Why does my baby freak out when I try to breastfeed?

Understanding Your Baby’s Fussiness During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a natural and instinctive process, yet many parents find themselves perplexed when their baby reacts negatively during feeds. If your baby is freaking out while breastfeeding, it can be a distressing experience, leaving you feeling frustrated and confused. Understanding the underlying reasons for this behavior can help you navigate these challenging moments.
Common Reasons for Fussiness
One of the primary reasons babies may fuss at the breast is hunger. Babies have a natural instinct to suck, and if they are not getting enough milk quickly enough, they may become agitated. This can happen if the milk flow is slow or if the baby is not latched properly, making it difficult for them to draw milk effectively.
Another factor to consider is discomfort. Babies can be sensitive to various stimuli, including temperature, position, or even the environment around them. If your baby is too hot or cold, or if they are in an uncomfortable position, they may express their discomfort by crying or fussing during breastfeeding.
Emotional Factors
Babies are also highly attuned to their mother’s emotions. If you are feeling anxious or stressed while breastfeeding, your baby may pick up on these feelings and react accordingly. Creating a calm and soothing environment can help both you and your baby feel more relaxed during feeding times.
Health Considerations
In some cases, fussiness during breastfeeding can be linked to health issues. Conditions such as reflux or allergies can cause discomfort during feeds, leading to crying or fussing. If you suspect that your baby’s behavior may be related to a health concern, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician or a lactation consultant for guidance.
Tips for Improvement
To address your baby’s fussiness, consider experimenting with different breastfeeding positions to find one that is comfortable for both of you. Ensuring a proper latch can also make a significant difference in your baby’s ability to feed effectively. Additionally, try to create a peaceful feeding environment, free from distractions, to help your baby focus on nursing.
If the fussiness persists, seeking support from a lactation consultant can provide personalized strategies to improve your breastfeeding experience. They can help identify any underlying issues and offer practical solutions tailored to your situation.
Conclusion
While it can be disheartening to see your baby freak out during breastfeeding, understanding the potential causes can empower you to find solutions. By addressing hunger, discomfort, emotional factors, and health considerations, you can work towards a more positive breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and support is available to help you navigate these challenges.

Why does my baby scream when I try to breastfeed him?

Something may have happened that has frightened them, like fast flow milk they can’t control as they aren’t in the correct position. Again, ensure they can control their own head, relax, and reassure them, otherwise they can get into an aversion screaming loop.

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.

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 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.

Why is my baby squirming and pulling while breastfeeding?

If nursing is not the calm bonding you were expecting, don’t worry. Some squirming is normal, but if your baby is especially active and squirmy during feedings, it could indicate that they are frustrated.

Why does my baby fight me while breastfeeding?

Some babies will pull off the breast soon after let-down if mom has a forceful let-down. Baby may be frustrated by the too-fast flow of milk with let-down. A too-forceful let-down can also cause excessive gas or spitting up/vomiting.

Why does my baby get frantic while breastfeeding?

Breastmilk flow could be too fast or too slow
Or do you have so much milk that the baby pulls off and screams as soon as your let-down starts? Your baby likes his milk to flow at a pace that’s comfortable for him. Too fast can be uncomfortable and frightening, and too slow can be frustrating.

Why is my baby thrashing around while breastfeeding?

Mine seems to do this for multiple reasons. Either he’s tired and just wants to comfort nurse but is mad that milk is coming out; he has gas pains and needs to burp; or he’s cluster feeding and trying to get another letdown/frustrated that milk flow has slowed down (in this case, switching sides helps).

Why does my baby go crazy when trying to latch?

In all likelihood she’s probably just hungry and upset — babies get that way! As long as she’s latching properly, she’ll start to get used to it.

How to get a frantic baby to latch?

If you’re having trouble getting a good latch, try:

1. Moving to a quiet, calm place.
2. Holding your baby skin to skin. While both you and your baby are undressed, hold your baby against your chest.
3. Letting your baby lead. Support your baby’s neck, shoulders, and hips with your hands.