Baby Refusing to Breastfeed

[BunnyHope]

My 9 week old LB who up until now has BF with no problems at all is suddenly refusing completely and has a full on meltdown when I try. He did however take a bottle of formula. I’ve just realised I’m bleeding a little so could be getting my period. Could this be the reason and has it happened to anyone else? Will he start breastfeeding again?

[Annalieseonline]

Hi he could be going through a nursing strike caused by:

• Mummy - different smell (changed soap, deodorant or perfume), under stress

• Baby - discomfort (teething, stuffy nose)

• Mummy and baby interactions - change of nursing pattern (restarted work), reacted strongly after being bitten and baby was frightened

Solution:

• Keep calm and keep offering

• Lots of skin to skin and cuddles

• Offer when sleepy or just waking

• Express for comfort and maintain supply

• Keep baby fed with bottle or cup

•Nursing strikes almost always pass

[BunnyHope in reply to Annalieseonline]

Thanks so much for your reply. I tried when he had just woken up and he nursed! I feel so relieved, I was getting so fed up with expressing. None of the reasons make sense so hopefully it’s over now x