Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » How do I know if my breastmilk is making my baby fussy?

How do I know if my breastmilk is making my baby fussy?

Understanding Baby Fussiness and Breastmilk
As a new parent, it can be distressing to see your baby fussy and unsettled. One potential factor that might contribute to this behavior is your breastmilk, which can be influenced by your diet. Understanding the connection between what you eat and your baby’s mood can help you identify if your breastmilk is the culprit behind their fussiness.
The Role of Maternal Diet
Breastfed babies can sometimes become fussy due to specific foods consumed by their mothers. Certain items in your diet may lead to discomfort in your baby, manifesting as fussiness or irritability. Common culprits include dairy products, caffeine, spicy foods, and certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, which can cause gas. If you notice a pattern of fussiness after consuming these foods, it might be worth considering an elimination diet to see if your baby’s behavior improves.
Signs Your Baby Might Be Fussy Due to Breastmilk
Identifying whether your breastmilk is making your baby fussy involves observing their behavior closely. Here are some signs to look for:
1. Timing of Fussiness: If your baby tends to be fussy shortly after you’ve eaten certain foods, this could indicate a connection. For instance, if they seem particularly irritable after you consume dairy or spicy meals, it may be worth reevaluating those items in your diet.
2. Digestive Discomfort: Babies may exhibit signs of gas or bloating, such as pulling their legs toward their belly or excessive crying. If you suspect that your diet is causing these symptoms, consider tracking your food intake alongside your baby’s behavior.
3. Feeding Patterns: If your baby is feeding well but still seems unhappy, it might not be a hunger issue. Fussiness can occur even when they are getting enough milk, suggesting that the quality of the milk—potentially influenced by your diet—could be a factor.
When to Seek Help
If you’ve tried adjusting your diet and your baby’s fussiness persists, it may be time to consult a pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation and help rule out other potential causes of fussiness, such as teething or illness.
Conclusion
In summary, while it’s common for babies to be fussy for various reasons, your breastmilk can indeed play a role, particularly influenced by your dietary choices. By paying close attention to your baby’s reactions and adjusting your diet accordingly, you may find a solution that helps soothe your little one. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another, so patience and observation are key.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

The third crisis occurs after three months, at this stage the baby has much greater suction strength and will take faster feedings as he is able to empty the breasts with greater speed, that is to say, take more in less time, this period coincides with the development of their hearing and vision, that makes everything …

How do I know if my breast milk is making my baby fussy?

Fussy feeding

  • Comes off the breast or bottle frequently
  • Moves their head side to side when feeding
  • Has trouble latching onto the breast or bottle
  • Makes clicking noises when feeding
  • Appears uncomfortable, even after feeding
  • Brings up a lot of milk
  • Cries during or after feeding
  • Struggles with lots of wind

How do I know if milk is bothering my baby?

an intolerance to milk in which symptoms — such as loose stools, blood in the stool, refusal to eat, or irritability or colic — appear hours to days later. lactose intolerance, which is when the body has trouble digesting milk.

How to tell if baby doesn’t tolerate breast milk?

Symptoms of dairy allergy in breastfed babies

  1. Hives or skin rash.
  2. Nausea or vomiting.
  3. Abdominal pain.
  4. Swelling of the face, lips tongue or throat.
  5. Dizziness.
  6. Shortness of breath.
  7. Difficulty swallowing.
  8. Coughing or wheezing that lingers for several hours after drinking milk.

Why does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding?

Sometimes, your milk lets down so fast that your baby can have trouble swallowing the amount of milk that’s being released. Because of this, your baby may act fussy at breast or choke and sputter at the breast, and he or she may be quite gassy.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby?

If your baby shows negative symptoms after drinking breast milk. Consider how your baby responds to breast milk after drinking it. If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day.

How do you know if breast milk is not agreeing with a baby?

MSPI symptoms

​fussiness or excess crying before, during and after a feeding ​stools may be infrequent, watery, have mucous, or be bloody
​reflux ​spitting up
​nasal congestion ​skin rash, eczema, hives, dry skin
​weight loss ​repeated vomiting
​sudden waking with discomfort

How do I know if my baby is reacting to breast milk?

Here are some steps you can take to determine if your baby has an allergy. Observe your baby’s behavior: Watch for any unusual changes in baby’s behavior after feeding. Look for signs such as excessive fussiness, colic-like symptoms, frequent crying, irritability, or difficulty sleeping.

How to tell if baby is comfort nursing?

Your baby is only nursing for comfort nursing when you see these signs:

  1. Flutter sucking, slowing down, stop sucking, or making little sucks.
  2. Still and looking into space while nursing.
  3. Holding the nipple in their mouth but not sucking for milk.
  4. Rooting and sucking lightly at the breast.
  5. Arching and grabbing ears.

How do I know if my whole milk is upsetting my baby?

Babies with non-IgE mediated cow’s milk allergy can have various symptoms, such as vomiting, fussiness during or after feeding, diarrhea, or blood in the stool.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment