Why is my baby screaming when I try to breastfeed?

Understanding Your Baby’s Screaming During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a serene bonding experience between mother and child, but for some parents, it can turn into a frustrating ordeal, especially when a baby screams at the breast. This behavior can stem from various factors, and understanding the underlying reasons can help alleviate the distress for both mother and baby.
Common Causes of Screaming During Breastfeeding
1. Discomfort or Pain: One of the primary reasons a baby may scream while breastfeeding is discomfort. This could be due to a variety of issues, such as gas or the need to burp. Babies often swallow air while feeding, which can lead to discomfort. If your baby is fussy or pulls away from the breast, it might be time to pause and burp them before continuing the feeding session.
2. Overstimulation: After spending nine months in the womb, babies can find the outside world overwhelming. Bright lights, loud noises, and even the presence of unfamiliar people can cause anxiety. Mimicking the womb environment—by creating a calm, quiet space—can help soothe your baby and make them more receptive to breastfeeding.
3. Breastfeeding Strike: Sometimes, babies go through phases where they refuse to breastfeed, known as a breastfeeding strike. This can be triggered by changes in the mother’s diet, new scents from lotions or soaps, or even a change in the texture of breast milk due to hormonal fluctuations. During these times, it’s essential to remain patient and try different approaches to encourage your baby to latch.
4. Physical Issues: If your baby has a blocked nose or oral thrush, these conditions can make it difficult for them to suck and breathe simultaneously, leading to frustration and crying. If you suspect any physical issues, consulting a pediatrician can provide clarity and treatment options.
5. Emotional Factors: Babies are sensitive to their mother’s emotions. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, your baby may pick up on these feelings, which can lead to fussiness during feeding. Creating a relaxed atmosphere can help both you and your baby feel more at ease.
Strategies to Help Calm Your Baby
To address the screaming during breastfeeding, consider implementing some of the following strategies:
– Create a Calm Environment: Dim the lights, reduce noise, and hold your baby close to mimic the comforting environment of the womb.
– Burp Frequently: If your baby seems uncomfortable, take breaks to burp them between feeding sessions.
– Experiment with Positions: Sometimes, a different breastfeeding position can make a significant difference in your baby’s comfort level.
– Monitor Your Diet: Pay attention to any recent changes in your diet or personal care products that might be affecting your baby’s willingness to breastfeed.
In conclusion, while it can be distressing to hear your baby scream during breastfeeding, understanding the potential causes can empower you to find solutions. Patience and observation are key, and if challenges persist, seeking support from a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide additional guidance tailored to your situation.

Why is my baby frustrated trying to breastfeed?

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. Your baby is distracted.

How to tell if baby is comfort nursing?

Your baby is only nursing for comfort nursing when you see these signs:

1. Flutter sucking, slowing down, stop sucking, or making little sucks.
2. Still and looking into space while nursing.
3. Holding the nipple in their mouth but not sucking for milk.
4. Rooting and sucking lightly at the breast.
5. Arching and grabbing ears.

What is an irritable baby syndrome?

Infant irritability (‘colic’) is an extremely common phenomenon, with most babies having some periods of irritability. Physiological irritability of infancy peaks at 6-8 weeks of age and is deemed ‘excessive’ if the infant cries for more than 3 hours per day for 3 days per week for 3 consecutive weeks.

Why is my baby in distress when breastfeeding?

If your baby tends to cry during or after feeds, it’s worth checking whether this could be reflux. Our guide to reflux in breastfed babies has information on the signs and symptoms. If you’re not sure what’s wrong, it’s best to speak to your health visitor, call NHS 111 or see a GP to be sure.

Why does my baby scream while trying to latch?

Q: My baby screams and gets frustrated when I try to latch them onto the breast, how can I resolve it? Cathy: In my experience, if your baby is screaming or refusing to go to the breast it’s often because: They aren’t ready to feed.

What are the signs of colic in a baby?

Symptoms of colic

• Frowning and grimacing.
• Reddening of the face.
• The baby may pull up its legs, suggesting stomach pains.
• Loud and long screaming fits.
• Loud tummy rumblings.
• The baby cannot be consoled.
• The crying lasts for three hours or more.

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 squirming and pulling while breastfeeding?

Why do babies push and strain when breastfeeding? Pushing and straining is normal and is part of the baby’s learning process. At birth, babies have a gastrocolic reflex that allows them to eat and have a bowel movement within a few seconds. That is why when they start to suckle, you hear their tummy moving.

Why is my baby screaming and refusing to feed?

Sudden refusal or nursing strike
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 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.