A nursing strike (breastfeeding strike) happens when your baby abruptly refuses to nurse.
Some babies are naturally more sensitive than other babies, so that they refuse to nurse.
Here are some common causes that can answer “Why Do Babies Refuse To Nurse?”
•Pain in baby’s mouth from teething, an injury, or a cold sore.
•An ear infection, which may cause pressure or pain while nursing.
•Pain while baby is being held in the nursing position, perhaps due to an injury.
•A cold or stuffy nose that makes breathing difficult while nursing.
•Regular distractions and interruptions while nursing.
•An unusually long separation from mother.
•A change in the taste of your milk, caused by a vitamin, drug, or by hormonal changes (from pregnancy or your period, for example).
If your baby refuses to nurse, he or she might feel unhappy and difficult to calm, however, the following suggestions will help you overcome this situation:
•Try nursing when the baby is asleep or very sleepy, such as during the night or while napping. Many babies who refuse to nurse when they are awake will nurse when they are sleepy.
•Vary nursing positions, some babies will refuse to nurse in one position but take the breast in another.
•Nurse when in motion, some babies are more likely to nurse when rocking or walking rather than sitting or standing still.
•Nurse in an environment that is free from distractions. Some babies, especially babies older than three months or so, may be easily distracted. Turn off all noise sources, and try nursing in a quiet, darkened room.
•Give the baby extra attention and skin-to-skin contact. Focused attention and extra touching are comforting to both mother and baby.
It is absolutely important to keep trying to nurse your baby with patience and persistence to get back to your breastfeeding routine.
