Why does my baby cry on one breast but not the other?

Understanding Why Your Baby Cries on One Breast but Not the Other
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience, but it can also come with its share of challenges. One common issue that many nursing mothers face is when their baby cries or fusses while feeding from one breast but not the other. This behavior can be perplexing and distressing, leaving parents wondering what might be causing their little one’s discomfort.
Possible Reasons for Crying at the Breast
There are several factors that could contribute to this behavior. One of the most common reasons is differences in milk flow between the two breasts. If one breast has a faster or slower letdown reflex, the baby may prefer the breast that provides milk more easily. Babies are often sensitive to these variations, and if they find it harder to get milk from one side, they may become frustrated and cry.
Another possibility is breastfeeding position. The way a baby is positioned can affect their ability to latch properly. If the baby is not latched on well to the breast that they are crying at, they may struggle to feed effectively, leading to fussiness. Ensuring that the baby is comfortably positioned and latched can make a significant difference.
Taste and Sensory Factors
Interestingly, the taste of breast milk can also vary slightly based on a mother’s diet and hydration levels. If a mother has consumed certain foods or drinks, it might affect the flavor of her milk, which could lead to a preference for one breast over the other. Additionally, babies are known to be sensitive to sensory experiences, and if they associate one breast with a more pleasant feeding experience, they may cry when offered the other.
Physical Discomfort
Physical discomfort could also play a role. If a baby has gas or is experiencing colic, they may be more irritable during feeding sessions. This discomfort can manifest as crying, particularly if they are trying to feed from a breast that they associate with discomfort.
Developmental Stages
It’s also important to consider that babies go through various developmental stages that can affect their feeding behavior. Around 6-8 weeks, many babies become more aware of their surroundings and may become fussy during breastfeeding as they navigate these changes. This is a normal part of their growth and development.
What Can Parents Do?
For parents facing this issue, there are several strategies that may help. First, try to ensure that both breasts are equally stimulated during feeding sessions. Alternating breasts at each feeding can help balance the milk supply and may encourage the baby to accept both sides.
Additionally, observing the baby’s cues and adjusting the feeding position can make a significant difference. If a baby continues to cry at one breast, it may be helpful to take a break and try again later or to switch to the preferred breast to keep the baby calm and satisfied.
In conclusion, while it can be concerning to see your baby cry while breastfeeding, understanding the potential reasons behind this behavior can help alleviate some of the stress. Each baby is unique, and with patience and observation, parents can often find solutions that work for both them and their little one.

How do I get my baby to stop favoring one breast?

You can encourage your baby to feed from the less effective side:

1. Offer the least preferred side first at each feed.
2. Put baby back to that side or feed on that side more often.
3. Try to position baby in a way that is similar to their preferred side.
4. Try some gentle strategies to encourage your baby to take that breast.

Why does my baby cry and pull away while breastfeeding?

Sometimes babies will refuse or fuss at a breast when the let-down is slower or too forceful, or the supply a bit lower. They in turn will prefer the side which lets down more/less quickly and in which the supply is more bountiful.

Why does my baby hate nursing on one side?

An older baby may reject one breast because it has a low milk supply or a slower flow or letdown than the other breast. Your baby’s breast preference can make the milk supply situation worse: You can end up with a low milk supply in one breast if your baby nurses more often from the other one.

Why is my baby refusing to nurse on one side?

If baby suddenly begins to refuse one side, it could be caused by an ear infection or other illness in baby (making nursing painful or uncomfortable on that side), an injury to baby (or something else, such as a sore immunization site) that makes nursing painful in that position, or a breast infection in that breast ( …

Why is my baby suddenly fussy on one breast?

Sometimes you may be more comfortable feeding on one side in particular. Your baby may also have a preferred side. This can lead to less stimulation and less milk supply on the less preferred side. Eventually your baby becomes fussy and refuses the less preferred side altogether.

Why does my baby cry when breastfeeding on one side?

Sometimes a baby absolutely refuses to feed from one breast for some reason. It could be because the flow is slower or too fast on that side. A baby may have a physical issue that makes feeding on that side uncomfortable. (In this case, changing your position may help.)

What is the witching hour for babies?

The witching hour is an intense period of crying or fussiness in the evenings, lasting up to around 3 hours. It usually starts when babies are about 2 weeks old and usually subsides around 12 weeks. Contributing factors to the witching hour include: overtiredness, cluster feeding, stomach issues, and overstimulation.

How do I help my baby who favors one side?

Position your baby in the crib or changing table so that activities in the room encourage baby to look away from the preferred side. Hold toys or talk to your baby in a way that causes baby to look in the direction that neck mobility is limited.

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.

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 …