When a baby refuses the breast abruptly for a period of a day or more, it is commonly referred to as a "nursing strike." Many circumstances can cause a nursing strike, or it may come from out of the blue with no apparent reason at all. In any case, it is important to evaluate the nursing relationship carefully in hopes to eliminate any problems that may be causing baby to act this way.
Here are some common problems that can cause a nursing strike:
- Illness or infection in baby, such as an ear infection or sore throat that may cause pain; a stuffy nose may make it difficult to breathe, or there can be a yeast infection of the mouth (which can also affect the mother and is called thrush).
- Teething, which can put pressure on the gums and causes pain.
- Too much sucking stimulation from a pacifier, thumb or finger sucking, or supplemental bottles.
- Drastic change in routine, major stress in the mother, or too much commotion during nursing sessions.
- Reactions from the mother, such as ending the nursing sessions too soon or showing a startling reaction after being bitten by baby.
- Baby's strong interest in surroundings, causing distraction. See The Distracted Baby.
These are the more common reasons for refusal of the breast, and gives examples of circumstances that may be interfering with nursing. Examining the health of you and your baby, as well as environmental and emotional factors, will help you determine what is causing the strike.
Each baby is different, and may refuse the breast in different ways. One baby may scream and try to wiggle out of mom's arms before latching on, while another may cry after each latch-on, pulling off the breast frequently. However your baby refuses the breast, it can be very upsetting for you both.
You may feel rejected or as if you are doing something wrong, while the baby may seem hungry, but will not nurse. If this happens, it is important to get the baby back to the breast. Both engorgement and severe hunger will only make it more difficult to get back into a comfortable nursing pattern.
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