Nursing Strike? Please share your experiences and remedies (and DC's age)

[*jacksmama*]

DD is 17 months.   I'm not sure what's going on as DS was a happy and easy nurser til he weaned at 2.  DD cries, kicks, hits, pinches, laughs, crawls off my laugh, etc.  This nonsense has been going on for weeks.  I thought it was because my letdown is ridiculously slow and she was frustrated (it had been super fast with lots, lots of milk when she was younger).  For 2 days, she's refused at least 1 feeding and dropped to nursing from 1 side.  Nursing strike?  Weaning?  I hope she's not weaning because she is only 17 months.  Please advice!

*I should note that I am under an incredible amount of stress (and sadness).  Next month will be the 1 year anniversary of my 28 yo brother's passing (brain caner).  He was at home so we experienced the stages of death with him.  The memories are very sad and vivid for me right now.  Could this be affecting my milk and our BF relationship?  We're struggling financially, maybe even losing our home, which fortunately is no longer our primary residence, but nonethelss hard.  DH has major issues with his mom right now too.  After writing all this, I am sure these things have to do with what's going on.  Now, how do I fix it?  Also, I've gained 5 lbs (haha could it be from stress?!) so I want to lose that but don't want to jeopardize my DD's BFing.

Many, many thanks for reading my rambling post.

[PatioGardener]

At 17 months I would treat it as a partial strike.  Tips that help include staying calm about it (at least to DD!), offering often with no pressure, offering in new places, different positions, in the bath, during sleepy times (especially the breast she is refusing), and expressing milk if you can to keep your supply up.

Hang in there, Mama.  This dark time will pass.