by Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant

Question:

My 10-month-old girl started to bite me and show no interest in nursing suddenly one day. I tried to nurse her for a couple of days after that, but she wouldn't latch on, just bite and pull on my nipple. I figured she was weaning herself, but now two weeks later I am wondering if I didn't try hard enough to get her back on. I had been wearing a new underwire bra for two days when this happened and wondered if that hindered my supply so much that she was affected. Could that be possible? I'm having doubts and wondering if I should try again and see if I can salvage my milk supply, but don't know if it's possible or if she will really want it. Can babies really wean themselves so suddenly?

Answer:

It is unusual for babies to wean at ten months, but some do. Does she use a pacifier or a thumb to soothe herself? Did something happen to make her wary of the breast? (Like she bit you and you yelled?) Is she really "into" food or other activities? Is she teething and having a lot of gum discomfort?

One thing is for sure, if she doesn't really want to nurse, she won't, no matter what. She may be having a nursing strike. You might try offering her nursing when she is sleepy, when the two of you are bathing together, or if you are comforting her and rocking her, just casually offer. Then if she is interested, she may go back to nursing. Always offer in a gentle, relaxed way, and see how she reacts. If she is negative, just comfort her in a different way, and try again another time.

I don't think it was the bra, probably just a lot of different circumstances. You might take her to a La Leche League meeting. When she sees the other babies nursing, she may remember just how nice it can be! Some areas have toddler meetings where very busy young babies will stop by and "tank up" and then keep on playing with the other children. This would be enjoyable for both of you. You can find a local group at the LLLI Web site. Let us know how things turn out!