After establishing a stable and connected breastfeeding relationship, it can feel alarming when your baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed. Thankfully, nursing strikes are usually temporary, and understanding what they are—and possible causes—is the first step toward resolving them. With these tips, you can identify possible causes and gently support your little one in returning to the breast.

What is a Nursing Strike?

A nursing strike, also called a breastfeeding strike, happens when a baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed. It's often accompanied by changes in behavior, like fussiness, agitation, and pulling away at the breast. Nursing strikes are not the same as self-weaning. Self-weaning is a gradual, voluntary reduction in the frequency of breastfeeding and is uncommon for infants under one year old.

What Are Common Causes of Nursing Strikes?

Nursing strikes can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

  • Recent Changes in Routine: Returning to work, recent travel, having visitors.
  • Feeding Pattern Changes: Breastfeeding less often, leaving them with a caregiver for longer stretches, or trying to lengthen time between feedings.
  • Illness or Discomfort: Stuffy nose, ear infection, fever, or general illness.
  • Oral Pain: Teething, mouth injuries, or soreness inside the mouth.
  • Return of Menstruation or New Pregnancy: Both of which can cause noticeable changes in milk supply.
  • Changes in Milk Flow or Supply: Sudden increases or decreases in let-down or overall milk production.
  • Startling Experiences While Feeding: For example, if your baby was startled by a sudden reaction when they accidentally bit you while breastfeeding.

When offering the breast during a nursing strike, try to keep the experience calm and positive. If your baby seems upset or frustrated, pause and try again later.

Things To Try:

  • Skin-to-Skin Contact: Hold your baby against your chest to encourage closeness and comfort.
  • Warm Bath Together: A soothing bath can help relax both you and your baby.
  • Dream Feeding: Offer the breast while they are just falling asleep or waking up.
  • Experiment With Positions: Trying new breastfeeding positions may make nursing more comfortable.
  • Stimulate Milk: Hand express or pump a small amount before offering the breast to make latching easier.
  • Minimize Distractions: Turn off screens and quiet the environment to help your baby focus.
  • Gentle Movement: Offer the breast while rocking, walking, or gently bouncing.
  • Babywearing: Wearing your baby in a wrap or carrier during the day can encourage comfort and closeness.
  • Early Feeding Cues: Try offering the breast at the first signs of hunger, before frustration sets in.

How Long Does a Nursing Strike Last?

While navigating a nursing strike can feel stressful, most babies return to normal breastfeeding within a short period of time. Typically, a nursing strike will last between 2–4 days, though sometimes it may continue a little longer.

If you’ve tried the strategies above and your baby is still refusing the breast, reach out for additional support. A lactation consultant can provide guidance to help your baby return to breastfeeding. If you feel like your little one may be having less wet or dirty diapers, has become increasingly fussy, begins showing signs of discomfort, pain, or fever, always contact your baby's health care provider for assessment and care.

Protecting Your Supply During a Nursing Strike

Sudden changes to feeding patterns can trigger breastfeeding challenges like engorgement, less milk flow, clogged ducts, and mastitis. These are some common reasons mothers may see their milk production dip during a nursing strike. It's also natural to worry whether your baby is getting enough to eat when they refuse the breast.

Remember: keeping your milk supply strong and ensuring your baby stays well-nourished are the most reliable ways to help your breastfeeding routine return to normal.

Prioritize

  • Express Milk: Use your breast pump and/or hand express for 15–20 minutes following each missed breastfeeding session to maintain your supply.

  • Offer Expressed Milk: Feed your baby with an alternative feeding method rather than bottles. Use a syringe, cup, eyedropper, or spoon to keep them nourished.

  • Use a Paced Feeding: If you use a bottle, feed slowly to prevent your baby from developing a preference for faster-flow.

  • Finish at the Breast: Once your baby has mostly finished a feeding, try offering the breast again to maintain the breastfeeding connection and encourage latching.

A nursing strike can feel overwhelming, but it’s almost always temporary. With patience, lots of skin-to-skin contact, and gentle encouragement, most babies return to breastfeeding within just a few days. Trust that this is just a speedbump on your breastfeeding journey, not a permanent setback, and know that your efforts to stay calm and consistent will help your little one find their way back to the breast.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.