By Laura Silvas, RN IBCLC

You grab baby, sit down in your favorite spot, and latch your baby… except they won't latch. So what in the world is happening? Not to fret, mama, whether this is the first time this has happened or a new trend you've noticed over the past few days, we have been there personally, and we are here for you!

First and foremost, there are many reasons why your infant may be unwilling to go to the breast. It does not mean that they are ready to wean. Although it may be concerning and cause some anxiety, remaining calm with your sweet babe is critical. Examine when the strike first started. Have you started your new job? Does it happen at a particular time every day? You may notice that it begins in conjunction with issues such as teething.

Other factors influencing your baby's need to nurse include new hobbies, such as starting to crawl, new scents (laundry soap, perfumes, deodorants), illnesses, and hormones (ovulating, menstrual cycles, or even pregnancy). Although you may not pinpoint the exact reason, looking at certain factors may help identify a solution.

Strategies to help your baby nurse?

• If you suspect teething is a factor, try a pain-relieving ointment, frozen breastmilk, or a cold washcloth before nursing to soothe your baby.

• Sometimes, the stimulation around them may be too much for them to nurse, so try a nursing necklace or nursing in a calm, quiet environment, such as a bedroom.

• Switching to a different breastfeeding position may also help. For example, try the upright football hold, or straddle your baby across your legs so that they can focus on you.

• If your baby is struggling with a snotty nose or congestion, try soothing chest balms, a saline spray, or nursing in the steamy bathroom as the shower runs to help loosen their chest.

Will my milk supply dip if my baby goes on a nursing strike?

Remember the basics of breastfeeding; supply and demand is what drives your body to make milk. If you cannot get your baby to latch, try pumping. Emptying your breasts will help ensure that your body keeps up your supply and will give you an alternative to offer your baby milk. If your baby is still taking a bottle, try horizontal/paced bottle feeding to ensure they don't start preferring bottle over breast.

Remember that the nursing strike will not last forever, so keep offering your baby your breast. Try placing your baby skin to skin like you did in the beginning - it will help your baby latch. Slings, carriers, naps, baths, etc. all keep your baby close to the breast and open up opportunities to nurse.

Conclusion

If your baby has an adequate diaper count for their age and is taking in enough milk, keep on going, mama. Typically, nursing strikes don't last forever. If your baby starts nursing again, they may space out their sessions or have shorter ones. This is normal as your baby gets older. Any concerns regarding your infant not being properly hydrated should immediately be brought to the attention of your baby's care provider. If the strike lasts, a visit to the doctor may be warranted to examine for thrush, ear infections, etc.

If you have any questions on pumping, output, or needing assistance, please contact us here at Leva!