Breastfeeding Help: Nursing Strike

Nursing strikes are common in breastfeeding babies of all ages, and can be caused by many factors. Unfortunately, a nursing strike is often mistaken for self-weaning, and breastfeeding ends before the child is truly ready. Here are the characteristics and some of the causes of a nursing strike, and what you can do to help get baby back to the breast.

What is a nursing strike?

A nursing strike is characterized by a breastfeeding baby's sudden refusal of the breast. This can happen at any time.

Nursing strikes are often mistaken for early self-weaning. If you are wondering whether your child is actually weaning or if it's a nursing strike, ask yourself the following questions:

-- Is my baby younger than 18 to 24 months?

-- Did my baby suddenly refuse the breast, or was it a gradual reduction in frequency of nursing sessions?

It is extremely rare for a baby under the age of 18 months to truly self-wean. Before the age of 18 months, refusing to nurse is almost always a nursing strike. Regardless of your baby's age, weaning is a gradual process. When a baby suddenly refuses to nurse, this is a nursing strike and not weaning, regardless of age.

Why a nursing strike happens

Many factors can cause a baby to go on a nursing strike. Nursing strikes commonly occur during teething. Baby's gums are sore, and it may hurt to nurse. Illness, such as an ear infection or a cold, can also cause a nursing strike. A baby may also go on nursing strike after a prolonged stay away from mom, or when bottles or pacifiers are given frequently - nipple confusion is a major cause of nursing strikes.

A mother's behavior can also contribute to a nursing strike. If mom is overly stressed or tired, her milk supply can be affected, which can result in a nursing strike. If mom frequently makes baby wait instead of nursing on demand, or puts baby on a rigid feeding schedule, this can also cause a nursing strike. Major life changes, such as moving or traveling, can contribute to a nursing strike as well.

How you and your baby can recover from a nursing strike