Nursing strike at 5 months

[stroop]

My EBF 5-month old has gone on a nursing strike.

This started last night. She's been waking every 1-2 hours during the night over the past few weeks and would always be nursed back to sleep, but last night she just refused. She arched her back and screamed when I tried to feed her in the cradle position, which made me think it was painful reflux (she takes ranitidine for this). But then she also clutched her ears and poked her gums, which made me think it was ear ache and/or teething.

The only thing that's worked has been giving her a dose of calpol. She's fed twice since the strike starting, straight after calpol each time. But surely this isn't sustainable.

I feel so sad and really desperate. I didn't think babies went on nursing strikes this early. I also just don't know what to do about it. I'm worried she's not getting enough food/hydration and that I'll lose my supply. Any advice please?

Bump

Sorry to hear this. I'm not sure what the problem is. But in terms of losing your supply, I'd suggest pumping to keep the flow going. If you don't have a pump just squeeze the milk out with your hand by forming a C shape with your thumb and finger. That will keep the milk flowing and you can refrigirate or freeze for another time.

Thank you @FTMF30 that's what I've been doing, and been trying to give her milk through a syringe as she's not accepting the bottle.

For those interested with similarly sad babies, this one apparently has a sore throat and an ulcer, hence striking. With some bongela she's now managed a couple of small feeds, and the doctor tells me it's just a matter of time before she's better - colds and viruses very common this time of year apparently.

A nursing strike can be brought on by colds/sore mouth or teething and will pass in a couple of days. Its more common than you might think at that age but is NOT a sign of weaning. If you haven't already, try feeding in the dark, with a sling or with white noise on, or when DD is sleepy, all of which will hopefully be a slight distraction and mean she doesn't resist so much.

The Kellymom website has some great advice on how to cope with nursing strikes as well.