When a baby refuses to feed, it can be especially upsetting for a new mama. You may worry that you’re doing something wrong, that your baby is sick, or that they are starting to wean too early, and that you’ll never get them back on the breast. Here’s what you need to know about feeding strikes and what steps you can take to get through them.
What is a nursing strike?
A “nursing strike,” as they are often called, is when your baby refuses to feed, either from the bottle, the breast, or both. It can happen at any point during the breastfeeding process and may last from one day up to a week or more. Sometimes babies who refuse the breast will happily take a bottle; other times, it could be the opposite. Whatever the cause, having your baby refuse food can be very stressful for both mama and baby. Although in some cases, there may be a serious issue to uncover, most of the time, a nursing strike is a common occurrence with a simple cause. So don’t worry, mama: as long as you stay consistent and persistent, it will likely pass.
Why is my baby refusing to breastfeed?
Just like ours, babies’ appetites fluctuate for pretty normal reasons. If your baby is not feeling well, in a mood, or experiencing pain or discomfort with the bottle or the breast for any reason, then they might give a strong “no” to feeding for an hour, a day, or longer.
Other common reasons that may impact your baby’s desire to feed include:
- Teething
- Low milk supply
- Changes in schedule
- Stressful situations, like traveling or having visitors
If your baby is easily taking the bottle but refusing the breast, they may be getting accustomed to the easy flow of the bottle. This issue can be helped by pumping for a few minutes before you breastfeed so that your milk comes in more quickly.
Why is my baby refusing to bottle feed?
A bottle strike can happen for many of the same reasons, plus a few others. Your baby may prefer the connection and comfort that comes with breastfeeding, or they may develop an aversion to the type of bottle or nipple you are using. Sometimes, babies just get bored with the bottle and simply changing up who does the feeding or where you do it will do the trick.
Another less commonly discussed reason your baby may reject your expressed milk has to do with the enzyme lipase, which is necessary for our bodies to break down fats. If your milk has a high lipase content, the process of breaking down fats happens more rapidly, creating a soapy, fishy, or metallic taste. High lipase milk is not harmful to your baby, but they may not like the taste. If you notice that your milk has an unusual smell after being refrigerated for approximately 24 hours, high lipase content may be the culprit. For one mama’s story about dealing with high lipase milk, click here.
How do I know if my baby is on a nursing strike?
According to La Leche League, when babies are truly ready to wean from the breast, it will be a gradual process that happens over a period of weeks or months. So if your baby’s refusal to eat is abrupt, then it’s more likely to be a nursing strike of some kind.
What should I do if my baby is refusing to feed?
First, have a little patience, and brainstorm possible causes. Is your baby refusing the bottle but taking the breast or vice versa? Are there circumstances that may be causing your baby to have some stress around eating?
Here are a few more things you can try:
- Pre-pump before latching
- Try a different nipple
- Change the feeding environment
- Stay on a schedule
- Don’t force it
Lactation experts agree that the most important thing is to stick to your regular feeding schedule, offering the breast or bottle each time and pumping if your baby refuses to eat. If you have concerns about your baby not getting enough to eat or you think something may be seriously wrong, it is always a good idea to reach out to your doctor or lactation consultant for advice and reassurance.
Bébé Bru offers a great solution for moms on the go who want to keep their baby fed with their own nutrient-packed breast milk. Learn more about our process here.