Why didn't my baby want my milk anymore?

[fluffymummykins]

My 11 month old baby has this week just seemed to stop wanting my milk. My baby nurses for a second then bites me. Yet my baby still goes to the breast but just then refuses it.

I've been unwell this week briefly so don't know if that's caused it as I'm not eating or drinking as much as usual. But I also went on the pill about 2/3 weeks ago and wonder if its to do with that?

I am devastated because I wanted to bf past a year, and I loved it, but I do t know what's changed.

[Cakescakescakes]

One of my boys self weaned at 11 months. I just put him straight onto cows milk. My other son fed longer and I stopped feeding him at 14 months. Sometimes they just decide!

[BombadierFritz]

Have you heard of a bf strike? Its quite common for this to happen for a week or two. Could be hormonal changes, slower let down, teething, baby has a sore throat, anything really. Keep offering, dont force or stress so stay relaxed when offering, try when baby is v sleepy and relaxed, try a bath and skin to skin together like newborn.

[BombadierFritz]

www.lalecheleague.org/nb/nbnovdec92p173.html

[genome]

Both my DD's did the same at around 11 months, I continued to offer for a week but they actively pushed me away and got upset. I just gave them formula in a cup at breakfast until 1 year and then cows milk. They were both quick to take to food and we're eating full meals by 8-9 months, so I wonder if that effects the time they decide to reject breastfeeding?

[BombadierFritz]

Its a very common age for a bf strike

[Celia1978]

Exactly the same thing happened to me when DS was 11m - brief latching, biting, then refusing. I don't know if me saying 'Ow!' when he bit spooked him.
Google nursing strikes - there are ways to encourage them back on the breast. I didn't do it because I was back at work and didn't have many opportunities to feed anyway.
I also felt very sad about the sudden end ( even though I was planning to wean soon anyway) but once the feeding hormones were out of my system I felt more cheerful! 11 months is a brilliant stretch of feeding - you've done really well whatever happens now.

[Lweji]

First of all he's already 11 months. It's almost 1 year anyway.
Breastfeeding is for the benefit of your baby, so if he's refusing he's not being deprived. :)
I'm sure he's getting plenty of nutrients from other foods now too.

I'd suspect it could have to do with the illness, possible medicines, and continue to offer for longer to see what happens.
But don't be upset if he doesn't take it anymore. He's growing.

[fluffymummykins]

Not heard of a strike, I'll google it, thank you! Just feels like my baby doesn't need me anymore.

[Lweji]

:)

Of course he does!

I have an 11 year old and he still needs me.