Breastfeeding Strikes: Causes, Tips, and How to Bring Baby Back to the Breast
- Anna Kogan
- Nov 12, 2024
- 4 min read
As a Registered Nurse and Lactation Consultant, I know breastfeeding is often a journey with ups and downs. One challenge many breastfeeding mothers face is a breastfeeding strike, a temporary phase when a baby who’s been feeding well suddenly refuses the breast.
This can be confusing and upsetting, especially for new moms, but it’s common and usually manageable. This guide will walk you through the causes of breastfeeding strikes, tips to encourage your baby back to the breast, and how to keep your milk supply up during this time.
What is a Breastfeeding Strike?
A breastfeeding strike, or nursing strike, is when a baby abruptly refuses the breast after having nursed well before. Strikes can last a few days or, in some cases, up to a week or more. While strikes can be frustrating, they don’t mean your baby is weaning. Strikes are usually temporary, and with patience and persistence, most babies return to breastfeeding.
Common Causes of Breastfeeding Strikes
Understanding why your baby might refuse the breast can help you address the issue. Here are some common reasons for breastfeeding strikes:
Discomfort or Pain: Teething, ear infections, stuffy noses, or any other physical discomfort can make breastfeeding difficult for babies. If feeding hurts or feels uncomfortable, your baby may resist latching.
Distractibility: As babies grow, they become more curious and easily distracted by their environment. Noise, movement, or new surroundings can make it hard for a baby to focus on breastfeeding.
Changes in Routine: Travel, a change in caregivers, or a sudden difference in the feeding environment can disrupt a baby’s routine and lead to a strike.
Milk Flow Issues: If milk flow is too fast (especially with a strong letdown) or too slow (due to supply fluctuations), the baby may refuse to nurse. Babies can become frustrated if they can’t control the flow.
Reaction to Mom’s Diet or Smell: Sometimes, a baby may react to changes in the mother’s diet or a new scent (like perfume or body lotion) that could alter the smell or taste of the milk.
Stress or Illness: Babies are sensitive to changes in their environment and caregivers. Illness, a new caregiver, or even stress in the household can make a baby more prone to strike.
Tips for Bringing Baby Back to the Breast
When your baby is on a breastfeeding strike, the key is to approach the situation calmly and patiently. Here are some tips to help encourage your baby back to the breast:
1. Offer the Breast When Baby is Sleepy
Babies are often more relaxed when they’re drowsy or just waking up, making them more receptive to breastfeeding. Try nursing during these quiet, calm moments.
2. Focus on Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact can help you reconnect with your baby and remind them of the comfort and security of breastfeeding. Spend time cuddling with your baby on your bare chest, allowing them to nuzzle and latch if they want.
3. Create a Calm Environment
Eliminate distractions by finding a quiet, dimly lit room for feeding sessions. Babies going through a strike are often more sensitive to stimuli, so keeping the environment peaceful can help them focus on feeding.
4. Experiment with Different Positions
Some positions may feel more comfortable for your baby, especially if discomfort is the issue. Try the side-lying position or nursing while walking or rocking. Finding a comfortable position may encourage your baby to latch.
5. Adjust Feeding Times to Baby’s Rhythm
Try offering the breast before your baby shows obvious hunger cues to prevent frustration. A baby who is calm and mildly hungry may be more willing to try.
6. Gently Express Milk Before Offering the Breast
If a slow letdown or low supply is frustrating your baby, hand-express or pump a small amount of milk to get the flow started before offering the breast. This can help provide immediate reward and reduce frustration.
7. Minimize Bottles if Possible
Avoid bottles or pacifiers during the strike if you can, as these can create preference for easier sucking. If you must use a bottle, consider a slow-flow nipple and pace-feed to mimic breastfeeding.
8. Use Breast Compressions
If your baby starts nursing but loses interest, breast compressions can keep milk flowing and encourage them to stay on the breast. Gently squeeze your breast to stimulate milk flow when you notice your baby’s sucking has slowed down.
Keeping Up Your Milk Supply During a Breastfeeding Strike
Maintaining your milk supply is essential during a strike, especially if your baby is nursing less than usual. Here’s how to keep your milk production steady:
Pump Regularly: Aim to pump every 2-3 hours, similar to a newborn feeding schedule. This keeps your body’s demand-supply cycle going and prevents a drop in supply.
Hand-Express as Needed: If pumping feels uncomfortable, hand-expressing can relieve engorgement and help maintain milk flow.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Breastfeeding (and pumping) requires energy, so keep up your fluids and eat well to support milk production.
Use a Warm Compress Before Pumping: Warmth can help milk flow and make pumping more efficient. Applying a warm towel to your breasts before pumping may help.
Power Pumping Sessions: Power pumping mimics cluster feeding and can signal your body to increase milk production. Try pumping for 10-20 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and repeating the cycle for an hour.
What if the Strike Continues?
If your baby continues to resist the breast after several days, consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician. Persistent breastfeeding strikes could sometimes signal underlying health issues, such as tongue-tie or other physical discomforts. Support and guidance from a specialist can help you identify any issues and keep your breastfeeding journey on track.
Breastfeeding strikes can be emotionally challenging, but with patience and consistency, most babies will return to the breast. Stay close to your baby, respond to their needs, and keep offering gentle encouragement.
Remember, a breastfeeding strike is usually temporary and does not mean that your breastfeeding journey has to end.
With support and the right approach, you can get through this phase and continue providing your baby with the nourishment and comfort of breastfeeding. If you need more help I offer 1:1 consults and have a Breastfeeding Guide that can assist your journey.
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