My wonderful Norah, who has been a great nurser until today, is refusing to nurse. She turns her head away from me and will even cry when I offer her the breast. At first I thought she may have an ear infection and that laying flat was hurting, but I laid her down to both change her diaper and bath her. Both times she was happy as a clam. I pump so my husband can give her a bottle at times, so when I knew she was hungry and wouldn't nurse I offered her that and she took it just fine. I haven't changed my diet, exercised schedule, etc... so I'm not sure what would be causing her to refuse me. Anyone have advice or gone through this?
my daughter refused to nurse a couple of weeks ago, and it was due to the fact that i had eaten 4 pieces of garlic bread - it must have made my milk taste bad - i pumped off both breasts, then she was fine again.
i could be something you have eaten
My 11 week old just went through nipple strike as well...it lasted almost 5 days. He would scream at me when I offered the breast. However, I just kept offering it, pumping, and giving a bottle. He gladly took the breast back yesterday and has been completely content. It is very nerve wracking...but just be patient because she will come around! If not, remember that pumped milk is just as good (just not as comforting to us!!!).
There are so many reasons a baby could go on a nursing strike that it is really hard to answer this question with out know what your day to day routine is like. The best thing to do is continue attempting to feed with the breast for every feeding (then pump if needed). Supposedly nursing strikes only last for 2 or 3 days. Try to not offer the bottle unless you absolutely have to. She might have a little nipple confusion.
it could be because with a bottle she doesnt have to work for it and with the breast she does..the easier route for her is the bottle cause it just kinda drips into her mouth where as with the breast she really has to suck to get something
I think the same thing happened when I ate spicy food - which was hard for me b/c I loved it! Try eating bland and see if that helps.
Good luck, when in doubt call the pediatrician.
I agree keep trying, but continue to pump if she still is refusing to nurse.
It may pass, but it may not. Unfortunately she may have decided that she like the bottle better since it's easier to get the milk out.
Don't stress about it. Stress can cause a reduction in breastmilk production. Instead just go with the flow and continue to pump. When feeding baby with a bottle, lift your shirt so that your tummy and baby touch. This will help you feel closer to baby to continue to bond (similar to nursing.)
We can't always control when babies decide to wean. If that is the case, I know how disappointing it can be. My son weaned himself at 10 months, but I continued to pump so at least he was still getting the benefits of breastmilk.
Hopefully it will pass, but if it doesn't it's not your fault, so don't stress about it too much!
