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

Understanding Your Baby’s Crying During Feeding
As a new parent, it can be distressing to see your baby cry every time you attempt to feed her. This behavior is not uncommon, and while it may seem puzzling, there are several potential reasons behind it. Understanding these can help you navigate this challenging phase with more confidence.
Common Reasons for Crying During Feeding
One of the primary reasons your baby might cry during feeding is discomfort related to feeding techniques or conditions. For instance, some infants experience reflux, a condition where milk is brought back up after feeding, causing discomfort and leading to crying. This is particularly common in younger babies and can often be managed with adjustments in feeding positions or techniques.
Another possibility is overfeeding. Babies have a natural ability to regulate their intake, and if they are pushed to finish a bottle or continue nursing when they are already full, they may become fussy or cry due to a bloated stomach. It’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues, such as turning her head away, which indicates she has had enough.
Emotional and Sensory Factors
Crying can also be a form of communication for your baby. Infants often cry not just out of hunger but also for comfort, warmth, or security. Feeding is a time when they seek closeness and reassurance from their caregiver. If your baby is feeling overstimulated or tired, she may cry during feeding as a way to express her discomfort.
Additionally, some babies may fuss or pull away during breastfeeding due to sensitivity to the flow of milk or even the taste of the milk if the mother has recently consumed certain foods. This can lead to frustration and crying, as the baby struggles to find a comfortable feeding rhythm.
Strategies to Soothe Your Baby
To help ease your baby’s crying during feeding, consider experimenting with different feeding positions or environments. A calm, quiet space can make a significant difference. If you suspect reflux, try keeping your baby upright for a while after feeding to minimize discomfort.
Moreover, be mindful of your baby’s feeding cues. Allow her to guide the feeding process, and avoid pressuring her to eat more than she wants. This approach not only respects her natural instincts but can also reduce the likelihood of crying due to overfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while it can be distressing to see your baby cry during feeding, understanding the underlying reasons can help you respond more effectively. Whether it’s discomfort from reflux, the need for comfort, or simply a reaction to overstimulation, being attentive to your baby’s needs and cues is key. Remember, this phase is a common part of early parenting, and with time, you will likely find a rhythm that works for both you and your baby.

Why does my baby cry and squirm when I feed her?

Wind is common from the newborn stage to about 3 months, as your baby’s digestive system matures. Common signs of trapped wind include: squirming or crying during a feed.

What position helps baby gas?

Some positioning tips: Feed your baby as upright as possible; lay your child on their back and pedal their legs with your hands to help expel gas from below; if your child is awake after a feeding, place them on their belly. Increase tummy time.

Why does my baby cry and not want to feed?

Babies refuse to eat every now and then for lots of reasons: They’re tired, sick, distracted, or just full. Don’t force-feed your baby, but do talk to your child’s doctor if you’re worried.

Why is my baby fussy and wants to nurse constantly?

Teething, separation anxiety, and developmental milestones are all possible causes of this behavior. Breastfeeding gives emotional support and soothes them during these adjustments. It’s also a familiar pattern, and they may nurse more when babies are sick or experiencing a growth spurt.

Should I feed baby every time she cries?

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.)

Why is my baby constantly comfort feeding?

Mums often say that their baby wants to be held constantly and feed “all the time” and that baby cries when put down in their cot. This is a very normal and common behaviour for babies who are otherwise content during other parts of the day, feeding and gaining weight well and are generally healthy.

Why is my baby unsettled when feeding?

Unsettled feeding
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 screaming and refusing to feed?

Sudden refusal or nursing strike
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.

What are silent reflux in babies’ symptoms?

If your infant or child experiences any of the following symptoms, timely evaluation is critical.

• Chronic cough.
• Hoarseness.
• Noisy breathing (stridor)
• Croup.
• Reactive airway disease (asthma)
• Sleep disordered breathing (SDB)
• Spit up.
• Feeding difficulty.

Why does my baby cry while trying to feed?

The gastro-colic reflex
If baby is crying during a feed, they are almost certainly suffering from “gastro-colic reflex”. If they suckle too quickly, they swallow a significant amount of milk and don’t take the time to evacuate air by burping.