HomeQuestions & Answers#asktheexperts
My13 months old baby is suddenly refusing to breastfeed. She is taking 3-4 meals, snacks, fruits and even cow milk but whenever I offer to nurse her she gets irritated and starts crying. She is not suffering from cold or colic.
Want to share your parenting queries and get answers
Get Solutions and advice from other parents and experts
Ask a QuestionMom of a 2 yr old girl11 months ago
Q.
#asktheexperts My13 months old baby is suddenly refusing to breastfeed. She is taking 3-4 meals, snacks, fruits and even cow milk but whenever I offer to nurse her she gets irritated and starts crying. She is not suffering from cold or colic.
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

1 Answer

A. It’s not uncommon for a 13-month-old to suddenly refuse breastfeeding, and there are several possible reasons for this:
1. Nursing Strike: Sometimes babies temporarily refuse to nurse due to stress, teething, or changes in routine. This is called a "nursing strike" and can be temporary.
2. Teething: Even if she isn’t showing signs of discomfort, teething can make sucking uncomfortable, leading to frustration when nursing.
3. Increased Interest in Solid Foods: As your baby becomes more independent and starts eating a wider variety of foods, she might naturally prefer solids over breast milk.
4. Distraction or Developmental Changes: At this age, babies are often more curious and easily distracted, which can affect their interest in breastfeeding.
5. Decreased Milk Supply: If your milk supply has decreased due to fewer nursing sessions, she may get frustrated when she doesn’t get milk right away.
What You Can Do:
Don’t Force It: Forcing nursing can create negative associations. Instead, offer the breast gently when she’s calm or sleepy.
Try Different Positions: She might find a different nursing position more comfortable, especially if teething is an issue.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Try spending time with skin-to-skin contact to encourage nursing in a relaxed manner.
Pump Milk: If she’s not nursing, consider expressing milk to keep up your supply and offer it in a cup.
If the nursing strike continues for more than a few days, or if you’re concerned about her milk intake, it may be helpful to consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician for additional guidance.
Report Abuse
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SIMILAR QUESTIONS
Mom of a 5 m old boy
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

Mom of a 9 m old child
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

Guardian of 0 children
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

Guardian of a 1 yr 3 m old boy
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Guardian of a 9 m old girl
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

Guardian of a 8 m old boy
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

Guardian of a 4 m old girl
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

Mom of a 10 m old boy
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Mom of a 3 yr 11 m old boy
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

Mom of a 3 m old girl
Answer
Follow
Report Abuse
Share

SUGGESTED ARTICLES
Do you know any solution to this question?Let’s go to the app - To help out fellow parents & to get answers to your questions
Add An Answer
Add An Answer
Add An Answer
Ask a Question
This question is being asked for:
Your identity will not be revealed
POST
Post Answer