another nursing strike

[lbahlstrand]

My daughter is 9months old and since last week she was not breastfeeding much. I was told to give her BM before her solids because she does eat quite a bit of solid food. But she stopped eating before and after. Two days she ate BM the early morning or middle of the night only. But for the last 4 days she has not taken the breast at all. I started giving her a bottle of BM for couple days and yesterday I gave her 2 and today I gave her 3. She is good solids eater and I prepare for her including beans, veggies, fruits, chicken, pasta, egg, yougurt and some of my food as well. But I'm concern she is not trying to get back to the breast. I lay down with her and hold her but when I offer the breast, she pushes away, even when she is sleeping (she wakes up and cries). I followed all the recommendations, but I'm loosing hope. I don't want to give up. She is also teething, I believe 4 top front teeth are coming out. I give her tylenol. She is happy sucking on her fingers if I don't give her the bottle. She is 16oz and was born 6lbs 3oz. Please help

[CherylParrott]

Sounds like a classic nursing strike, most likely due to teeth. I would stop the bottles of BM and only offer sippy cups of water with meals or between if she doensn't want to nurse. Since she is eating well, she is getting calories. Then continue the cuddling and maybe once her teeth come through she will nurse again. If in a week she isn't nursing then you can give her bottles. Of course, keep pumping during this time and try not to make it a battle. Hang in there, strikes are so frustrating!

[lbahlstrand]

so should I stop the bottles now and wait one more week? It has been 4-5 days already since she stopped breastfeeding.

[CherylParrott]

I would yes....maybe 5 more days if you are concerned.

[lbahlstrand]

i'm concern because she is in the small side. She is very active and until she started solids at 6 months, she did not eat much. With solids she also started to drink more BM, untils she slowed down couple weeks ago, turning into this strike

[CherylParrott]

a few days will not hurt her...you can always pick it back up. If you don't want to stop the bottles then at least do them immediately after solids, as a top off if you will.

[lbahlstrand]

ok, thanks, I only give her after her solids, except in the morning when she wakes up. I'll try not to give her milk for couple days and see

[CherylParrott]

obviously if she wants to nurse anytime let her...but try not to give the bottle..or a cup of breastmilk is fine too. hang in there! good night!