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What to Expect When Breastfeeding a Baby
Over Six Weeks
Nursing Strike
A nursing strike occurs when a baby who has been breastfeeding well suddenly refuses the breast.
Nursing strikes most often occur in the baby's first year and may last a few days or longer. This is different from natural weaning, which is a gradual transition from breast milk to other sources of nutrition.
The cause of a nursing strike is often unclear. It may happen when mom or baby experience a change such as an illness in baby or new medication or change in milk supply for mom. Nursing strikes can also happen if the baby is stressed, overstimulated, or easily distracted.
Many nursing strikes resolve within a few days by staying relaxed and spending time close to your baby. If your baby is breastfeeding less than 8 times in 24 hours, it is important to express milk to protect your supply, feed your baby, monitor wet and dirty diapers, and get assistance from a lactation professional.
Teething
The arrival of teeth does not usually impact breastfeeding, largely because of the way a baby suckles at the breast. In fact, some babies with sore mouths from teething may find breastfeeding soothing.
Most babies quickly learn not to use their teeth while nursing. If your baby has teeth and bites down while breastfeeding, your natural startle response and brief removal of baby from the breast helps teach that biting is not welcome.
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If biting becomes an ongoing concern or is difficult to manage, speak with a lactation professional in your area for additional guidance and support.
Taking Care of Baby's Teeth
Breastfeeding an older baby often means breastfeeding through the teething stage, which makes having a strategy to prevent dental caries (cavities) especially important.
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If an older baby falls asleep while feeding and milk remains in the mouth, the natural sugars in the breast milk may increase the risk of cavities over time.
In general, if a baby with teeth falls asleep at the breast, moms can gently break the seal and wipe the baby's teeth and gums with a little piece of damp gauze or a clean toothbrush without toothpaste.
Dental care is very important in the first few years of life. For personalized guidance, speak with your dental or health care provider.
Weaning
Weaning is the process whereby the baby moves away from complete dependence on breastfeeding. Weaning may begin with the introduction of solid foods and it ends when the last breastfeed is done.
The ideal time to wean is when both the mother and baby are ready. Weaning may be baby- or mother-initiated and it can be gradual or abrupt.
Gradual weaning is done over a period of time with minimal complications. It allows the mother’s milk supply to decrease slowly and reduces the chances of plugged ducts and mastitis.
Abrupt weaning is done immediately and does not allow the milk supply to decrease slowly. This approach has an increased risk of complications such as severe pain, mastitis, and breast abscess. Abrupt weaning can also be more emotionally challenging for both the mother and baby.
Weaning is generally easiest when it occurs gradually by dropping one feeding at a time over several days, weeks or months.
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If you have questions or concerns about weaning, speak with a lactation professional or health care
provider for more information.
