Nursing Strike

This is when a previously well breastfeeding baby refuses to nurse, especially when wide awake. Baby may still nurse when sleepy. It is usually a sudden change but can build up over time and it is often inexplicable at first and the cause may have to be looked for.

The cause(s) may range from:

• teething pain
• ear infection
• injury in the mouth
• ulcers in the mouth (some viruses cause this)or sore throat
• other pain or distress
• changes in mother's perfume or deodorant
• something startled or upset the baby while breastfeeding
• maternal breast infection and subsequent salty taste of the milk
• maternal breast cancer has been mentioned in the literature as causing unilateral nursing strike but I think this is extremely rare and I would also call it a unilateral weaning vs. a strike
• too many bottles, maternal unresponsiveness to hunger cues, or pacifiers to the point that the infant no longer accepts or attempts breastfeeding / may also relate to decreased milk supply
• early overabundant milk supply - in the 1st 3 months suckling is less volitional and babies whose mother had over active milk ejection reflexes (MER) or over abundant milk supply may to refuse to suckle as they reach the 3 month point (when they have more control)

Nursing strikes are best dealt with by:

• finding the root of the cause and fixing it
• continuing to feed the baby by an alternate feeding method - preferably not a bottle
• continuing to offer the breast, cuddle the baby, "wear the baby", sleep with the baby, basically maintaining close maternal contact with the baby - preferably skin to skin
• frequent breastfeeding at the time the baby is most willing, usually sleepy times, just before sleepy, just after waking, with some babies while sleeping
• protection of mother's milk supply by regular emptying of the breast with a pump or hand expression.

A nursing strike should not be confused with natural weaning or baby led weaning. Babies on "strike" are hungry and have something bothering them. "Strikes" last a few days usually, sometimes longer and when the problem is resolved typically get better. Baby Led Weaning is a progressive and gradual slowing down of breastfeeding at a developmentally appropriate age until it ceases altogether.