subject: Nursing Tips For New Mothers [print this page] Is your baby making you feel like an alien? Is he or she making you feel like you're trying to feed her the most awful thing, when you're trying to give
him or her the best nutrition out there? You may be experiencing a nursing strike. If your baby is refusing to nurse, they usually have their own reasons
why.
First, always rule out a medical problem. Take a quick look in the baby's mouth and check for teething, cold sores or any kind of mouth infections
like thrush. If the baby's mouth is sore, chances are they will not want to eat if it causes them pain. An ear infection, cold, or stuffy nose could
also make it very painful or miserable to nurse. If you suspect any of these, see your pediatrician.
Some babies will stop nursing due to getting used to a bottle. A bottle is a lot less work, and makes it easier and faster for a baby to eat. Babies
realize this and will often want the bottle over the breast. This is something you can work on. Make sure you have the slowest flow nipple. This will
make your baby have to work a little bit harder, and feel the "work" of getting it out is similar to the breast. Doing this could bring your baby back
to the breast a lot easier. Be consistent though and make sure all bottles are slow flow.
Other babies may stop nursing due to overuse of a pacifier, resulting in lower milk supply or a disruption in your baby's routine. Have you switched
perfumes or started wearing a new one, your baby may not like the new smell. These are just a few reasons.
If you suspect it isn't a medical issue, you can start by making sure your baby has a lot of skin-to-skin contact. Spending a full day without
interruptions if possible, keeping your baby close with skin-to-skin contact will boost your supply and help your baby to want to nurse. It's very easy
to give into bottles at this point, but don't lose your cool. Your baby may get frustrated, but if you want to save your nursing relationship, it would
be best to see this nursing strike through. Don't give up, or give in by giving a bottle. Help your baby through the frustrating times.
You can help your baby by hand expressing or pumping to the point before your letdown. This will help reward your baby and give them the desire to work
at it. Pumping in between feedings will also help increase your milk supply, or you can use specific supplements. There are many safe herbs that work
well, or you can talk to your baby's pediatrician about prescription drugs that can help your milk.
Nursing strikes are never fun, and can be very nerve wrecking for new moms but realize they aren't permanent. Your baby is learning how to tell you
that they are frustrated. It's ok, you just need to help your baby so they aren't continuously frustrated. Take it feeding by feeding and you will
get through this tough time. You will feel so much better once you've endured through this, and your nursing relationship goes back on track.
by: Robb Flournoy
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