On Sun, 29 Dec 2002, Linda Tsakiris IBCLC
Munich Germany wrote:

.... a mother ... with a three month old that has more or less been in a
nursing
strike for about 3 weeks now.  ... a problem with over-supply and over
active let-down.  ... these problems under control and ... no problems with
choking and the like.  ... last three weeks she has been ... catching her
before she is
really awake; this works really well in the night but ... problems to get
the baby to nurse during the day.  The baby starts to drink and then
suddenly realises ... and cries.... the baby is getting practically all of
her 8 times at the breast during the night.... Any ideas???

   Linda:  If you were writing form the Southern Hemisphere, where is is now
high summer, I'd suspect it was a case of a baby refusing to feed during the
heat of the day and catching up at night.  However, I note you are in
Germany.
   As the baby is breastfeeding about 8 times a day, I wouldn't call that a
"breastfeeding strike".  It seems to me she is feeding well - just not in
the daytime.  Perhaps it would be positive to give a whole new perspective
to the mother, and focus on what is going *right*:
- her baby *is* breastfeeding a typical number of times per 24 hours;
- she has dealt with the oversupply.
Does it really matter what times the baby feeds, as long as she does?  The
mother needs a sleep?  Well, does all of it really have to be at night?  I
see this as temporary, and would encourage the mother to take a good rest in
the daytime, with the room darkened, whether or not she goes to sleep.
Further daytime rest can also be taken by lying down and watching television
or a video, or reading something light - while lying down.
   This spell of feeding at night will pass.  It is impossible to predict
when, but it surely will.  It will help if the mother goes along with it and
doesn't make such an issue of daytime feeding.  Forcing the baby could well
cause her to refuse at other times, not just the daytime.  Sure, she can
offer, but a baby should never be crying and upset at the breast.  The
biggest temptation, for mothers who perceive that a baby is refusing the
breast, is to feel desperate and try and try and try, with mother and baby
getting more and moe upset.   I'd prefer removing the baby and soothing her
*away from* the breast, e.g. on a shoulder or walking round with her.  With
babies who refuse, it makes very good sense to have them associate the
breast with a positive experience, and not leave her there to cry.  Can
always try again, later.
    Any support so that this mother can have rest or a nap in the daytime
would be useful.  Does she have any other children to be minded?  Is there a
support group that can take in a meal for a day or two?
     The main thing is: This baby *is* breastfeeding, even though not at the
times the mother expects and wants.  The least fuss mnade over the times
when the baby refuses to feed, the better.  The hardest part may be for the
mother to give up the idea that she has a 'problem' and focus on the
positives, in order to work from there.
         Virginia
          in sunny Brisbane
         where the birds are singing

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