Poll Discussion: Nursing Strikes

A nursing strike is very stressful for both mom and baby. I always like to try to do polls that can provide helpful information for people facing hard situations who want to know what those situations were like for others. 

It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put “N/A.”

  1. If you breastfed, did baby ever have a nursing strike? (a time when baby refuses to eat?)
  2. Did the strike mean no eating at all, or just less eating?
  3. How long did the strike last?
  4. Did anything help baby to eat better?
  5. Any advice for moms facing a nursing strike?

3 thoughts on “Poll Discussion: Nursing Strikes”

  1. 1. If you breastfed, did baby ever have a nursing strike? (a time when baby refuses to eat?) Yes. Twice in 9 months.2. Did the strike mean no eating at all, or just less eating? First time he was exclusively breastfed, so he just ate less. The second time he was already eating solids, so he completely refused nursing for a few days.3. How long did the strike last? 3-5 days4. Did anything help baby to eat better? Tylenol. He was teething…5. Any advice for moms facing a nursing strike? Lots of patience, it will pass. And observe the baby to learn what is really bothering him/her.

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  2. 1. DS1 – Yes, twice DS2 – No, not that I recall. DS3 – Yes, once–if you want to call it that.2. DS1 – Strike #1 – No eating Strike #2 – Less eating DS3 – Less eating3. All strikes lasted about a week as far as I can recall.4. DS1 – Strike #1 – At five months. He would not nurse at all if he was aware of what was going on. I could get him to nurse when he was asleep sometimes, but if he woke he would quit. He was sick and once the sickness passed, he started nursing normally again. Strike #2 – At nine months. This strike occurred the week I conceived our second baby. I assume something changed in my milk. I had to reintroduce a dream feed to get him to nurse. After his strike, he never did go back to nursing normally. DS3 – At 4.5 months. His "strike" occurred after a bad month of waking often in the night and nursing. He almost completely stopped nursing in the day. Cutting the night feedings back out solved the problem.5. Don't panic. Nursing strikes happen but they do pass. Pump if you're worried about your supply. Try feeding baby when he/she is asleep.

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