Breast Feeding Strike?

DD breastfed like a champ until about 6 weeks. We had a few days she refused the breast and then went back. Since then, it's been on-again-off-again.

This past week, she has been refusing most feedings. She is now 11 weeks old.

She eats from a bottle (pumped milk) no problem.

She won't even try to breast feed. Anytime I try to put her into position (I try several!), she screams her head off. I try multiple times, try standing up, walking around, etc. Sometimes she will eat for 30 sec - 1 min and then freak out.

She will eat a bottle with minimal fussing. Sometimes I give her 1-2 oz in a bottle and then I can get her to breastfeed but not always.

Any tips or advice?

I don't think its acid reflux because I would think she would have the issue with the breast and bottle?

Breast Feeding Strike?

It's possible that she is frustrated with the effort it takes to nurse from the breast, as opposed to drinking from a bottle, which requires much less work on her part. Or it could be an issue like your milk have a forceful letdown for example. Unfortunately, I don't have any specific advice for you, but I would definitely recommend calling a lactation consultant. Good luck, hang in there!!

Breast Feeding Strike?

Is she even attempting to latch when you put her in position or do you not even get that far? If she attempts to latch but won't I would try nipple shields, it will be more similar to the bottle nipple for her

Re: Breast Feeding Strike?

I would check out kellymom. Here's her page on nursing strikes. Maybe try some of the instant reward techniques to get her interest back to bfing. If nothing there helps, I would definitely call a LC.

Re: Breast Feeding Strike?

I had the same problem around 6 weeks when i was EBF and giving 1 bottle at night. This went on for about 2 weeks but at every feeding i tried to nurse before giving the bottle. it took a while but she gave in finally.

Message edited 3/18/2013 9:56:33 AM.