The identification of a
strike, versus weaning, is simple. Weaning is something that happens
gradually over several weeks or months with baby or child dropping a
single nursing at a time. A strike is something that happens abruptly.
Baby or child is nursing several times a day and suddenly stops
completely. Sometimes it is impossible to ascertain the cause of a
strike, but the solution is the same regardless of the cause.
Things that can cause a
strike:
-
A separation from
mother that is longer than the child is typically accustomed to
having between nursing sessions
-
An illness that is
causing a stuffy nose, making it difficult to breath while nursing
-
An illness causing a
sore mouth or throat
-
Nipple confusion
caused by artificial nipples and/or pacifiers
-
Teething pain
-
Pain while in the
nursing position, due to an ear infection or injury
-
Too many distractions
in the nursing environment, such as other children, phone, etc.
drawing the baby's attention away from nursing
-
A dramatic reaction to
baby having bitten you while nursing
Tips for surviving a
strike to nurse again:
-
Don't force it. Offer
the breast OFTEN but don't try to force baby to nurse if he
doesn't want to. Remain cheerful. Say "Ok, we'll nurse later then."
-
Do NOT offer
any bottles or artificial nipples!!!! This is VERY important. If you
want to offer some water or EBM, do so only in a sippy cup. By
keeping nursing as the only means by which they can meet their
sucking needs, it will help to draw them back to nursing.
-
Offer the breast when
baby is sleepy or even asleep. Sometimes "unconsciousness" allows
them to forget why they refused to nurse.
-
If baby likes baths,
get in with him and offer to nurse in the bath. Often times a change
of pace/place will encourage a baby back to the breast.
-
DO NOT REPLACE
NURSINGS WITH SOLIDS OR ABM (formula). He will not starve and he
will not dehydrate in the few hours to couple of days it takes to
break a strike. If you replace his nursings with other things, he
has no motivation to return to the breast. He must grasp the message
that his needs MUST be met at the breast. Your supply will not be
irreparably compromised in the time it takes to break a strike, but
you must commit to break it if you want to emerge on the other side
nursing.
-
Sling him. If you
don't have a sling at least carry him often. Keep him close to you
and close to your breasts. Try to sing to him to keep him calm and
comfortable. Try walking with him in your arms/sling and nursing him
while walking.
-
If your baby's nose is
stuffy, use a few drops of breastmilk in the nose prior to nursing.
It will help to clear out the congestions by loosening it as well as
provide some of the wonderful antibacterial qualities in breastmilk
to fend off a sinus infection. A baby that is stuffy feels like they
are being suffocated when they attempt to nurse. Alleviating that
feeling that they will smother will help them latch on with less
fear.
-
If you suspect
teething is the cause for the strike, you may want to consider a
pain reliever. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (for babies older than
six months) or a combination of the two in alteration may give
enough pain relief that baby can latch on. There are other ways to
get some pain relief, like putting a wet washcloth in the frig or
freezer and giving to baby to suck on prior to attempting to latch.
Some babies like their gums rubbed. Experiment and find a way to
give some relief.
-
Try other positions.
Avoid the usual "nursing chair" because if he's upset, he'll
associate you sitting in that chair with whatever's
hurting/uncomfortable about nursing.
-
Remember that a
striking baby is no happier about the situation than you are. They
want to nurse but for some reason can't or won't.
-
Try not to worry. This
is HARD!!! You can feel rejected, hurt, scared, and confused. It's
normal. But remember - he's uncomfortable - he's not rejecting you.
If you help him he will return to the breast. He wants you to help
him through this. You must be more stubborn than he is.
-
This is not weaning.
It helps to remember that. Weaning is a slow and gradual cessation
of nursing. A strike is sudden and abrupt. He needs your help to
return to the breast. He wants to, he just needs a lot of
reassurance that it's ok. It's your job as a mother to know that
it's too early for him to wean and is in the best interest of his
health and emotional welfare to return to nursing.
-
You may need to pump
to keep yourself comfortable if baby won't nurse at all. If you do,
that's ok. Just pump and store your milk, or hand express it if you
don't have a pump. You can offer it to him in a sippy cup or freeze
it for an emergency stash. This will also help if you're concerned
about supply. But you'll need to take care of yourself so you don't
get engorged and end up with plugged ducts or mastitis. Take
ibuprofen or acetaminophen for any discomfort and don't forget to
keep drinking your water.
-
Try to nap/sleep with
baby. A strike is an exhausting time for you and baby and you need
to be well rested physically and emotionally to get through it.
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