Refusing breastmilk My soon to be 8 month old has started to refuse the breast. In fact he goes…
Refusing breastmilk
My soon to be 8 month old has started to refuse the breast. In fact he goes further than refuse he screams holy murder! He absolutely will not take a bottle, I’ve tried a million times and he’ll chew the teat but not actually suck on it. He’s ok with a sippy cup with some water and we’re pretty successfully doing 3 meals a day with BLW. He’s definitely teething, his 4th tooth popped through a day or two ago and I’ve read about nursing strikes and that seems to fit. I’m just worried that he won’t get enough fluids. How much liquid should he be getting daily? Ive never had to count ounces because he’s been EBF so I don’t know how much he should get and I’m wary of giving him to much water, but I also don’t respond well to a pump, although I will pump to give him what he needs If that’s what it takes. Has anyone else experienced this? I’m honestly a bit heartbroken, boob has been his comfort and now it’s like his enemy. ?
deleted-user·
My daughter went through a nursing strike a few months ago, but it only lasted 2 days. Then she went through another one - and it’s been almost 2 weeks. I’ve stopped trying to nurse her and continue to pump twice a day, though my supply is dipping cuz I’m obviously telling my body I need less when I’m not feeding her an additional 3-4 times on top of that. I’m taking it as an unfortunate symbol that we’re almost done as we’re going on a trip and then I’m going back to work, so I can’t see myself tied to a pump. Luckily I’ve got 124oz put away in the freezer to supplement with formula. I would keep trying as he could come back to it, but be prepared that he might not ?
Maria·
Thanks Jen. I’m mentally preparing myself for this being it, but I feel like I’m not ready. I did get him to latch on to have a nap earlier so I’m feeling hopeful but have decided not to push it. I’ll keep trying him when he’s happy and if he goes on great but if not we’ll just work round it.
deleted-user·
Its okay...A nursing strike around this age is a normal developmental stage and is usually just a few days and doesn't mean baby is self-weaning.
deleted-user·
He still need at least 35-40oz of milk per day.
Maria·
Thanks ladies. We seem to be over it. I’m going to start concentrating on building a stash in case it happens again and mentally preparing myself for next time. It sounds daft but the rejection was really difficult. I always thought I’d decide when we weaned but seems like it might be his choice. I do think it was down to his teeth coming through, he’s not biting down as much now, and I’ve been making sure if he does bite down not to react badly to it. It’s been a bit of a wake up call, I was taking our feeding time for granted but I’m going to sit back and enjoy it while I can.