How to Handle a Nursing Strike Without Panic
One day your baby is happily nursing as usual. The next day? They turn their head, push you away, or cry when you offer. What just happened?
That’s what Melissa asked herself when her ten-month-old, Noah, suddenly refused to nurse. He had always loved breastfeeding. It was their comfort time, their calm time. So when he started crying every time she tried, Melissa felt confused and hurt. She also felt a little panicked—was he weaning?
She tried again later. Noah turned his head. At bedtime, he bit her and screamed. Melissa sat in the dark nursery with tears in her eyes, wondering what went wrong.
Melissa had never heard of a nursing strike. She thought nursing would slowly fade out over time, not stop suddenly overnight. But a call with her La Leche League Leader helped her understand what was going on.
A nursing strike occurs when a baby who’s been breastfeeding well suddenly refuses to nurse for a day or more. It’s not the same as weaning, which usually happens slowly over time. A strike can feel personal, but it’s not about you.
Melissa learned that nursing strikes are actually common, especially for older babies who are more aware of the world around them.
Some common reasons for a nursing strike:
Illness or teething pain
A change in routine or caregiver
A strong reaction from the parent after biting
A stuffy nose or ear infection
A loud sound or distraction while nursing
A sudden emotional change, like a parent going back to work
In Noah’s case, he had just started daycare and was getting over a cold. Everything had changed all at once.
Melissa’s Leader reminded her that Noah still needed her and that he wasn’t rejecting her. He was adjusting.
Here’s what helped Melissa:
She kept offering the breast gently, without pressure
She tried nursing when Noah was sleepy or just waking up
She cuddled skin-to-skin without expecting him to nurse
She offered milk in a cup to keep up his intake
She pumped to stay comfortable and protect her milk supply
She also made time to reconnect with Noah. They took baths together. They read books while snuggling. She held him while he napped. And most of all, she trusted that this would pass.
It took four days. Four long, emotional days. But on the fifth day, Noah latched on again during an early morning snuggle like nothing had ever happened.
Melissa cried again but this time with relief.
Nursing strikes can feel scary, but they are often just a bump in the road. With patience, support, and a little creativity, most babies go back to breastfeeding like before.
If your baby suddenly stops nursing, try not to panic. You are not alone. Many parents have been through this, and your local La Leche League Group is a great place to talk about what’s going on.
Come to a meeting and tell us your story, we’re here to help you through it.
