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Why does my baby get mad when I try to breastfeed?

Understanding Your Baby’s Frustration During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience, but it can also come with its challenges. If your baby gets mad when you try to breastfeed, it can be both confusing and frustrating. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help you navigate these moments with more ease.
Common Reasons for Fussiness at the Breast
1. Discomfort or Pain: Babies may fuss if they are uncomfortable or in pain. This could be due to issues like gas, reflux, or even teething. If your baby is experiencing discomfort, they may associate breastfeeding with that discomfort, leading to frustration when you try to nurse.
2. Overstimulation: Babies can become overwhelmed by their surroundings. If there are too many distractions or noises, they might get upset when you try to breastfeed. Creating a calm and quiet environment can help your baby focus on nursing.
3. Hunger Cues: Sometimes, babies may cry or fuss because they are hungry but are not ready to latch on. They might be signaling that they need a moment to settle down before they can nurse effectively.
4. Milk Flow Issues: If the milk flow is too fast or too slow, it can frustrate your baby. A fast flow might cause them to choke or gag, while a slow flow might leave them feeling unsatisfied. Experimenting with different positions or expressing a little milk before latching can help.
5. Emotional State of the Parent: Your emotional state can also affect your baby. If you are feeling stressed or upset, your baby may pick up on those emotions. While there is no evidence that breastfeeding while feeling angry can harm your baby, it can create a tense atmosphere that makes nursing more difficult.
Tips for Easing Breastfeeding Challenges
– Stay Calm: Try to approach breastfeeding with a calm demeanor. If you’re feeling stressed, take a few deep breaths before attempting to nurse.

– Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure that both you and your baby are in a comfortable setting. Dim the lights, reduce noise, and eliminate distractions.
– Observe Your Baby’s Cues: Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and try to respond before they become too upset. This can help create a more positive breastfeeding experience.
– Consult a Lactation Expert: If the fussiness continues, consider reaching out to a lactation consultant. They can provide personalized advice and support tailored to your situation.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby. Understanding the reasons behind your baby’s frustration can help you find solutions and create a more enjoyable experience for both of you. With patience and support, you can navigate these challenges and strengthen your breastfeeding relationship.

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 getting mad while breastfeeding?

Sometimes babies can get upset during breastfeeding if the milk flow is too much or if they are uncomfortable from gas or stomach upset. At these times its worth putting them to your shoulder and patting to perhaps move gas. They might burp to indicate this was the issue.

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 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 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 is my baby so frantic when latching?

Baby’s fussing could mean “I’m not ready yet”. Perhaps the baby needs to burp or fill its nappy (or needs a nappy change) before he can relax and enjoy breastfeeding. Discomfort will distract him from feeding, and you may not realise what he needs to do until after the event!

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.

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.

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.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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