Why does my baby cry when I breastfeed?

Understanding Why Babies Cry During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a serene bonding experience between mother and child, but for many parents, it can also be a source of confusion and concern, especially when their baby cries during feeds. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help alleviate anxiety and improve the breastfeeding experience.
Common Reasons for Crying
1. Hunger and Frustration: One of the most straightforward reasons a baby might cry while breastfeeding is hunger. If a baby is particularly hungry, they may become frustrated if the milk flow is slow or if they have to wait for the let-down reflex to occur. This frustration can manifest as crying or fussiness at the breast.
2. Milk Flow Issues: Babies can also cry if they are struggling with the milk flow. If the milk comes out too quickly, it can overwhelm them, making it difficult to coordinate sucking and breathing. Conversely, if the flow is too slow, they may become impatient and upset. This can lead to a cycle of crying and pulling away from the breast.
3. Need to Burp: Sometimes, babies cry because they need to burp. Even though breastfed babies typically swallow less air than those fed with bottles, they can still experience discomfort from trapped gas. It’s often helpful to burp the baby between breasts or after a feeding to relieve this discomfort.
4. Discomfort or Pain: Babies may cry if they are experiencing discomfort from conditions like reflux, which can cause them to bring back milk after feeds. This can lead to a negative association with breastfeeding, resulting in crying during feeds. Additionally, teething or other physical discomforts can also contribute to a baby’s fussiness.
5. Overstimulation or Fatigue: Babies can become overwhelmed by their surroundings, especially if there are loud noises or bright lights. This overstimulation can lead to crying during breastfeeding. Similarly, if a baby is overly tired, they may struggle to settle down to feed, resulting in fussiness.
6. Emotional Needs: Babies are sensitive to their caregivers’ emotions. If a mother is anxious or stressed, the baby may pick up on these feelings and react by crying. Creating a calm and soothing environment can help both mother and baby during feeding times.
Tips for Managing Crying During Breastfeeding
To help manage crying during breastfeeding, consider the following strategies:
– Ensure a Comfortable Position: Make sure both you and your baby are comfortable. A good latch can help prevent discomfort for both parties.
– Monitor Milk Flow: If you suspect that milk flow is an issue, try different breastfeeding positions or techniques to help regulate it.
– Burp Regularly: Incorporate burping into your feeding routine to help alleviate any gas discomfort.
– Create a Calm Environment: Reduce distractions and create a soothing atmosphere to help your baby focus on feeding.
– Respond to Cues: Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and try to feed them before they become overly hungry and frustrated.
Conclusion
Crying during breastfeeding can be distressing for both mother and baby, but understanding the underlying reasons can help ease the experience. By addressing potential issues such as hunger, milk flow, and comfort, parents can foster a more positive breastfeeding relationship. Remember, it’s always beneficial to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider if concerns persist, as they can provide tailored support and guidance.

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 does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding?

If you are about to feed and visitors arrive, or your phone is not next to you, or you are anticipating pain or a struggle feeding, you don’t release the hormone oxytocin as quickly so the let-down is slower and the baby can get frustrated and pull away. This often leads to an upset baby and it can upset you too.

What is an irritable baby syndrome?

Infant irritability (‘colic’) is an extremely common phenomenon, with most babies having some periods of irritability. Physiological irritability of infancy peaks at 6-8 weeks of age and is deemed ‘excessive’ if the infant cries for more than 3 hours per day for 3 days per week for 3 consecutive weeks.

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 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 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 is my baby grunting and pulling away while breastfeeding?

You Have Overactive Letdown
One possible explanation for your baby’s twisting and pulling while breastfeeding is that your milk comes out like gangbusters. Overactive letdown (known medically as hyperlactation) can make it hard for a baby to keep up with the steady stream of milk.

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.

Why does my baby keep crying when I feed her?

Some babies cry because of a bloated stomach from overfeeding. Unlike gas, too much milk can cause discomfort that lasts a short time. Caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause increased crying and trouble falling asleep.