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Why is my 2 month old thrashing while breastfeeding?

Understanding Your Baby’s Thrashing While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience, but it can also come with its challenges. If your two-month-old is thrashing while nursing, it’s important to understand that this behavior is not uncommon and can stem from various factors.
Common Reasons for Thrashing
1. Discomfort or Gas: One of the most frequent reasons babies thrash during breastfeeding is discomfort, often caused by gas. Babies have immature digestive systems, and they may experience gas pains that lead to squirming and thrashing. If your baby seems to be in distress, consider burping them more frequently during feedings to alleviate any discomfort.
2. Overstimulation: At two months old, babies are still adjusting to the world around them. They can become easily overstimulated by their environment, which may cause them to thrash while feeding. This could be due to noise, bright lights, or even the presence of too many people. Creating a calm and quiet feeding environment can help your baby focus on nursing.
3. Hunger and Frustration: Sometimes, thrashing can indicate that your baby is hungry but frustrated with the flow of milk. If the milk flow is too slow or too fast, it can lead to confusion and agitation. Observing your baby’s cues and adjusting your feeding position or trying different breastfeeding techniques may help.
4. Teething: Although teething typically starts later, some babies may begin to experience discomfort as early as two months. The sensation of new teeth pushing through can cause them to be fussy and thrash while nursing.
5. Need for Comfort: Babies often seek comfort from breastfeeding, and if they are feeling insecure or anxious, they may thrash around as a way to express their need for reassurance. Holding your baby close and ensuring they feel secure can help mitigate this behavior.
What You Can Do
To address your baby’s thrashing, consider the following strategies:
– Create a Calm Environment: Reduce noise and distractions during feeding times. A quiet, dimly lit room can help your baby feel more secure and focused on nursing.

– Monitor Feeding Positions: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find one that is comfortable for both you and your baby. Sometimes a simple change in position can improve the feeding experience.
– Burp Frequently: Incorporate burping into your feeding routine to help relieve any gas that may be causing discomfort.
– Stay Attuned to Cues: Pay attention to your baby’s cues. If they seem frustrated, it might be worth checking if they are still hungry or if they need a break.
In conclusion, while it can be concerning to see your baby thrashing during breastfeeding, understanding the potential reasons behind this behavior can help you address it effectively. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If the thrashing persists or if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding habits, consulting with a pediatrician or a lactation consultant can provide additional support and guidance.

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 …

Why does my baby grunt and thrash while breastfeeding?

Sometimes, your milk lets down so fast that your baby can have trouble swallowing the amount of milk that’s being released. Because of this, your baby may act fussy at breast or choke and sputter at the breast, and he or she may be quite gassy.

Why does my 2 month old squirm 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 kick and squirm 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 do babies act crazy when breastfeeding?

Some babies fuss when they’re having a growth spurt, or when they’re struggling with a fast milk flow. When babies are really upset, it can be hard for them to calm down enough to breastfeed. Of course, breastfeeding fussiness can sometimes be cause for concern.

Why does my baby thrash around while breastfeeding?

This is not true – babies are designed to be able to feed, it’s our approach that often makes it hard for them. The baby that is flailing is a baby that is desperately trying to use their instincts to feed. Very often they grab the nipple in a desperate attempt to hold on – ouch!

Why does my baby get frantic 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.

Why is my baby flailing around while breastfeeding?

Hitting and flailing during nursing is simply a developmental phase of infancy. Babies flail, hit, and smack during nursing sessions for a variety of reasons. Your baby needs attention. Your baby might hit during a nursing session simply to get your attention.

Why is my baby thrashing while bottle feeding?

If your baby is fussing during bottle feeding, you may need to try changing the feeding position, the type of baby milk, the teat, or the bottle.

Why is my 2 month old squirming while breastfeeding?

Wind is common from the newborn stage to about 3 months, as your baby’s digestive system matures. Common signs of trapped wind include: squirming or crying during a feed. looking uncomfortable and in pain if laid down after feeds.

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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