Reference: La Leche League International - Nursing Strikes
What is a “nursing strike”?
- When a baby who is feeding well from the breast stops feeding
- Usually temporary (less than four days)
- Can be scary and sad for a parent
Causes
- You smell different (could be new deodorant, perfume, lotion, etc.)
- You are stressed
- You are feeding at different times
- Your baby is sore or uncomfortable due to being sick, an injury, or teething
- Your baby is scared because you had a loud reaction to them biting you during a feeding
- There is a lot going on in the area where your baby is and they are having trouble focusing (sensory overload)
- Low milk suppl
How to overcome a “nursing strike”
- Keep trying to feed your baby from the nipple
- Get medical attention if baby is sick or injured
- Get extra help so you can spend more time with baby
- Try to make breastfeeding a pleasant experience
- Relax when feeding
- Play calming music
- Turn of the lights
- Try skin-to-skin contact
- Remove distractions
- Feeding baby when they are tired
- Change positions
- Move when feeding
- Play with baby topless in a safe space
- Hold the baby more
- Spend more time with baby
- Get your milk flowing by massaging your breasts before giving the baby your nipple
- Take a warm bath with baby
Reminders
- Make sure baby gets enough milk during the “nursing strike”
- Cup feed
- Spoon feed
- Bottle feed
- Express your milk often
Further Your Learning:
Shareable Resources for Clients:
Referral Sources:
- Niagara Parents - Infant Feeding Appointments with a Public Health Nurse - 905-684-7555
- Health811 - Breastfeeding advice and referrals - 1-866-797-0007
- La Leche League Canada – Mother-to-mother breastfeeding support - 613-238-5919