Why are my babys hands in the way while breastfeeding?

The Intricacies of Breastfeeding: Why Baby’s Hands Get in the Way
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a serene bonding experience between mother and child, but for many new mothers, the reality can be quite different. One common frustration is the seemingly constant presence of tiny hands getting in the way during feeding. These little appendages, while adorable, can sometimes feel like a hindrance. So, why do babies’ hands often seem to interfere while breastfeeding?
Natural Instincts at Play
Newborns are equipped with a range of reflexes and instincts that guide their behavior, and their hands play a crucial role in this process. As babies attempt to latch onto the breast, they instinctively use their hands to explore their environment. This exploration is not just random movement; it serves a purpose. Babies may use their hands to shape the nipple or guide themselves into a better position for latching. This natural behavior can lead to moments where their hands are flailing about, making it challenging for mothers to maintain a smooth feeding session.
Stability and Comfort
Another reason for the hand movements is related to stability. Just as adults might use their arms to steady themselves while eating, babies use their hands to help stabilize their bodies during breastfeeding. This instinctual behavior helps them feel secure as they navigate the feeding process. The little hands may push against the mother’s breast or even grasp at her clothing, which can be both endearing and distracting.
Encouraging Milk Flow
As babies grow, their hand movements can also serve a functional purpose in stimulating milk flow. Some infants will knead the breast with their hands, a behavior reminiscent of how they might have kneaded their mother’s belly in utero. This action can encourage the mother’s milk supply and help the baby get the nourishment they need.
Navigating Distractions
Breastfeeding can be a sensory-rich experience, and as babies become more aware of their surroundings, they may become easily distracted. This distraction can lead to them pulling away from the breast or using their hands to explore their environment, which can further complicate the feeding process.
Finding Solutions
For mothers struggling with the challenge of their baby’s hands during breastfeeding, there are strategies to help. Allowing the baby to latch themselves can sometimes reduce the interference of their hands, as they may instinctively find a comfortable position without excessive movement. Additionally, experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can help both mother and baby find a more comfortable arrangement that minimizes distractions.
In conclusion, while the presence of tiny hands during breastfeeding can be a source of frustration, it is also a natural part of the breastfeeding journey. Understanding the reasons behind these movements can help mothers navigate the challenges of feeding, turning what might feel like an annoyance into a moment of connection and growth for both mother and child.

Where should babies’ hands be when breastfeeding?

It can be helpful to place each of your baby’s arms on either side of your breast. This position triggers your baby to open her mouth wide. Allow your baby to plant her lower lip on your breast well away from the nipple.

How to get babies’ hands out of the way when breastfeeding?

Try laid-back breastfeeding to assist with this. In this position, you can wrap your baby’s hands AROUND your breast and he will come in with his face instead.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

Why do babies open and close their hands while breastfeeding?

Hand movements, by the infant on the breast, increase maternal oxytocin. It also causes the nipple tissue to become erect, which facilitates latch. Babies are best able to use their hands against gravity, lifting them up, when their hands are in their field of vision.

Why is my baby thrashing around while breastfeeding?

Overactive letdown (known medically as hyperlactation) can make it hard for a baby to keep up with the steady stream of milk. As a response, they may twist and tug to try and make the milk flow slow down or stop.

What should you not do while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Why do babies move their arms while breastfeeding?

For the baby, they feel like they are falling away from the person they most want to be next to – and then because they are unstable, they do things that make latch harder – flailing their arms, “breast boxing”, crying, head bopping, shaking their head back and forth, kicking their legs, arching away, and so much more.

Why is my baby constantly unlatching?

It’s not bad for them, there’s no reason to stop them doing it, but it usually means they’re just trying to soothe themselves to sleep and aren’t hungry any more. You can often use the breast to comfort baby when they aren’t hungry, actually, because they will comfort nurse if they’re upset.

Why does my baby keep grunting and unlatching?

What is newborn grunting? Grunting in newborns is usually due to digestion since their body is getting acclimatised to breast or formula milk. The baby may feel uncomfortable due to gas or pressure in the stomach, and grunting is a way of getting through it.

What are the signs of poor latch-on of breastfeeding?

You’ll know your baby didn’t latch on properly if you see indentations in their cheeks when they suckle, hear clicking noises or notice their lips curled inward. They may also move their head frequently or not do any swallowing. Incorrect latching may also cause pain for you.