What to do if baby cries after breastfeeding?

Understanding Why Babies Cry After Breastfeeding
Crying after breastfeeding can be a distressing experience for both parents and their little ones. It’s important to remember that this behavior is quite common, and there are several potential reasons behind it. Understanding these reasons can help parents respond effectively and soothe their babies.
Common Reasons for Crying
1. Hunger or Overfeeding: One of the most straightforward reasons a baby might cry after breastfeeding is hunger. Babies have small stomachs and may need to feed frequently. Conversely, some babies may cry if they feel overfull or uncomfortable after a feeding. It’s essential to observe your baby’s cues to determine if they are still hungry or if they have had enough.
2. Discomfort or Gas: Babies often experience gas or discomfort in their digestive systems, which can lead to crying. This is particularly common in infants due to their immature digestive systems. If a baby is gassy, gentle tummy massages or bicycle leg movements can help relieve discomfort.
3. Colic or Reflux: Conditions like colic or acid reflux can cause significant discomfort for babies, leading to crying after feeding. Colic is characterized by excessive crying, often in the late afternoon or evening, while reflux may cause babies to spit up or seem uncomfortable after eating. If you suspect either condition, consulting a pediatrician is advisable.
4. Need for Comfort: Sometimes, babies cry simply because they need comfort or reassurance. They may feel overwhelmed or overstimulated and seek the soothing presence of their caregiver. Holding your baby close, using a soft carrier, or swaddling them can provide the comfort they need.
5. Breastfeeding Issues: If a baby is fussing or crying during breastfeeding, it could indicate issues such as a poor latch or an uncomfortable position. Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions or ensuring a proper latch can make a significant difference.
What Parents Can Do
When faced with a crying baby after breastfeeding, there are several strategies parents can employ:
– Check for Hunger: If it’s been a while since the last feeding, your baby might still be hungry. Offering the breast again can help.

– Burp Your Baby: After feeding, burping can help release trapped air in the stomach, which may alleviate discomfort and reduce crying.
– Create a Calm Environment: Sometimes, a noisy or chaotic environment can overwhelm a baby. Creating a calm, soothing atmosphere can help them settle down.
– Try Different Positions: If your baby seems uncomfortable, try changing their position during breastfeeding. Some babies prefer different angles or may need to switch breasts.
– Seek Professional Help: If crying persists and you are concerned, consulting a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide tailored advice and support.
Conclusion
Crying after breastfeeding is a common occurrence that can stem from various factors, including hunger, discomfort, or the need for comfort. By understanding these reasons and employing effective strategies, parents can help soothe their babies and create a more peaceful feeding experience. Remember, it’s essential to trust your instincts and seek help if needed, as every baby is unique and may require different approaches to find comfort.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

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. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

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 …

What if my baby won’t burp after feeding?

As your baby gets older, don’t worry if your child doesn’t burp during or after every feeding. Usually, it means that your baby has learned to eat without swallowing too much air.

What to do when baby cries after breastfeeding?

The following tips may help you to reduce your baby cries:

1. Start feeding your baby once you noticed the early feeding cues.
2. Breastfeed before your breast becomes swollen or engorged.
3. Apply cold compress to soothe breast engorgement before feeding.
4. Try out different feeding positions.

Why does my baby cry after breastmilk?

Fussing at the end of a nursing session (or what seems to be the end) may mean that baby needs to burp, or is ready to finish nursing, or just wants to suck (and doesn’t want to deal with a new let-down at this point), or wants to continue nursing on the other side or with a faster flow of milk.

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

You’ll know if your breast milk is upsetting baby if they are unusually gassy or fussy after eating. As you and your baby get acclimated to breastfeeding, you’ll learn what not to eat while breastfeeding if your baby reacts to a certain food or drink.

What happens if baby doesn’t settle after feeding?

Why does my baby not settle after feeds? If your baby swallows air while bottle feeding, they may feel uncomfortable and cry. After a feed, hold your baby upright against your shoulder or propped forward on your lap. Gently rub their back so any trapped air can find its way out.

Should you keep feeding a crying baby?

Be careful not to feed your baby every time she cries. Some babies cry because of a bloated stomach from overfeeding. Let your baby decide when she’s had enough milk. (For example, she turns her head away.)

What to do if baby is not satisfied after breastfeeding?

If your baby is unsettled at the breast and doesn’t seem satisfied by feeds, it may be that they are sucking on the nipple alone. This may mean they are not getting enough milk. Ask for help to get your baby into a better feeding position.

Why is my baby still crying after a feed?

If your baby tends to cry during or after feeds, it’s worth checking whether this could be reflux. Our guide to reflux in bottle fed babies has information on the signs and symptoms. If you’re not sure what’s wrong, it’s best to speak to your health visitor, call NHS 111 or see a GP to be sure.