Breastfeeding crisis: what to expect

Some moms are surprised when their baby shows signs of disinterest in their breast. Often called a ‘breastfeeding crisis’ or ‘nursing strike,’ this temporary period of time can be vexing, but don’t worry, this is not uncommon! Learn more about what’s going on so you can mentally prepare and adjust to your baby’s growth.

Content

What’s a breastfeeding crisis?

What happens during a breastfeeding crisis?

How long will a breastfeeding crisis go on for?

What are common types of breastfeeding crises?

What should I do during a breastfeeding crisis?

What should I do if my baby is hungry and crying and won’t breastfeed?

Should I give my baby formula?

Will my breast milk supply dry up?

What is a breastfeeding crisis?

A breastfeeding crisis can occur when your baby suddenly seems disinterested in nursing and refuses to feed over a period of time. Generally, this phase can occur with a growth spurt or a new developmental phase in the baby’s life.

What happens during a breastfeeding crisis?

When you’re dealing with a breastfeeding crisis, you might find that your baby seems less interested in feeding, sometimes refuses your breast and might be distracted and fussy for a period of days or weeks.

These changes can be daunting at first and might require some flexibility and creativity to get through – but it’s more than likely that there’s a natural reason for what’s happening, and these changes are a healthy part of your baby’s development. Feel free to contact a lactation consultant or doctor to talk through different scenarios so you can feel calm and confident if you’re struggling to come up with answers.

It’s important to keep nursing or pumping during this period of time, if you wish to continue to give your baby breastmilk. Many moms worry their milk supply will dry up, but don’t worry, as long as you keep breastfeeding or pumping and keep your baby close, it’s likely your supply won’t be impacted, and you’ll get back to breastfeeding.

How long will a breastfeeding crisis go on for?

There are different types of breastfeeding crises, and of course, their duration can depend on the cause.

Generally, these crises can last for a few days to a couple of weeks or a month. But fear not, these phases and periods are different for everyone. Remember to be gentle on yourself and know that you are not alone. Information and guidance can be helpful for overcoming these new challenges.

What are the common types of breastfeeding crises?

Breastfeeding crises can be a normal part of your breastfeeding journey, and they often coincide with the exciting development of your baby – so it can be helpful to embrace a change-friendly mindset.

As your newborn grows, your feeding routine will change to accommodate their need for a greater milk supply. In that period, you’ll both learn how to make the most of these feeding sessions. This ramping up phase of milk production usually happens in the first four to six weeks as your baby feeds frequently, gains weight and grows. During this period there may be intermittent short growth spurts where your baby may seem a bit fussy but very hungry; this might be a cluster feeding period for you both.

But by month three or four, many moms experience a new phenomenon wherein their baby has figured out how to latch on and empty the breast much faster than before. Many babies prefer to feed for shorter periods during this time. They may seem fussy and might even start rejecting the breast or seem distracted. You might also notice your breasts feel softer and you may experience a short delay in your milk coming in.

Other breastfeeding crises or nursing strikes may occur at six months and eight to nine months. As your baby grows and experiences new life changes like eating solid foods, crawling and eventually walking, your baby’s way of relating to feeds may evolve and change. Sometimes they may crave your breast for hunger or for reassurance or even reject it finding interest in other things. In all cases, your milk is still good for them–– even in small quantities. Rest assured there are ways of evolving and navigating these changes together.

What should I do during a breastfeeding crisis?

A breastfeeding crisis can be especially hard on moms when babies are fussy and show signs of refusing to breastfeed. Some moms take this personally, feeling as if their baby’s disinterest in feeding or fussiness is their own failure or rejection, but please remember it’s a normal part of your baby’s growth, and it will pass.

If your baby isn’t gaining weight or breastfeeding is painful, make sure to reach out to a doctor or lactation consultant for support and troubleshooting. Breastfeeding is a skill and placing pressure on yourself or thinking it should be ‘intuitive’ simply isn’t true or fair to you and your baby. You might need to make adjustments to your latch, your position and/or consider other health issues.

What should I do if my baby is hungry and crying but won’t breastfeed?

For moms encountering their first breastfeeding crisis or nursing strike at 3 months, we recommend staying the course, but with a flexible mindset. There’s no need to force your baby to feed, so respect their hunger cues and take breaks to calm down if it doesn’t seem to be working.

That said, if your baby seems hungry try to be quick about it during this more sensitive time. Some moms find feeding times near bedtime or upon waking can be good and choosing calm low-lit environments. But for other babies, new stimulation can be exactly what they’re looking for. In these circumstances moms might try new nursing positions and wear a breastfeeding/sensory necklace for their babies to play with while nursing.

Should I give my baby formula?

As you navigate these changes, if you wish to continue your breastfeeding journey, it’s most beneficial not to introduce formula. Giving your baby ‘top-ups’ can confuse your body about its milk supply, so it’s best to keep pumping and nursing throughout this phase as introducing formula could affect your milk supply. Remember skin to skin time is still valuable, too, even if your baby seems too distracted to nurse.

Will my breast milk supply dry up?

Some moms also think their milk supply is drying up when they notice changes in their breasts. Engorged breasts can be common in the first weeks after birth as your body is ramping up its supply to keep up with growth spurts in your baby. Later on, you might find your breasts are softer than they were in the early days. Again, rest assured, soft breasts can produce effectively, too.

Not all babies consume the same amount of breast milk, but if you aren’t comfortable with an intuitive breastfeeding approach, you can use the Medela Family app for logging feeding times and learn about breastmilk quantities.

As always, if you suspect something might be wrong make sure to contact a doctor or lactation consultant.