For a Friend - Nursing Strike

I have a friend overseas who has a 15 week old who is on an 8 day nursing strike. Mom is so upset - she's pumping but she is devestated. She has seen a private lactation consultant whose final conclusion was "I've never seen a baby act like this" - not very helpful. When offered the breast, he screams until he turns purple but calms down when offered a bottle (of EBM). She believes she hasn't changed anything that would change the taste of her milk or the way she smells. Her pediatrician was also really unhelpful with "just relax" advice. She doesn't have access to an ABA-type hotline. Anything I should suggest to her?

Don't have any advice hun but just wanted to say that I hope your friend's bub goes back to happily b/f without the need of a bottle. Big hugs to your friend :hug:

Can you call the ABA hotline here for her with a list of whats going on and hopefully get some info to help her? Sending her :hug: and what a lovely friend you are :hug:

lots of skin cuddles, take a warm bath together, just see if bub will latch on himself.

lie down with bub on the bed, bub may latch on in his sleep (like a dream feed)

try different position- maybe he has a sore muscle or sore ears. try bub sitting up facing you. just chat and sing and then he might be calm enough to try.

If he has only had bottles for a week, he might be getting frustrated cos the milk is not there straight away (from the breast), expressing some milk out first so he can see and smell it might interest him back to the breast.

Here is an article from ABA

Australian Breastfeeding Association - Breast Refusal

What COuntry is your friend in?

Maybe a chiropractor might help? For baby I mean. He may be uncomfortable and drinking from the bottle is easier for him?

How upsetting for your friend! Is she in the States?
If he's taking EBM then I'd say it's not because of any change in the milk.
Was she using bottles at all before this started? He may have decided he prefers them. Otherwise maybe it's something going on with him physically...?
Is baby intrested in feeding during the night? At that age they get more interested in what's going on and have less time for feeding during the day often.
Has she tried osteo/chiro? Maybe he's uncomfortable. Or any illness (ear infection or something)?
Taking time out together as HotI suggests is a good idea too - a bath together, cuddling in bed. or try a totally different position - i remember kneeling over DS to feed him a few times when he went through a refusal stage.

I've got to read the area these topics are in! I came in here thinking it was something to do with a friend who is a nurse and was going on strike!

If he's still taking her milk from a bottle, it can't be the taste of the milk that's changed though.

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate it. She has tried a lot of the above, but I'm going to condense your advice and forward it on to her. She is in America - the only support that seems available to her is private lactation consultants and she tried that with no luck so far.

LLLUSA

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The mission of La Leche League USA is to help mothers to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.

This web site represents the Groups, Leaders, and events of La Leche League in the United States of America. For breastfeeding information or to learn more about La Leche League, visit the La Leche League International Web site. If you live in the USA and need personal breastfeeding help, search our Groups to find a Leader in your area or call 1-877-4-LALECHE.

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If you are unable to find a Group or Leader near you, 24-hour breastfeeding help is available toll-free in the US from the LLL Breastfeeding Helpline-US at 877-4-LALECHE (877-452-5324).

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Thanks! will pass that on as well.