Greetings all.... I need some help with a problem.  Baby is 4 months old
and has been on a nursing strike for 2 weeks.  Mom is a second time Mom,
dedicated to breastfeeding.  She has tried co-bathing, co-sleeping,
trying to nurse baby while he sleeps, while she walks, dances with him,
etc.  Baby has been taken to their Ped and checks out Ok.  Mom has tried
letting baby get hungry---he nurses through the first let-down then
refuses to continue.  Mom reports baby has only gained 1oz in the past 6
days.  (Birth weight was 5# 12oz.  at 4 months he weighs 13# 6oz!!).
The Ped. wants baby to gain 1oz. perday and now wants Mom to wean to
formula.
He gave Mom and baby 2 weeks to resolve the strike, and time is up.

My suggestions were to use an SNS with EBM or formula after the initial
let down eases so baby will be encouraged to stay at breast with a good
uninterrupted flow.  Also suggested Mom pump after feedings and/or take
fenugreek and blessed thistle.

I've tried to get into the archives but they're saying they are too
busy.  Is there anything I"ve overlooked?  Is it normal for a strike to
last this long?  I've helped a lot of Moms with "striking" babies, but
never one this young or for this long.  I welcome all suggestions and
will keep trying the archives.


susan wirtjes RN IBCLC
Waterloo, IA  upper midwest USA
feeling quite overwhelmed by a terrible week at work!

from Susan in Iowa (is this heaven?)

"What you permit, you promote"