Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Infant feeding

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

Why will my 10 month old not have any breast milk?

5 replies

QueenGina · 05/04/2008 16:20

DD bit me three times this morning, hard on the nipple and i went OUCH, she burst into tears and refused to go on breast again. Since then has only had one feed (mid morning). She normally has a feed mid afternoon but cried and pushed away when I offered breast. Had wanted to bf until she was at least a year old, so would be really sad if I've put her off the breast. I've not offered her any formula in a cup (which is what dh does when I'm not around to feed her).
The other thing is, she has a terrible cold at moment with horrible amounts of snot coming out of her nose and she rubs her nose and eyes all the time. DH thinks that she has gone off the breast because she finds it difficult to breath whilst sucking.
Not sure what to do at bedtime if she won't breast feed. Should I offer her formula in a cup? Part of me doesn't want to as I fear it might put her off the breast forever but don't want to deprive her of milk if that's what she wants.
Any thoughts?

OP posts:
Monkeybird · 05/04/2008 16:25

QueenGina, sorry this has happened. I think your little one may be reacting to the cold and possible to your reaction when she bit you. I've happened to read a lot about so called 'nursing strikes' lately, since my boy has been having an extended one (for different reasons).

There's some info on www.Kellymom.com and also the La Leche League site about how to deal with it, but essentially you might need to coax her gently back to your breast, eg, making it nice and relaxed and fun and waiting till she's ready - ie don't force it. People usually recommend lots of quiet time cuddling and skin-to-skin contact (baths etc). But if she's really hungry or dehydrated it IS important to make sure she still has milk, even if it has to be formula or EBM since feeling hungry/thirsty/tired won't help her back on.

most episodes like this usually last between 2-4 days apparently so if you're gentle with her I'm sure she'll get back to feeding normally...

Let me know how you get on - I am becoming a bit of a strike veteran now, my son has had so many of them...

QueenGina · 05/04/2008 19:46

Thanks a lot for the advice Monkeybird.
Have given her formula and she took 2ozs only. We're co-sleeping tonight, so if she wakes will offer breast and see what happens. (She's slept through since 5 and a half months, think I'm the only MNetter who is willing their lo to wake in the night for food!)
Have looked at the LLL and Kellymom site. Feel awful about overreacting to her biting. Next time will just calmly take her off breast and not react at all. Will give her lots of cuddles tomorrow and try having a bath together.
Thanks again for advice.

OP posts:
QueenGina · 06/04/2008 08:37

She's back into breast feeding!! Woke this morning and just returned to normal. I'm elated. Whole episode has made me realise how special bfeeding is and has taught me a lesson about parenting. (She still has a snotty nose, but has returned to bfeeding, so think nursing strike was entirely my fault for overreacting to her biting.)

OP posts:
lenny101 · 06/04/2008 08:52

Brilliant, was watching thread with interest, well done you and your dd. Great news

Monkeybird · 06/04/2008 09:31

don't beat yourself up about it - it's VERY hard not to react when it is so very ouch! My boy is teething so I'm expecting a bite and another round of striking anytime soon - boo... Glad it's getting back to normal - good luck.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page