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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

nursing strike - feeling really sad

15 replies

rufusmacdoofus · 28/07/2007 20:09

have read all the threads but wanted to post as dd who is 7.5 months has gone on strike. She has an upset tummy but is happily taking formula but looks positively repulsed when offered a breast - started yesterday. Feel so so sad can't stop crying, really wanted to carry on as long as possible. She absolutely loved breastfeeding so i am shocked. going to stop as tears pouring.

OP posts:

Chattyhan · 28/07/2007 20:12

I stopped breast feeding because ds refused it and this was when he was 6 months. He took a real liking to proper food and just didn't want my milk anymore! I think to breast feed to this age is a real achievement and you should be proud. If you really want to continue then keep trying maybe she's just having a funny 5 mins!

coleyboy · 28/07/2007 20:16

All strikes finish eventually.

DS striked for 3 weeks (he was v poorly after an op) so I kept expressing to keep my supply up and waited until he was ready.

Do you feed laying down? If so, when she's tired lay down on your bed with your boobs out. Offer the boob, but don't force it. If she doesn't take it just keep laying with them out and cosy up together. Keep trying if she doesn't go back to it straight away. I bet she won't be able to stay away for long!

Elasticwoman · 28/07/2007 20:42

Rufus - it should be possible to re-establish bf if you have lots of skin to skin contact (as coley suggests) and keep up your milk supply by expressing. You can feed your milk to ds in the bottle. If you want to persevere, it is important to keep expressing or your milk will dry up.

I would also recommend you phone one of the bf organisations for bf counselling from an expert. La Leche League, NCT, Breastfeeding Network, Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.

Original poster

rufusmacdoofus · 28/07/2007 21:02

I have expressed this evening. It was awful because when she was getting sleepy tonight when i was cuddling her she kept turning her head and opening her mouth. When i put my nipple near she looked really upset and turned away. it is so distressing, can't believe it has happened like this. also feel a bit of a prat for being so upset about it. i read the threads about strikes which helped but read the links about strikes that never end so I suppose this might be it.....

OP posts:

determination · 28/07/2007 21:08

Rufus,

keep expressing and eat oats to help keep your supply up too. You wll get through this. check out this link. I experienced Nipple Confusion and the rejection i felt was the worst pain i have ever had. I felt like my life was over. You will get through this.. did you read the msg i left on another post here

whomovedmychocolate · 28/07/2007 21:11

Oh Rufus - poor you - I have been through this myself and it's heartbreaking. Esp. as you'd think when they have tummy upsets they would want the milk because it'll help - but sometimes the thing they have loved for so long is just unpalatable for a while.

She may come back in 48 hours or so - DD did, I, meanwhile had mount vesuvius like boobs which continually leaked. Mind you my DD refused everything except water (she is a militant striker )

Hang in there, I hope it gets better soon!

determination · 28/07/2007 21:11

rufus,

AS long as you keep your supply up it wont be the end. Do what i done to create the "happy Breast" please read the other link you can get through this. AND it is totally understandable (having experienced it) how upset you feel. It really is like total rejection - even though you know whole heartedly that you are the best thing ever to her.

harpsichordcarrier · 28/07/2007 21:13

it really needn't be the end, you know. have faith!
once you get to this stage your supply will be pretty resilient

Original poster

rufusmacdoofus · 28/07/2007 21:16

i will keep trying. thanks so much everyone, its so nice to know I am not alone ( trying not to sound too cheesy) xxxx

OP posts:

Original poster

rufusmacdoofus · 28/07/2007 21:19

also supply is still great even though she is taking lots of solids and some formula. that makes it a bit worse as am all bosomy and milky which she has always loved - she has always got really excited when i unclip my bra ! though it would be the other way round and i would have a night mare reducing feeds when i wanted to get pregnant again

OP posts:

whomovedmychocolate · 28/07/2007 21:19

This has happened to me three times, each time I sobbed all day, each time she suddenly decided she wanted my milk again and sucked like a Dyson!

You wait, she'll come back to you. It'll be okay

Original poster

rufusmacdoofus · 28/07/2007 21:20

oh thanks. hope so xx

OP posts:

Original poster

rufusmacdoofus · 29/07/2007 14:21

the strike is over !!!!!!!! not back to how it was but a bit of suckling - feel so happy ! poor baby still exploding from both ends. poor parents going on a 12 hour flight tomorrow, never mind. took the advice and kept trying - she started when she was really sleepy so fingers crossed lol x

OP posts:

determination · 30/07/2007 08:10

Wooohooo, Rufus thats great news.. i can imagine how happy you are well done!

phdlife · 30/07/2007 14:07

determination your "happy feeling" post on other thread is quite possibly the loveliest thing I have read for years. I am all teary now, well done you!!

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