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Why does my baby quiver while breastfeeding?

Understanding Baby Quivering During Breastfeeding
It’s not uncommon for parents to notice their baby quivering while breastfeeding, and this phenomenon can be both puzzling and concerning. However, in most cases, it is a normal behavior that can be attributed to several benign factors.
Common Causes of Quivering
One of the primary reasons babies may quiver during breastfeeding is related to their developing muscles and nervous system. As babies are still learning to coordinate their sucking and swallowing reflexes, they may exhibit a quivering jaw or lip. This can happen intermittently and is often more noticeable when they are actively feeding. Many parents have reported similar experiences, noting that their baby’s jaw quivers at times during breastfeeding, which can seem odd but is generally harmless.
Another common cause for this quivering is related to the baby’s emotional state. Babies can experience excitement or frustration while feeding, especially if they are particularly hungry or if the milk flow is not as expected. This emotional response can manifest as a quiver in their lips or jaw.
Physical Factors
Physical factors can also play a role. For instance, if a baby is tired or has been feeding for an extended period, they may exhibit signs of fatigue, which can include quivering. Additionally, teething can cause discomfort that might lead to quivering as the baby tries to manage the sensation while feeding.
When to Seek Help
While quivering is typically normal, parents should remain vigilant. If the quivering is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as difficulty feeding, excessive fussiness, or signs of illness, it may be wise to consult a pediatrician. Persistent quivering could indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.
In summary, while it can be alarming to see your baby quiver during breastfeeding, it is often a normal part of their development and can be attributed to a variety of benign factors. Understanding these reasons can help ease parental concerns and foster a more relaxed breastfeeding experience.

Why does my baby’s mouth quiver when nursing?

Although it sounds like a straightforward process, breastfeeding actually requires a complex series of muscle movements in the tongue, jaw, throat, lips, and face. It’s especially likely in the first few weeks for your baby’s jaw to quiver or tremble due to muscle fatigue.

How to tell if baby is comfort nursing?

Signs of Seeking Comfort: Cuddling: Wanting to be held close or snuggled without showing signs of wanting to eat. Soothing Behavior: Sucking on fingers or a pacifier without showing interest in feeding. Calming: Responding to being rocked, patted, or held, rather than being calmed by feeding.

What is Sandifer’s syndrome in babies?

Sandifer syndrome is a condition characterized by unusual movements of your child’s head, neck and back. The condition can cause temporary muscle spasms as a reaction to acid reflux. Symptoms are most common after your baby eats when the contents of their stomach don’t settle.

What is the fluttering feeling when breastfeeding?

After a while you will notice that the sucks become more infrequent but you might feel “flutters” with more occasional swallowing (some mums say it feels like their baby is tickling them, or their tongue is vibrating against your nipple). This helps to draw even more fat down the ducts as fat is thick and sticky.

What are spasms in breast breastfeeding?

When the blood vessels in the nipples are affected by vasospasm, you may feel pain before, during or after breastfeeds. The pain can last for a few seconds or longer. You may also experience vasospasm when you have ‘let down’ (when your milk ejection reflex has been activated).

How to know if baby has low blood sugar?

In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can happen for many reasons. It can cause problems such as shakiness, blue tint to the skin, and breathing and feeding problems.

How do I know if my baby has a sensitivity to my breast milk?

Fussiness before eating because of hunger, during the feeding and then more fussy as they become more uncomfortable can be common. “Children with MSPI may cry 18 hours or more a day and may develop weight loss, congestion, repeated vomiting, reflux, and certain kinds of skin rashes.

Why does my baby’s mouth quiver while breastfeeding?

Although it sounds like a straightforward process, breastfeeding actually requires a complex series of muscle movements in the tongue, jaw, throat, lips, and face. It’s especially likely in the first few weeks for your baby’s jaw to quiver or tremble due to muscle fatigue.

Is it normal for babies to quiver?

Jitters or trembling of the arms and legs during crying is normal in newborns. It should stop by 1 to 2 months of age. If your baby is jittery when not crying, it could be abnormal. Give her something to suck on.

What does it mean when a baby shakes while breastfeeding?

As your baby gets the hang of latching on, the shaking may then be a result of excitement. While your baby might be gaining neck muscles and is able to shake side to side when nursing, you should still support their head for at least the first three months.

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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