Why does my baby cry every time I try to breastfeed?

Understanding Why Your Baby Cries During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a serene bonding experience between mother and child, but for many parents, it can be fraught with challenges, particularly when a baby cries during feeding. This behavior can be distressing and confusing, leaving parents wondering what might be causing their little one to fuss or cry at the breast.
Common Reasons for Crying During Breastfeeding
1. Overactive Letdown: One of the most common reasons a baby might cry during breastfeeding is an overactive letdown reflex. If milk flows too quickly, it can overwhelm the baby, making it difficult for them to coordinate sucking and breathing. This can lead to frustration and crying as they struggle to manage the flow.
2. Hunger and Timing: Babies have their own unique feeding cues, and sometimes parents may misinterpret these signals. Delaying feeds or trying to adhere to a strict schedule can lead to an unhappy baby. Responding promptly to your baby’s hunger cues by offering the breast can help soothe their discomfort.
3. Gas and Discomfort: Babies can also cry due to discomfort from gas or a bloated stomach, which may result from swallowing air while feeding. This is particularly common in bottle-fed babies, but breastfed infants can experience it too. If a baby is crying after feeding, it might indicate that they are uncomfortable due to trapped gas.
4. Fatigue or Overstimulation: Sometimes, a baby may cry at the breast simply because they are tired or overstimulated. Newborns can become easily overwhelmed by their surroundings, and this can manifest as fussiness during feeding. In such cases, creating a calm and quiet environment may help.
5. Discomfort with Positioning: The way a baby is positioned during breastfeeding can also affect their comfort level. If they are not latched on properly or if they are in an awkward position, they may cry out of frustration. Ensuring a good latch and comfortable positioning can alleviate this issue.
6. Developmental Changes: It’s important to note that crying during breastfeeding can be a phase that many babies go through, particularly around 6 to 8 weeks of age. This period often coincides with growth spurts and developmental milestones, which can lead to increased fussiness.
What Can Parents Do?
For parents facing this challenge, there are several strategies to consider. First, observe your baby’s feeding cues closely and try to respond promptly. If your baby seems overwhelmed by the flow of milk, you might try nursing in a more reclined position to slow the flow. Additionally, ensuring that your baby is well-burped after feeding can help alleviate gas discomfort.
Creating a soothing environment can also make a significant difference. Dimming the lights, reducing noise, and holding your baby close can help them feel more secure and relaxed during feeding. If the crying persists, consulting with a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide personalized guidance and support.
In conclusion, while it can be distressing to see your baby cry during breastfeeding, understanding the potential reasons behind this behavior can empower parents to find effective solutions. With patience and support, many families can navigate these challenges and foster a positive breastfeeding experience.

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 …

Why does my baby cry while trying to breastfeed?

Overstimulation, delayed feedings or a long separation from you might cause fussiness and difficulty nursing. A strong reaction from you to being bitten during breastfeeding might have the same effect. Sometimes a baby is simply too distracted to breastfeed. Unusual scents or tastes.

Why does my baby fight when trying to latch?

Babies will often fight or get upset if they haven’t got a clear airway or do not feel like they’re in a stable position. One thing to try is letting your baby control their own head, lean back so they snuggle their whole body into you – putting pressure or support on their shoulder blades can help too.

What does nursing strike look like?

Babies who are entering a nursing strike typically refuse the breast but seem unhappy, fussy and displeased by not nursing. While your baby probably sometimes becomes distracted at the breast, pulling away or rooting in the middle of a feed is not indicative of a nursing strike, rather they’re just distracted.

Why does my baby keep unlatching and crying?

Babies who are having trouble getting a full meal might unlatch and fuss or cry. They may also seem to “shut down” at the breast. Either way, if you have any suspicions that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, you should speak to your doctor or a lactation consultant as soon as possible.

Why is my baby aggressively latching and unlatching?

Oversupply and overactive milk ejection reflex are two reasons your baby may pop on and off your breast, while breastfeeding when there is too much milk coming at them too fast or faster than they can handle. Your baby may come off your breast choking and sputtering or need to burp more often.

Could my breast milk be upsetting my baby?

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.

Why is my baby rejecting my breasts?

There are several reasons why your baby may suddenly start to refuse your breast: they are unwell (tummy ache, earache, oral thrush etc.) too little milk. too much milk, your baby may be struggling with the flow of milk.

Why does my baby cry every time I try to feed her?

But it may happen because babies find it harder to digest food when they are really young. Constant crying could also be due to food allergies, such as cow’s milk allergy. If you think this is the case, talk to your GP before making any changes to your baby’s diet.

Why is my baby screaming and refusing breasts?

It could be from a cold, ear infection, stuffy nose, upset stomach, injury, teething, thrush, cold sore, or other reasons. Your baby is upset. Maybe there is a big change in nursing routine, you were apart for a long time, or your baby’s environment is uncomfortable.