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Baby not breastfeeding
My baby soon going to b 1 yr has completely stopped breastfeeding from 2 days..his urine output and solid intake are normal..i wanted to nurse him till 2 yrs.. hez crying and biting my nipples wenever m offering him..please let me know wat can be done..teething can be the reason because hez very fussy..wat can i do to nurse him again
Answers (7)
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sudden refusal resembles a nursing strike, potentially caused by teething, a cold, or ear pain.
Since solid food intake and urine output are normal, this phase is typically temporary.
You can try nursing in a dark room, practicing skin-to-skin contact, or changing nursing positions.
Offering a cold teething toy before a session may also help soothe oral discomfort.
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Consult hour paediatrician or lactation consultant. Babies can go without feed for more than 1-2 dayswhich is normal but if it’s concerning direct consultation would be helpful.
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Dr. Tangade Vishal Bhanudas
Pediatrician
4 yrs exp
Pune
Visit physically to nearby pediatrician.
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Mr. Bhalala lalji narshibhai
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Possible Cause: Nursing Strike / Teething Discomfort
What the baby is showing - sudden refusal to breastfeed for 2 days despite normal urine output and solid intake, fussiness, biting nipples - is commonly seen as a nursing strike. Teething is a very common trigger at this age due to sore gums, but other factors like cold, ear infection, change in routine, or maternal scent change can also contribute. Biting is often due to gum pressure, not rejection.
*What can be done to resume nursing:*
1. Manage teething discomfort: Gently massage gums with clean finger, offer a cold (not frozen) teething ring or wet washcloth to chew _before_ feeding. If gums are very swollen, talk to pediatrician.
2.Don't force, stay calm: Try nursing when baby is sleepy, drowsy or just waking up. Try different positions - laid-back, side-lying. Keep skin-to-skin contact.
3.Reduce biting:When baby bites, calmly remove and say "no biting" and take a short break. Offer breast again after a minute. Don't shout, it can increase strike.
4. Maintain milk supply: Express milk regularly to maintain supply and offer expressed milk with cup/spoon if needed.
5. Comfort and patience: Most nursing strikes last 2-4 days. Continue offering without pressure.
Next Steps
Mother should consult pediatrician promptly if:
- Urine output decreases, fever, ear pulling, diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration, weight loss
- Nipple damage with bleeding / signs of mastitis
- Strike lasts more than 3-4 days despite measures
This will help her continue breastfeeding till 2 years as per WHO recommendation
Health Tips
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace in-person medical advice. A pediatrician should examine the baby to rule out oral thrush, ear infection, or other causes.
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Dr. Jay Gajjar
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Surat
your baby may be experiencing a temporary nursing strike, which is quite common at this age. Teething discomfort can be one of the reasons.
Since your baby’s urine output and solid intake are normal, that is reassuring.
You can try the following:
1. Offer breastfeeding when your baby is sleepy or just waking up.
2. Try feeding in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
3. Increase skin-to-skin contact and avoid forcing breastfeeding.
4. If teething is causing discomfort, offer a chilled (not frozen) teether before feeding.
5. Express breast milk regularly to maintain your milk supply until your baby starts nursing again.
Most nursing strikes resolve within a few days.
Also, check for nasal blockage, mouth ulcers or ear discomfort, which can sometimes cause sudden feeding refusal.
If your baby continues refusing breastfeeding, is not drinking enough fluids or develops reduced urine output, fever or unusual lethargy, please consult your pediatrician.
You can certainly continue breastfeeding until 2 years or beyond. This temporary refusal does not necessarily mean your baby is ready to stop breastfeeding.
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
7 yrs exp
Rajkot
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Ankita Gahlot
Obstetrician
12 yrs exp
Bangalore
This sounds like a nursing strike, not true weaning, especially with teething in the picture. Babies often refuse the breast for a few days when gums are sore or they're biting out of discomfort rather than hunger. Since his urine output and solids are normal, he isn't going hungry, which is reassuring.
Next Steps
Offer the breast in a calm, dim, distraction-free setting, and try when he's sleepy rather than fully awake. A chilled teether just before feeding can ease gum pain enough for him to latch. Keep expressing your milk during this gap to protect your supply, and keep offering gently without forcing.
Health Tips
See your paediatrician if the strike lasts beyond a week, he seems dehydrated, or wet diapers drop.
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