Nursing Strike vs. Breast Refusal: What’s Going On With My Baby?

Written by: Courtney Miller, RN, BSN, IBCLC

Few things feel more upsetting than when your baby suddenly refuses to nurse. One day they’re happily latching… and the next, they want nothing to do with the breast. It can feel personal, scary, and confusing — but take a deep breath. In most cases, this is temporary and fixable.

Let’s break down what might be happening and what you can do to help.

What Is a Nursing Strike?

A nursing strike is when a baby who was previously nursing well abruptly refuses to latch at the breast. The key word here is abrupt. Nursing strikes come on suddenly and are almost always temporary.

Many parents worry this means their baby is self-weaning — but true self-weaning is gradual and happens over time. Nursing strikes, on the other hand, are often caused by something specific that made nursing uncomfortable or stressful for your baby.

Common Causes of a Nursing Strike

• Illness (ear infection, cold, congestion)

• Pain or discomfort (teething, thrush, reflux)

• Changes in milk supply(often from stress, illness, or the return of a menstrual cycle)

When babies don’t feel well, breastfeeding can hurt — especially with ear infections, where swallowing or lying on one side increases pressure. Some babies may temporarily prefer bottles because they can sit more upright.

What to Do During a Nursing Strike

1. Rule out illness first

If your baby suddenly stops nursing, a visit to the pediatrician is important. Ear infections, throat pain, or oral discomfort are common hidden causes.

Try nursing in a more upright position like Koala hold if laying back seems uncomfortable.

2. Get back to the basics

Your goal is to remind your baby that the breast is safe, warm, and comforting.

Try:

• Skin-to-skin as much as possible

• Taking a bath together

• A “breast-cation” (staying together topless for lots of contact)

• Quiet cuddle time

Stress travels between parent and baby. The calmer you are, the safer your baby feels.

3. Try movement or stillness

Some babies latch best while:

• Rocking

• Walking

• Swaying

• Baby wearing

Others need the opposite:

• Dark room

• Quiet

• Minimal stimulation

Let your baby show you what works.

4. Never force the breast

This is one of the most important rules.

We always want the breast to stay a happy place. Forcing can create long-term aversion.

If baby isn’t nursing, follow these three steps:

Feed baby

Protect your milk supply (pump or hand express)

Call an LC

What Is Breast Refusal?

Breast refusal is different from a nursing strike.

Instead of being sudden, breast refusal usually happens gradually. It often develops when babies get more bottles than breastfeeds — like when a parent returns to work or when pumping becomes the main feeding method.

Babies can develop a flow preference for bottles, which deliver milk faster and more easily.

This doesn’t mean your baby doesn’t want you. It just means they’ve gotten used to something different — and change is hard for little humans.

What Helps With Breast Refusal?

Start small

Offer the breast a few times a day — no pressure. More is better, but follow your baby’s cues.

Offer before hunger hits

Try nursing about 30 minutes before baby is due to eat. Hungry babies are less patient.

Use the breast as dessert

Let baby nurse after a bottle for comfort and connection. This keeps the breast associated with fullness and calm.

Have milk ready

If baby gets frustrated at the breast, give a small bottle or supplement — then try again. We want to avoid negative experiences.

Mimic breastfeeding when bottle-feeding

Use:

• Side-lying positions

• Baby close to your body

• Slow flow nipples

This helps baby relearn breastfeeding patterns.

Use breast compressions

If baby latches but gets fussy when milk flow slows, compressing the breast can increase flow and keep them interested.

Tools that can help

A nipple shield or Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) can sometimes bridge the gap — but these work best with support from a lactation consultant.

One Last Trick

Try the “add water or go outside” method.A small change in scenery can reset your baby’s nervous system and help them refocus.

You’re Not Failing

Whether you’re facing a nursing strike or breast refusal, remember:Your baby isn’t rejecting you.They’re reacting to discomfort, confusion, or change.

And you don’t have to figure this out alone. A lactation consultant can help identify what’s going on and create a plan that gets you back to feeding with confidence.