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Nursing Strike (Sudden Breast Refusal)

Nursing strike: Baby suddenly refuses breast after breastfeeding well for weeks/months. Different from natural weaning (which happens gradually after 12 months).

Common causes: Teething pain, ear infection, cold/stuffy nose, change in mom's smell (new soap, perfume, foods), overstimulation, strong letdown, biting incident with mom's reaction, schedule changes, stress.

Usually temporary - lasts 2-10 days. Can be very stressful for mom and baby.

What to Do

  • Don't force breast - creates negative association and worsens strike
  • Try feeding in dim, quiet room with no distractions
  • Offer breast when baby is very sleepy (drowsy, just waking, or almost asleep)
  • Try different nursing positions - football hold, lying down, walking while nursing
  • Offer breast while baby is moving/bouncing - try nursing while swaying or walking
  • Maintain milk supply: Pump or hand express every 2-3 hours
  • Feed pumped milk by bottle, cup, or syringe to keep baby nourished
  • Lots of skin-to-skin contact without pressure to nurse
  • Check for illness: Ear infection, thrush, teething (treat underlying cause)
  • Stay calm and patient - stress makes strike worse
  • Most nursing strikes resolve within a week with persistence

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