She doesn't want to breastfeed anymore

[raisingthree]

I'm so upset, my 8 month old has totally refused the breast as of today. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do.

I'm blaming myself and actually feeling quite down about it. I went out on Saturday night (first time since she was born) and my DP bottle fed her. She has had the occasional bottle (when I had an operation and times like that) but has always been happy to go back to the breast. If only I didn't go out then maybe she would feed:confused:

Is it possible to get her back on the breast?

[raisingthree]

Anyone?

[Phyllis Stein]

I suggest you call the ABA helpline asap. A period of breast refusal is common around that age, and can almost always be overcome and bf continued. Here's a link (http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/refusal.html)to some basic info, but I'd definitely call the hotline in the morning for some personalised advice.

[raisingthree]

Thank you for your reply.

I don't feel like I'm an idiot now for feeling so sad about it.

I will definately call them in the morning.

Thanks

[happytobehere]

Thank you for your reply.

I don't feel like I'm an idiot now for feeling so sad about it.

I will definately call them in the morning.

Thanks

hop everything went okay with the ABA or that ur bubba came back 2 u or a feed..

Can u update us on how things have been?

:)

[cassvanm]

How did you go with the ABA? Did your gorgeous girl show signs of becoming re-interested in BF?
Don't feel bad. You can't blame yourself for her breast refusal :hugs: Mothers guilt is a b*tch isn't it!

[BabelFish]

Oh you poor thing. It could be a nursing strike. They SUCK - and if that's what it is it's not your fault at all. Little tykes just do it. DD had one a while back that lasted five days and nearly broke my heart. And then all of a sudden she was just back on again - bang. Wonderful. I beamed for about a week.

Just keep trying and try not to get too upset if she refuses a few more times. She'll come back if you act like it's no big deal. She'll feel it if you get too stressed though, so try not to (easier said than done).

Let us know what the ABA say.

[WanderingStar]

It sounds like a nursing strike to me too. They are not uncommon. Keep offering the breast and your bub will likely come back to it. I agree that calling the ABA is a good idea but in the meantime you can get some info from their website. I hope bub is back to the breast soon for you.

[Leisa21]

Hi, please dont feel silly, its quite common. My son went on a breast strike when he was 9 months old. He actually refused the breast for 2 weeks. I was told left right and centre to put him on formula but the ABA told me that providing that Aidan is a good eater (which he is) and drinks plenty of water I dont need to offer him formula. Thats what I did and I offered breast at every chance I could. I layed around topless, showered and bathed with him.

TBH since then he hasnt really gone back to how he used to. At ten months he got severe gastro and refused all food but came back to the breast. All he had for 6 days was breastmilk, he didnt need to be hospitalised and wasnt dehydrated! Thank God for breastmilk. I thought that would be it, he'd be back for 4-6 feeds a day but once he recovered he only wanted it as a comfort thing. I now offer him a cup of milk with his breaky, lunch and dinner but cows milk as he's now 12 months old. and whenever he wants it a comfort feed. which is once a day, sometimes once a week.

If your daughter is a good eater it could be her being more interested in whats going on in the world around her. Breastfeeding is very time consuming and they have to sit still. An active 8 month old is hard to keep down, I know. Try all that you can to re introduce the milk, dont feel down. DO what makes you comfortable. Seek advice from ABA, friends and family. I was told a lot your son doesnt want it, its time to let go. But for me stopping breastfeeding when that meant formula wasnt an option. I was happier at 11 1/2 months when I let go and gave him cows milk. But my close friends and family were very supportive of my desicion to try and keep him going for 12 months.

If you need anyone to talk to about it, or any advice I would be happy to give it. I know the feelings that go with it and its painful. I grieved for a couple of months. I still miss it but our relationship is still close he loves my boobies :D he kisses them, squeeses them and stares at them, he adores them and me, he just doesnt want to feed lol unless he's really tired or sore. You've done such a great thing for your bub and I truly hope that she comes back to you full time but if she doesnt its ok, its her way of starting the weaning process.

Sorry for the long post, I had lots of lovely women reach out to me when I asked for help with the same situation and it really helped, I'm hoping I can be of some help to you. :hugs: