Introduction
If the baby has always been a contented breastfed baby but suddenly refuses to breastfeed as soon as the mother offers them the breast and starts screaming. This happens during the next feeding and the one after that. This causes worry among parents, who wonder if the infant has started weaning. If this occurs, the baby is most likely on a breastfeeding strike and not weaning.
What Is a Nursing Strike?
Nursing strikes are highly distressing for parents and their newborns since they appear out of nowhere and are difficult to predict. Nursing strikes are relatively regular; however, most nursing strikes pass, and numerous techniques may woo the baby back to the breast. Nursing strikes are distinguished by an abrupt refusal to breastfeed. This generally surprises a nursing mom. Most babies have been content to breastfeed up until this point, and they are rejecting suddenly. Babies may attempt to nurse before turning away as if preoccupied. They could look dissatisfied or uninterested in nursing. When the breast is offered, they may appear disturbed and cry. Often, the more it is provided, the more offended they become.
When Does the Nursing Strike Begin?
Nursing strikes may occur at any age, but they are most common while the infant is small. However, nursing strikes can occur in older babies and toddlers. Nursing strikes often last a few days or a few weeks.
What Is the Difference Between Nursing Strikes and Natural Weaning?
Breastfeeding strikes are not the same as natural weaning. If the baby constantly breastfeeds, they are most likely on a nursing strike and not weaning. However, during weaning, the process will not be abrupt, meaning that the baby wants to nurse but stops. Weaning is still interested in breastfeeding, but less often and for shorter periods. Babies on strike will not feed with no notice.
What Leads to Nursing Strikes?
Nursing strikes can occur for various reasons but are often induced by a physical or environmental stressor the infant is experiencing. The difficulty is that the infant cannot communicate; therefore, with a little investigation, the parents should be able to determine why their infant has begun to refuse the breast. Knowing the reason frequently helps to find the answers to problems. A combination of factors frequently causes nursing strikes. When there are many triggers, a baby is more likely to refuse the breast. One should rule out any significant illnesses or injuries, as they occasionally cause the infant to cease nursing abruptly. Parents who have reason to suspect their infant or toddler is ill should contact their physicians right at once.
Teething, hyperactive letdown (typically induced by an oversupply of breastmilk), or a different or highly stimulating environment for the baby are some of the most common triggers of nursing strikes. Many newborns refuse to breastfeed when sick, such as when they have a cold or an ear infection. In addition, some babies are sensitive to tiny changes, such as when the mother alters soap, deodorant, or scent. Babies also overreact to stress, such as being removed from the mother. Also, the stress in the personal life can influence the infant and cause a decrease in the milk supply.
How to Reintroduce Breastfeeding to the Baby?
Most babies will resume nursing within a few days, but some will be more difficult and require longer. It is critical to recognize that newborns typically want to nurse. Still, something irritates them, such as a tooth coming through, a stuffy nose, an upset stomach, or something that happened during nursing that unsettled them, and they need time to reset.
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Understanding the root reason might assist the parent in resolving the issue. For example, if the baby is teething, it is better to offer something comforting to suck on, such as a teether, before latching them to the breast. If they have a congested nose, use a bulb syringe to clean it before nursing.
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Speak with the physician about additional alternatives, such as baby-safe medicine one can provide for pain or discomfort.
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It is critical to display as much patience as possible when dealing with a nursing strike, regardless of the cause. As stressful as it may be, it is critical to remain calm and should offer the baby as much extra attention as possible during this period so that they can begin to feel more at ease at the breast.
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Spending time skin-to-skin with the baby, experimenting with novel nursing positions, and presenting the breast to the baby or toddler when they are calmer or drowsy.
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Nursing in a darkened area while calming music plays can also be beneficial.
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Pumping or expressing a little amount of milk before breastfeeding so that the breasts are complete and ready to release as soon as the baby latches on. This will help provide the baby with immediate gratification when they latch.
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Setting aside time in the day and life to give the infant more attention. There is no timetable and no to-do list.
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Offering the infant the breast in a completely new setting, like outside or even in the bathtub.
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One of the finest times to offer the baby the breast is while they sleep or wake up. When they are half-awake, they usually forget what they were unhappy about.
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Finally, it is critical never to push breastfeeding during a nursing strike. If the infant screams or appears distressed, do not force it. This frequently backfires and irritates them even more.
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Try to comfort them, or have someone else soothe them, and then wait for them to settle down.
Conclusion
The causes of breastfeeding strikes might differ based on the baby's age. However, it is generally related to learning how to breastfeed newborns or younger infants. Nursing strikes frequently are affected due to changes in family routines, such as when someone changes jobs or moves. Furthermore, nursing strikes frequently occur after a baby bites the breast, usually due to teething discomfort, and the breastfeeding parent reacts strongly, often screaming and inadvertently scaring the baby. Working on own stress, adhering to a schedule where feasible, and talking gently to the baby about what is occurring might be beneficial if the baby is experiencing a nursing strike due to a stressful circumstance. The kid may not understand what the parent says, but they will notice the tone and manner.
