nearly 1 yr old nursing strike, illness, teething or something else?

[NiceCupOfTeaAndASitDown]

just that really. DD is a year old next week, has some spots that pediatrician thought could be chicken pox but are only on her knees, feet, hands and one on her lip - I'm thinking hand, foot and mouth. has had these since Thursday (so this is the 6th day) but doesn't seem to have noticed them so I don't think they're itchy or sore. she's been refusing the breast (or rather biting my nipple) when offered overnight, well since about 3pm yesterday - usually has at least 5 feeds in that time. she hasn't lost her appetite for food, is happy to take some expressed milk in a cup...just doesn't want to feed

I've been expressing when it gets too much to bare (history of repeated mastitis, I daren't chance it) but not really sure if I'm doing it right, I can never get the lumps out because they disappear into the breast when I massage them IYKWIM.

So anyone know why she's on strike? an age thing? teething perhaps? my other thought was maybe a couple of ulcers making it painful, I can't get into her mouth to look without being fought/pushed away or bitten!

any advice/experience welcomed

sorry that wasn't clear she's been refusing to feed since 3pm, I don't think it's a case of dropping night feeds (if it is great but equally I'm happy to continue) because she's refused all other feeds (mid afternoon, bedtime, morning) as well and has previously been having 3-5 per night, sometimes more, then suddenly last night and the night before -nothing, but seems quite happy in herself and merrily chomping on a snack right now

Sounds like she could indeed have a sore mouth. Have you tried her with a dose of ibruprofen? I'd do that then wait half an hour and have a bath together, hopefully all that skin to skin will encourage her to feed

Kellymom has some info on nursing strikes here and here.

thank you. I read the kellymom stuff this afternoon, to be honest I think I'm already doing everything suggested. haven't tried the bath yet but have had skin to skin at naptime and will persevere. I don't think she's trying to wean but of course there's a little part of me worried that she is, she just seems so little to even contemplate that yet

Hope she is feeling better soon and things return to normal. Have you thought of ringing one of the helplines?

I'll see what happens overnight and call in the morning if no better. thank you

Sounds like a good plan. Hope things improve overnight