Baby refusing to nurse can be a very frustrating and emotional experience for both parents and infants. Whether it is a short-term phase or a symptom of a more significant problem, knowing why your baby is refusing to nurse is important. In this guide, we will discuss some common reasons for nursing refusal, possible solutions, and support to help you get through this difficult time. By addressing the root cause and responding with patience and care, you can encourage a positive breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby.
Breastfeeding Strike: Why My Baby Refuse the Breast
Nursing strikes, or rejection of the breast, can occur due to a variety of reasons, but they are usually temporary responses to external circumstances. The first thing to remember is to continue offering feedings while also protecting your milk supply during this time. Common triggers for a nursing strike include:
- Pain or discomfort. Teething, thrush, or a cold sore can cause mouth pain during breastfeeding. An ear infection can cause pain during sucking or lying on one side. An injury or soreness from a vaccination might cause discomfort in a certain breastfeeding position.
- A cold or stuffy nose may make it hard for your baby to breathe during breastfeeding.
- Stress or distraction. Overstimulation, delayed feedings, or a long separation from you might cause fussiness and difficulty in nursing. A strong reaction from you to being bitten during breastfeeding might have the same effect. Sometimes, a baby is simply too distracted to breastfeed.
- Unusual smells or tastes. A new soap, perfume, lotion, or deodorant may leave your baby disinterested in nursing. A different taste of breast milk — caused by the food you eat, medication, your period, or getting pregnant again — can also initiate a breastfeeding strike.
- Reduced milk supply. Using formula or a pacifier too frequently decreases the milk supply.
Only you can know what factors might be contributing to the nursing strike in your situation. However, a nursing strike can be challenging for you as well as your baby. Your baby does not view you as an unacceptable person to nurse, and usually, with time, breastfeeding will revert to normal if you are patient.
Above all, attempt to calm yourself and make breastfeeding a pleasurable experience once more. If your baby reacts hysterically at the breast being offered, take a break, comfort them, and try again later. Extra cuddles, skin-to-skin contact, and gentle reassurance can help to re-establish that bond and make breastfeeding more inviting.
How Long will a Nursing Strike Last?
A nursing strike typically lasts 2 to 4 days, although the duration can vary depending on the underlying cause and how it's handled. Babies usually return to breastfeeding in a few days, but it may take a little while for others.
The key is patience and persistence during a nursing strike. Continue to offer the breast at regular times, even if the baby refuses, and protect that milk supply through pumping or hand expression if necessary. Nursing strikes are often temporary reactions to something in the environment, new routine, stress, an illness, or teething, and with time, reassurance, and patience, the baby is likely to return to breastfeeding.
However, if the strike lasts more than a few days or you’re concerned about your baby’s health or milk supply, it's always a good idea to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for guidance.
Why Some Older Babies Refuse to nurse?
Older babies may reject nursing for a variety of reasons. Most are temporary, and some very common causes include the following:
- Teething. Teething hurts the gums of a teething baby, making nursing uncomfortable. The pain may make them refuse the breast.
- Distractions. Babies get much more interested in their surroundings as they grow older. Too much noise or movement may cause a baby to refuse nursing.
- Illness or Pain. Ear infections, stuffy noses, or other illnesses can make nursing uncomfortable, causing babies to avoid breastfeeding.
- Decreased Milk Supply. If a mother's milk supply decreases (owing to stress, illness, or pregnancy), the baby may become frustrated and refuse to nurse.
- Overactive Letdown. A fast milk flow can be overwhelming for some babies, causing them to pull away or refuse to nurse.
- Solid Foods. As babies begin to eat more solid foods, they may nurse less frequently since they may be filling up on food.
- Developmental Changes. Babies can become distracted by growth spurts or developmental milestones, such as crawling or walking, that cause them to temporarily refuse nursing.
- Separation Anxiety. As older babies work through separation anxiety, they become more clingy and may resist nursing if their primary caregiver is not nearby.
- Bottle Preference. If the baby has had some bottle-feeding, he might prefer to take it as compared to breastfeeding since he finds it easier to suckle.
- Changes in Routine or Stress. A new routine change, such as traveling and strain at home, may drive the baby away from his mother's breast.
- Maternal Health.When a mother is sick, anxious, or on certain drugs, it can impact the milk supply or taste, thus making the baby less interested in nursing.
What is the Difference Between a Breastfeeding Strike and Self-Weaning?
The terms "breastfeeding strike" and "self-weaning" are words for a situation in which a baby or toddler stops breastfeeding but differ in cause and implication:
Breastfeeding Strike
A breastfeeding strike happens when a baby, who had been otherwise nursing well, just decides at times not to nurse. It is usually a temporary behavior, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Resolution: A nursing strike is typically short-term. With time and more consistent offers of the breast, with any underlying causes (such as teething or being ill) remedied, most babies will return to nursing.
Self-Weaning
Self-weaning is the self-limiting process where a child gradually reduces breastmilk intake and then ceases breastfeeding on their own. It usually takes place over a longer period, at most between the ages of 1 and 4 years, though it can occur earlier or later.
Self-weaning is a gradual process, often influenced by:
- Developmental milestones: The more the baby grows in age, the more they tend to eat big portions of solid foods and depend less on breast milk.
- Increased independence: Older children might start to become less interested in nursing as they develop other forms of comfort, like regular meal times or cup drinking.
- Natural process: Self-weaning gradually stops over some time because it takes time for a child to develop the confidence and independence to move away from breastfeeding.. The mother can support it by lightly encouraging the transition or following the child's lead, depending on the situation.
What to Do If Your Baby Refuses to Breastfeed?
If you're having breastfeeding difficulties, know that you're not alone; many parents go through phases where a baby refuses the breast. It can be frustrating, but there are a few strategies that might help get things on track again:
If the baby is refusing the breast during a particular feeding, try pumping some milk and offering it in a bottle instead. Pumping also helps in maintaining the mommy’s milk supply. Momcozy M9 Breast Pump offers hands-free pumping, stronger suction, and an efficient pumping experience. Craft your rhythm to suit your comfort and preference with Momcozy!
If you have recently started adding solids, maybe you can cut back a little on those. The baby is probably gobbling up those solids and not hungry for breast milk.
Lastly and most importantly, keep going! Chances are you may have a breastfeeding strike. He might surprise you the next time by reaching eagerly for his breast during feeding, especially to be comforted, like at bedtime before sleep.
FAQs about Breast Refusal of Newborns
Why does my baby refuse to breastfeed but will take a bottle?
A few common causes by which your baby might refuse to accept the breast but is happy to take a bottle are as follows:
- Nipple Confusion: If given a bottle, then the baby may prefer the easier flow of milk from the bottle rather than the effort needed while breastfeeding.
- Flow preference: Some babies prefer a faster, more constant flow of milk from a bottle, which can be easier than breastfeeding when your flow is slow.
- Discomfort: Your baby won't latch or is teething or has reflux and gets it more comfortable from a bottle.
- Distractibility: As the babies get older, they could get distracted at times while breastfeeding but focus better on bottle feeding, especially in a quieter setting.
- Nursing Strike: At times, babies may refuse nursing for some time without any apparent reason. This phase usually resolves itself.
Why is my baby suddenly screaming at the breast?
If your baby is suddenly screaming at the breast, it can be distressing, but it's usually a sign of something going on that’s making breastfeeding uncomfortable or frustrating for them. Here are some common reasons why this might happen:
- Overactive Letdown
- Gas or Digestive Discomfort
- Teething Pain
- Blocked or Engorged Breasts
- Tiredness or Overstimulation
- Discomfort or Latch Issues
- Flow Imbalance
- Illness or Pain
- Need for Comfort
What does breast refusal look like?
Breast refusal might present in one or more of the following ways:
- Failure to latch onto the breast
- Showing little interest in the breast, even if hungry
- Sucking for a short period and then moving away to become agitated
- Stops his suctioning attempts just when he seems like he's getting hungry
- Pushing away from the breast with his arms and legs
- Moving backward and crying when brought to the breast
Do babies refuse breasts when teething?
Yes, teething can cause babies to refuse breastfeeding because it can be painful or uncomfortable:
Discomfort: The babies change their position or their latch to avoid biting the sore gums. They also bite in order to relieve the soreness.
Loss of appetite: Baby may refuse to feed or take smaller portions.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding strikes are temporary and often caused by discomfort, illness, distractions, or routine changes. Patience and persistence are key—stay calm, offer comfort, and continue trying to nurse. Every baby responds differently, so be patient. If the strike lasts longer than expected or you have concerns about your baby’s health or milk supply, consulting a lactation consultant or pediatrician is advisable. With time and understanding, most babies return to breastfeeding.
