Health FactsGeneral HealthBaby
Toddlers & Children
Pregnancy |
Breast RefusalBreast refusal is sometimes referred to as "nursing strikes" and can occur at any time during the experience of breastfeeding. This situation is usually only temporary and often easily remedied. It is not an indication that the baby is rejecting you personally or that the weening is due to insufficient breastmilk There are many reasons that have been identified with this
behaviour. Rarely is it because the baby no longer wishes to
breastfeed.
If nursing strikes last more than a day or two expressing mothers milk will be necessary. Depending on the age of the baby expressing may be necessary the day the nursing strike occurs. Expressing the mother's milk regularly will avoid decreased supply and prevent engorgement and its associated consequences. Interventions aimed at returning the baby to the breast will be determined once a Lactation Consultant has identified the cause/causes. These may include
Factual information from and guidance from a Lactation Consultant can help avoid untimely and unnecessary weaning.
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