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Is this a nursing strike? Or something else?

2 replies

ILoveStickers · 21/06/2020 06:56

My combination fed nine month old has slowly started to refuse breastfeeding, and has refused completely for the past three days. She's also vastly increased her amounts of solids.

Her age makes it seem like a nursing strike but (a) it's been gradual, not sudden, and (b) she's not distressed or frustrated - she just smiles up at me like, "what do you expect me to do with that?" Grin, (c) she's not been ill or startled, and she's not teething right now or in pain.

Does this sound like a nursing strike? Is she likely to start again if I keep offering? Some of the tips for nursing strikes I'm not comfortable with (limiting solids) or aren't possible for us (avoiding formula, pumping to maintain supply). Other than keep offering for a bit, I'm not sure what else can be done!

Tbh, breastfeeding caused me some very difficult health problems which took a while to resolve, so although I originally assumed I'd breastfeed, I revised my goal when she was about three months, and it became a goal of partial breastfeeding to six months. Nine and a half months is pretty good going if that's all she wants!

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
GirlCalledJames · 21/06/2020 07:04

This is more or less what my daughter did at 16 months. If she seems happy and fine I‘d take it if I were you.
The only note of caution: she did want to feed a while later, when she was ill, but it was too late. She was grumpy about it for a couple of hours. But if you are happy to give a bottle in that situation then there’s no downside.
I‘m currently trying to wean a nearly two year old who doesn’t want to stop and it’s tough especially with the current situation meaning I‘m with him all day. It’s a real gift if they choose to stop.

ILoveStickers · 21/06/2020 07:06

Thanks, that's helpful - no problem with bottles, fortunately!

I hope you get there with the two-year-old - sounds tough, but well done on feeding so long! I'm impressed.

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