Posting here as this is the only web forum I use really and feel its a good strong community.
[name_m]Just[/name_m] wandering if anyone can give me any reassurance / success stories about nursing strike experiences?
My 9 month old has refused the breast for 3.5 days after he bit me and I involuntarily yelped.
I have visited KellyMom, La Leche League and various other websites for tips as well as friends, GP, Health Visitor and spoke with a lovely lady from National Breast Feeding helpline for 45 mins this evening. I feel like I’ve tried every suggestion that I logistically can and am feeling pretty down about it.
Is it just a case of persistence?
Someone tell me something nice pleeeeaaaaasssseeee!!!
With my second, she had a nursing strike and it turned out she had an ear infection which was bothering her and once that started to improve, she was fine with it. My son had one too and we didn’t find a reason for his, but it could’ve been anything or nothing at all. We just persisted and it took about 1.5 weeks for him to get back to his usual nursing self. After about a week he would nurse at night when he was tired (so probably not thinking about it as much), but would still refuse during the day. Eventually he gave in.
If you have tried everything - that la leche website has some great tips - then I would just persist but not get too stressed because he’ll pick up on that stress and be just as discouraged as you. And don’t be too hard on yourself and try not to feel to down about it. Babies are stubborn little humans!
My daughter was the queen of nursing strikes. Nevertheless, we persisted, and she nursed until about 14 months.
I know it’s not helpful to say “don’t be stressed” because this IS a stressful, upsetting situation!
Here’s what helped when my daughter and I were struggling…
Skin to skin time.
Snuggles at nap time. My daughter took a soother, and as she was falling asleep, I’d gently remove the soother, and replace it with my breast. In her groggy state, she’d often latch.
My amazing lactation consultant. If you’ve never visited one, I’d definitely recommend it.
Kellymom is a great source of info! It was such a lifesaver for me!
It really sounds like you’re doing everything right. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t give up! You’re amazing for your ongoing commitment to nurse your little one. Best of luck to you!!