Nursing strike...feeling really low

[thefabfour]

DC3 (10 mo) has had an allergic reaction (we don't know what to)and is covered in red blotchy, raised spots/ blemishes. He has been prescribed anti-histamines and we are just wating for it to go.

He came out in it on Sunday evening and had bf and solids as usual until 2pm yesterday afternoon.

I've managed to get some solids down him, but he has refused all bf. When I try to get him to feed he seems enthusiastic at first but dosen't open his mouth wide enough for a proper latch and ends up biting me.

I've tried expressing to give him some milk but have been lucky to get 2oz.

Have rang NCT bf line, and the suggestion were to have lots of skin contact, sit around with my boobs out for him to access, have a bath with him, keep expressing to give my boobs some stimulation. These are all great ideas but not very practical with 3 other young children to look after.

Plus, my eldest son in at home with me as he has been sick in the night and my grandma died at 2am today.

How long do these things last?

Will I still have any milk for him when he resumes, or will I need to introduce formula? (Would rather not give him formula as we obviously have a strong history of allergies but accept he has to be hydrated....)

Fabfour, sounds like you're having a really crappy time. Sorry about your Gran.

The things from the NCT helpline are really great suggestions though, is there any way you could get someone to give you a hand just for a day while you get back on your feet and try some of them out? It sounds like you need it nursing strike or not!

I think nursing strikes vary in length but those I've known of in rl have lasted only a day or two.

One thing you could also try which might not take up as much of your time, is to catch him in his sleep; can you have him in your bed for a night or two? Babies go through periods of deep sleep (when nothing will wake them) and light sleep where they fidget about a bit. When he is in a light sleep you can park your nork next to his mouth and he might well be tempted to give it a go.

I'm not sure re: the supply thing, how long you would have to not feed before you "dried up" but I would have thought you'd need to express a few times a day if he is not feeding, to relieve discomfort at least.

Will he drink water from a cup or a bottle? That at least would keep him hydrated for now. I'm not sure if you'd have to give him formula if it only lasts a day or two, or whether solids & fluid would be enough.