The Nursing Baby - Q&A

Hello my baby is 9 1/2 months old. I'm still nursing, but in the past month my baby goes through periods where he doesn't want to nurse, he just won't latch on, and then the next day he'll start nursing like we never had a problem. What does this mean?

Dear Sherry,

9 months is a very typical age for babies to go through nursing strikes. Your baby sounds like he is striking - for a day at a time on occasion.

Your 9 month old may have decided that there are more fun things to do than nurse, like play. This may be a good time for you to experiment with some nursing positions that let baby's eyes look out at the world a bit better. You may also have luck trying your nursing sessions in a still, dark room.

It's very important that you don't push hard to keep your baby nursing. It almost always has the opposite effect. Even 9 month old babies are known to be rebellious! My first son began throwing tantrums then (not when he didn't get his way, but when something was beyond his abilities and he was frustrated).

There are a few things you can try which might have a positive effect. Look over the list and see if any apply to your situation.

• Avoid bottles and pacifiers. If you feel baby needs liquids other than breastmilk, offer water in a sippy cup.
• Many 9 month olds are ready to graduate from spoon-fed mushy foods to chunkier foods and foods they can feed themselves. A 9 month old feeding himself simply cannot eat huge quantities.
• Offer to nurse before meals when baby is hungry.
• When offering the breast, just offer once, and don't make it a big deal if baby's not interested. Try different nursing positions if you think baby has tired of positions where baby cannot see. At nine months, many babies enjoy sitting on mom's lap or beside her with their heads partially turned out.
• If baby seems to be day weaning, concentrate on still providing nursing at night. Take baby into the bed beside you and let him nurse at night.

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.