Anyone ever have their baby go on a nursing strike? My 7 month little boy just absolutely refused to nurse for over 24 hours...He has always been a great nurser with no problems, so this was really weird. I was terified, he wouldn't take a bottle or sippy cup, either. He did take expressed milk from a spoon, and he ate his sweet potatoes, no problem, it was just like he suddenly refused to suck! I knew he wasn't weaning, so I read about nursing strikes. He's teething, and my lactation consultant thought that might be the issue. It was awful! I totally freaked out, meltdown city. Now he's nursing again, just like always. Anyone ever have this happen? How long did it last? I'd love to know - - thanks!
2007-01-25 00:23:19 · 2 answers · asked by anniemom 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Glad he is nursing again and you recognized it for what it was.....a strike and not weaning! Self weaning is typically NOT sudden like that, but instead so gradual that you don't really notice it happening.
I went through a 3.5 day nursing strike with my son when he was 16 months old. I knew he WANTED to nurse, but something was stopping him. This same time period was when he developed his word for nursing, "nee nee." He would CRY that he wanted nee-nee, but he wouldn't nurse. We think the problem was a combination of some congestion and also him getting his molars already. Thankfully I had a supportive doctor and LLL Leader to talk to!
2007-01-25 00:45:05 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both my kids changed their nursing patterns once real food was introduced. At 7 months, going 24 hrs may seem like a strike, but if he's teething, sucking can be really painful. Luckily, he is on other food, so a day wouldn't hurt him. Babies are really good at not starving themselves, he probably got enough nourishment and liquid for that day from the other food. If it happens again, I suggest a medicine dropper of milk or other liquid just so that YOU feel better.
If a baby doesn't nurse and isnt taking other types of nourishment, then you can be concerned. Otherwise, be ready for the day he decides he doesnt need mama's milk anymore... quite a crushing blow if you are happily nursing and glad to continue but the kid is done early.
2007-01-25 08:42:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋