Is Your Baby Fussy At The Breast?
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a quiet and serene experience between mother and baby. However, the reality can sometimes be far from that when your little one keeps fussing and crying during feeding sessions. If you’re experiencing this, then we want you to know that you’re not alone. Many breastfeeding moms encounter moments when their infant keeps crying while breastfeeding so they wonder if something may be wrong. But by understanding the possible causes, you can more confidently navigate these challenges. There are many reasons why an infant may keep crying while breastfeeding but in this article, we will look at 5 possible reasons why your baby is fussy at the breast.
5 Possible Reasons Why Your Baby is Fussy At The Breast
1. Positioning and Latch Issues
Your baby needs to be correctly positioned to maintain a good latch. If you are not positioning correctly or if you have a shallow latch then this would cause both discomfort and inadequate milk transfer. This can lead to frustration and crying during feeding sessions because the baby is uncomfortable and not receiving the right amount of milk. By ensuring a proper latch and experimenting with different breastfeeding positions, you can alleviate this problem. If you are having latching issues then be sure to speak with a lactation consultant today who can help you.
2. Oversupply or Fast Milk Flow
If you have an abundant milk supply or a fast let-down reflex, your baby may struggle to manage the flow of milk. This leads to fussiness and crying from choking, sputtering and discomfort. If your baby is too fussy then it may be time to switch to the other breast or try other techniques that make it easier for the baby to comfortably feed during each session. Expressing a little milk before nursing could also help to regulate the flow.
3. Hunger
Despite being breastfed, babies can still experience hunger if they’re not getting enough milk or if they’re going through a growth spurt. They could also experience hunger if you delay your feeding times and this could lead to fussiness during feeding. If your baby keeps fussing during feeding times and seems unsatisfied after nursing, then you may consider offering more frequent feedings or ensuring they’re adequately latched on for longer periods of time.
4. Gas and Digestive Discomfort
Swallowing air while feeding or encountering gas bubbles in the digestive tract can cause discomfort for your baby. This leads to more crying and fussiness during feeding sessions. By burping your baby frequently during and after feedings, you can alleviate gas-related discomfort. Your baby or toddler may also be experiencing diarrhea due to illness and this leads to crying and fussiness from digestive discomfort.
5. Teething Pain
If your baby is around 4 to 7 months old and keeps fussing while breastfeeding then this may be caused by teething pain. Teething can be a painful process for infants, and the discomfort may intensify during breastfeeding sessions due to increased pressure on the gums. By offering a teething toy or gently massaging your baby’s gums before nursing, you can provide some relief. But it is more important to get in touch with a lactation consultant or breastfeeding group for more information to help you manage this situation.
5 Other Causes of Infant Crying While Breastfeeding
- Food intolerance or allergies
- Tongue Ties
- Sleepiness
- Not hungry
- Sickness
Final Thoughts
Although it’s natural to feel distressed when your baby cries during breastfeeding, it’s essential to remember that you are not alone and it’s not necessarily a reflection of your breastfeeding abilities. There are many factors that could be causing this behavior so it is important to speak with a lactation consultant for more personalized guidance and assistance. By understanding and addressing the potential causes mentioned above, you can work towards creating a more comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby. So be patient with yourself and your little one as you navigate through these challenges together.
We hope you found this article informative. Please don’t forget to share. You may also be interested in a previous post on 5 common issues that breastfeeding mothers face.
Sources
www.laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-and-teething/
www.laleche.org.uk/unhappy-baby/
