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Why does my babys face get so red when breastfeeding?

Understanding Why Your Baby’s Face Turns Red During Breastfeeding
It’s not uncommon for parents to notice their baby’s face turning red while breastfeeding, and this phenomenon can be attributed to several factors. Understanding these reasons can help alleviate concerns and ensure that both mother and baby are comfortable during feeding.
Body Heat and Positioning
One of the simplest explanations for a baby’s flushed face during breastfeeding is the heat generated from close contact with the mother. Babies are often held snugly against the mother’s body, which can raise their body temperature, leading to a red face. This is particularly true if the environment is warm or if the baby is swaddled tightly.
Blocked Nose or Breathing Difficulties
Another common cause is a blocked nose. Babies are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they primarily breathe through their noses. If their nasal passages are congested, they may struggle to breathe comfortably while feeding, which can cause their face to redden. This can happen due to various reasons, including allergies or a common cold.
Allergic Reactions
In some cases, a red face can indicate an allergic reaction. If a breastfeeding mother consumes foods that contain allergens, such as dairy or nuts, these can pass through her breast milk and trigger a reaction in the baby. Symptoms may include redness on the cheeks or other areas of the body. It’s essential for parents to monitor for additional signs of allergies, such as rashes or hives, which may require medical attention.
Skin Irritations and Conditions
Red blotches or rashes on a baby’s face during breastfeeding can also stem from skin irritations. This could be due to reactions to soaps, detergents, or even the fabric of clothing that comes into contact with the baby’s skin. Conditions like eczema or fungal infections can also manifest as redness on the face.
Emotional Responses
Interestingly, a baby’s face may flush due to emotional responses as well. Feeding can be a comforting and bonding experience, and the excitement or contentment of nursing might cause a temporary reddening of the skin.
Conclusion
While a red face during breastfeeding can be concerning for parents, it is often a benign reaction to heat, breathing difficulties, or even emotional responses. However, if the redness is accompanied by other symptoms such as persistent rashes, difficulty breathing, or signs of distress, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues. Understanding these factors can help parents feel more at ease during feeding times, ensuring a positive experience for both mother and baby.

Why does my baby’s face turn red while breastfeeding?

It’s a typical response to physical activity. Babies can experience this same thing, especially if the room is warm. If your baby’s cheeks are red after breastfeeding or while playing, they’re probably starting to work up a sweat.

How to tell if baby is allergic to breast milk?

Symptoms of dairy allergy in breastfed babies
Some of the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction include: Hives or skin rash. Nausea or vomiting. Abdominal pain.

Why is my baby’s face red after breastfeeding?

If your baby’s cheeks are red after breastfeeding or while playing, they’re probably starting to work up a sweat. It could also be that they’re trying a new skill (such as crawling) and pouring a lot of energy into their movements.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting baby?

If your baby shows negative symptoms after drinking breast milk. Consider how your baby responds to breast milk after drinking it. If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day.

Can breastfeeding cause redness?

Mastitis, which mainly affects people who are breastfeeding, causes redness, swelling and pain in one or both breasts. The redness may be harder to see on Black or brown skin. Mastitis is swelling and redness, called inflammation, of breast tissue. It sometimes involves an infection.

What does a milk allergy rash look like?

Symptoms that can appear within minutes of having a small amount of milk include: raised red bumps of skin – hives (urticaria) itchy, red, weeping or crusty rash of the skin – dermatitis or eczema. swelling of the face.

What does a milk allergy rash look like in babies?

Cow’s milk allergy rash can look like tiny red bumps on your baby’s face, scalp, hands, or feet. The bumps may itch, ooze, and crust over or feel like dry, scaly skin.

Why does my baby’s face turn red when he eats?

A contact reaction to food is NOT a food allergy. It is an irritation to the skin where food has touched. Some foods are more likely to effect the skin when in contact with it than others. Foods that are salty, acidic or rich in histamine can cause this.

Why does my baby’s face turn red when breastfeeding?

It’s a typical response to physical activity. Babies can experience this same thing, especially if the room is warm. If your baby’s cheeks are red after breastfeeding or while playing, they’re probably starting to work up a sweat.

Why does my baby’s face flare up when breastfeeding?

Maternal hormones play a role in baby acne, triggering bumps in some infants. Babies are exposed to fluctuating hormones before birth while in the womb, as well as after birth due to breastfeeding. Infants also have sensitive skin. This means their pores can easily clog, thus causing acne.

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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