10 month old refusing bf, only wants formula - is this the end?

[welovetheolympics]

My 10.5 month old baby was being bf morning and before bed - perfectly happily - with formula mid-afternoon, plus 3 meals and cows milk in cereal etc. Three nights ago he bit me hard, pulled away and ever since then has screamed and cried when I've tried to bf him. I've tried repeatedly each evening and in the morning for 3 days now.

I offered formula from a cup this morning and tonight and he guzzled away happily after screaming at the breast, so its not that he doesn't want milk.

Its my first baby and not sure what to do. Is this the end? Will the milk just go away? I've expressed a bit to reduce engorgement, but its a bit painful, but don't want to artificially stimulate the supply by expressing too much.

I'm also a bit sad it has ended like this.

Any advice welcome.

That sounds tough but it doesn't necessarily mean it's the end. Google 'nursing strike' and see if any of the potential causes listed by the La Leche League or KellyMom ring a bell.

As he bit you, do you think it might be his teeth that are bothering him? Maybe a cold wash cloth to suck on or some gel rubbed on first.

My little man had a nursing strike aged seven months which is when he started teething. He refused all positions except for dangle feeding! Not exactly great for out of the house. I found if I started him off dangle feeding he would let me ease into side lying feeding once he was settled. Then we got back to him sitting up on my lap and eventually he would also feed in cradle position.

So my advice would be to try every position possible, try to identify underlying cause and access a community breastfeeding support service if possible.

Good luck x