Breast refusal / baby strike? Please help.?

Question

I have 3 months old baby. he was breastfeeding so well. But for the last 2 weeks it's been so hard. When I give him the breast he starts screaming and pushing me away. The doctor says that some babies go on a "strike" and it should go by itself. But it's so dificult for both of us. I have to wait for him to be really hungry, and still after 3-4 min. of breastfeeding I have to force him to continue...
Have you ever had this experience? Any advice?

Answer 1

There are a few possible causes:

-your baby is a little young but could be teething, you may want to try giving your baby a small dose of infant tylenol 1/2 hr before nursing. I would try this only if all else fails

-you & baby may have Thrush, this can make baby's mouth really sore and nursing would become uncomfortable

-try nursing in a quiet room with minimal distractions. When baby tries to push away, gently hold him closer and try some breast compression ( gentle pressure on your breasts to bring down more milk flow )

-try some different posistions and see if baby is more interested

Your doctor could also right. Babies sometimes go on Nursing strikes, and this is usually temporary. The biggest risk here is your milk supply being affected because of your baby's decreased time at the breast. If you find him not nursing well for over 24hrs in a row, you should try pumping a little first, then try nursing and if that doesn't work, keep pumping to encourage more milk production. These strikes are usually the result of increased learning and stages your baby goes through...it can make them irritable and fussy especially when nursing.

You should contact your local La Leche League and attend one of there free montly meetings. You'll no doubt find at least one Mamma who has experienced this and get some more useful tips.

Good Luck and Happy Nursing to you both!

Answer 2

Does he get bottles? Maybe he is frustrated because the letdown at the breast is slower than the reward with a bottle. If that is the case, it might help to pump just long enough to have a letdown before you latch him on. If you are giving bottles, make sure they are "slow flow" too.

Try having lots of skin to skin contact with him. Nurse in an environment that is relaxed without a lot of distractions.

Did the doctor check his ears?

Do you think he could be teething? If you see any signs of teething, you could give some Hyland's Teething Tablets first and then see if he nurses better.

Answer 3

I'm going through that right now with my little one! He will eat for a few minutes, then scream/cry at my nipple. Once I take him away, he cries because he is still hungry. Usually if I try to burp him, he is pacified and will go back to eating. You may want to try that. Another thing is that I won't offer a bottle. I will only offer my breast for food, and he's starting to get it. I feed him before he is starving, but when he's hungry.
You may also want to try holding him in different positions when he eats. That also seems to be working for us! I use the 'cradle' position, but he's not wrapped around my waist. His legs end up straddling my leg (right leg, left breast and vice versa), and he seems to eat better in that position.
Good luck!

Answer 4

My daughter went on "strike" for a short time too. I had to pump to relieve myself! Your doctor is right, he will eat when he is hungry. Believe it or not, my doctor told me that babies can sense when you are ill or have an infection in your breast.(I guess it changes the taste of the milk) Just keep trying!

Good Luck!

Answer 5

He may have a problem with something you've been eating. Have you changed your diet at all lately?

Answer 6

Try egg nog it worked for me.