dear all,

i have been asked to forward this question to all. a mother of a four year old
who is still nursing also has a 21 month old son with down's syndrome, who has
breastfed through many medical procedures and surgeries. about two weeks ago
(he had some illness that precipitated this that is now resolved) he began to
bite at the breast, and began a nursing strike. when put to breast, he seems
to be biting reflexively, as if he has forgotten how to nurse and can only
remember how to bite. the mother has been pumping and continuing to try to put
this baby to the breast, despite the biting, as she is very determine to
continue breastfeeding. he won't nurse while asleep. she has tried all the
usual solutions, and the person who told me this story feels like he has now
developed an automatic response - biting.

the mother has already asked about building up her milk supply, as her older
child has reported that there is not very much milk in the breasts, so i
passed on the fenugreek info. i have also suggested a rebirthing bath. the
mother and the Leader that contacted me are concerned about whether nursing
strikes of this length in this age child have been successfully "cured," and
whether the down's syndrome is a factor.

carol b.