Why is my newborn getting frustrated while breastfeeding?

Understanding Your Newborn’s Frustration While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a serene bonding experience between mother and child, but for many new parents, it can also be a source of frustration—especially when their newborn seems unhappy or fussy at the breast. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help alleviate concerns and improve the breastfeeding experience.
Common Causes of Frustration
One of the primary reasons a newborn may become frustrated during breastfeeding is related to the let-down reflex. This reflex is the body’s way of releasing milk, but if it occurs too forcefully, it can overwhelm the baby. Many infants will pull away or fuss if the milk flow is too fast, leading to choking or sputtering. This rapid flow can also cause discomfort, resulting in excessive gas or even spitting up.
Additionally, the transition from the womb to the outside world can be jarring for a newborn. After spending nine months in a warm, dark, and quiet environment, the bright lights and loud noises of the outside world can be overwhelming. Babies may express their discomfort through fussiness, especially if they are unable to find a calm and soothing breastfeeding environment.
Physical Discomfort and Reflux
Physical discomfort can also play a significant role in a baby’s frustration while breastfeeding. Conditions such as reflux can cause pain during feeding, leading to crying or fussing. If a baby is experiencing gas or digestive issues, they may struggle to latch properly or may pull away frequently, indicating their discomfort.
Tips for Easing Frustration
To help ease your newborn’s frustration, consider creating a more womb-like environment during feeding. This can include dimming the lights, reducing noise, and holding your baby close to mimic the snugness of the womb. Additionally, if you suspect a forceful let-down is the issue, try different breastfeeding positions, such as laying back slightly to slow the flow of milk, or using a cloth to catch the initial spray before your baby latches.
Conclusion
While it can be distressing to see your newborn frustrated during breastfeeding, understanding the potential causes can empower you to make adjustments that enhance the experience for both you and your baby. By addressing issues like let-down reflex, environmental factors, and physical discomfort, you can help create a more positive breastfeeding journey. If concerns persist, consulting with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can provide further support and guidance.

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.

Why does my newborn get frustrated while bottle feeding?

If you’re bottle feeding, your baby may be crying during a feed because the flow of the nipple you’re using is too fast or too slow and they’re not getting enough milk. Double check that the teat you’re using is correct for your baby’s age and sucking ability.

Why does my baby get so frustrated 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.

Should I let my newborn fall asleep while nursing?

“If you’re breastfeeding a newborn, they fall asleep shortly after latching on, and it’s clear they’ve not gotten very much milk during a feeding session, then I recommend waking them up to relatch on and try again.” In fact, you may have to do this a few times as both you and baby get the hang of breastfeeding, …

Why does my baby get stressed when breastfeeding?

Cortisol can be passed to the baby through the breast milk. Past studies have shown that cortisol was found in the human milk of breastfeeding mothers experiencing higher levels of stress, and led to more crying and fussiness in their breastfed babies.

Why is my baby squirming and pulling 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.

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 is my baby thrashing around while breastfeeding?

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.

Why is my baby so frantic when feeding?

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 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.