Why is my newborn only calm when breastfeeding?

Understanding Why Newborns Are Calm During Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the experience of breastfeeding can be both a source of joy and a puzzle. One common observation is that newborns often seem most calm and content while breastfeeding. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors that intertwine the physiological, emotional, and instinctual aspects of a baby’s early life.
The Comfort of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides not just nutrition but also comfort. For newborns, the act of nursing is deeply soothing. The rhythmic suckling mimics the sensations they experienced in the womb, where they were surrounded by warmth and the constant sound of their mother’s heartbeat. This familiarity can create a sense of security, making them feel safe and calm during feeding times.
Moreover, breast milk is tailored to meet all of a newborn’s nutritional needs for the first six months, which means that breastfeeding is not only a source of food but also a source of hydration and comfort. The close physical contact during breastfeeding fosters a bond between mother and child, further enhancing the baby’s sense of well-being.
Instinctual Behavior
Newborns are hardwired to seek out breastfeeding. This instinctual behavior is crucial for their survival. When a baby is hungry or uncomfortable, their natural response is to cry, signaling their need for nourishment and comfort. Breastfeeding satisfies these needs simultaneously, which is why many babies appear calm and content while nursing.
Additionally, the act of breastfeeding releases hormones in both the mother and the baby. For the mother, oxytocin is released, promoting feelings of love and attachment, while for the baby, it can induce a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety.
Addressing Discomfort
While many babies are calm during breastfeeding, some may exhibit signs of fussiness or discomfort. Factors such as reflux or other gastrointestinal issues can lead to a baby being fussy at the breast. In such cases, parents might notice that their baby is only calm when nursing, as it temporarily alleviates their discomfort. Understanding these underlying issues can help parents create a more soothing environment for their little ones.
Creating a Calming Environment
To enhance the calming effects of breastfeeding, parents can create a soothing atmosphere. Techniques such as dimming the lights, using white noise, or gently rocking the baby can help mimic the womb environment, making the baby feel more secure and relaxed. These strategies can be particularly effective if the baby is fussy or restless outside of feeding times.
Conclusion
In summary, a newborn’s calmness during breastfeeding is a multifaceted phenomenon rooted in instinct, comfort, and the nurturing bond between mother and child. By understanding these dynamics, parents can better appreciate the significance of breastfeeding not just as a means of nourishment, but as a vital source of emotional security for their newborns.

Why is nursing the only way to calm baby?

Calming an upset baby is a natural part of parenting, and breastfeeding is a natural way to do so. Sucking actually releases sleep inducing hormones, which can help babies establish their circadian rhythms.

Are breastfed babies more clingy to mom?

Myth: Babies who have been breastfed are clingy.
All babies are different. Some are clingy and some are not, no matter how they are fed. Breastfeeding provides not only the best nutrition for infants, but is also important for their developing brain.

Why does my baby only stop crying when nursing?

Hungry Baby.
The most common reason babies cry is because they are hungry. They stop crying at the onset of feeding. By the end of the feeding, they are happy.

Can comfort nursing lead to overfeeding?

In terms of overfeeding, babies tend to be good at self-regulating their milk intake. Overfeeding is much more common when babies are bottle fed. When a baby comfort nurses, they do not drink nearly as much milk as when they are nursing at mealtimes due to the leisurely and less intense sucking motions.

Why is my baby only soothed by breastfeeding?

Calming an upset baby is a natural part of parenting, and breastfeeding is a natural way to do so. Sucking actually releases sleep inducing hormones, which can help babies establish their circadian rhythms.

Is it normal for babies to only breastfeed for comfort?

Comfort nursing is perfectly normal, whether in spurts or as regular, daily bonding time. With that in mind, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs that may indicate what you think is a sudden desire for comfort nursing is actually something else.

Why are breastfed babies calmer?

B: Oxytocin contained in human breastmilk and further released during breastfeeding through suckling, touch, and warmth facilitates socio-emotional functioning in the infant by enhancing positive tendencies (approach) and reducing negative tendencies (withdrawal and anxiety).

What are signs of cluster feeding?

Signs of cluster feeding

• Show hunger signs shortly after eating.
• Act frustrated while rooting, even when your nipple is right there.
• Alternate frequently between eating, fussing, and resting.

Why does my newborn constantly want to breastfeed?

Many babies are fussier during growth spurts and will want to nurse longer and more often, as much as every 30 minutes. It may feel like all you’re doing is feeding your baby! But this is your baby’s way of helping you increase your milk supply so that you can keep up with baby’s needs.

Why does my baby constantly let go when breastfeeding?

Some mothers have such a strong let-down at times that the baby can’t always handle the volume of milk well. If your baby chokes, gags, or pushes off of the breast a minute or two after starting to feed, an overactive let-down may be the cause.