions. Skin-to-skin contact, such as holding the baby close without clothing or sharing a warm bath, can provide comfort and encourage the baby to nurse again. This gentle approach sometimes helps babies return to the breast.
If the baby bites, staying calm and gently stopping the feeding can prevent strong reactions that may scare the baby. Checking for recent changes, such as new perfumes, soaps, medications, or stress in the parent’s life, may help explain a strike.
Helpful Tips
- Keep offering the breast, especially when the baby is sleepy.
- Try different nursing positions.
- Use skin-to-skin contact for comfort.
- Avoid stressful reactions to biting.
- Offer pumped milk in other ways to meet nutritional needs.
If the breastfeeding strike lasts more than a few days, the baby has fewer wet diapers, or there are concerns about feeding, reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance.
