When your baby becomes fussy on the breast, it can be a stressful experience for both of you. This common issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, including hunger, discomfort, or even a need for a change in feeding position. Understanding the root cause of your baby's fussiness is key to finding a solution and ensuring a smoother feeding experience. In this article, we will discuss the potential causes of a fussy baby on the breast and offer practical tips to help calm your little one during nursing sessions.
Why does My Newborn Cry while Nursing?
Fussing during breastfeeding means that your baby is trying to say they are not pleased with something. But why is this happening, and what can you do?
The following are some reasons why the baby is fussy while breastfeeding.
- Baby's Not Hungry Yet. Your baby might be fussing because they're not ready to feed. They may need to burp or have their diaper changed before they can relax and feed. If your baby doesn't want to feed, pause for a moment and hold your baby close. When they're ready, they'll start searching for the breast again.
- Baby Is Full. As the babies age, their feeding patterns change. They may no longer need to feed as frequently or for as long a time and may only want one breast. Allow your baby to determine when he has had enough. Trust that they will feed when hungry.
- Incorrect Position. A shallow latch can be really frustrating for your baby. They need a good position to get enough milk. Try a baby-led latch. Let your baby help themselves and find a comfortable position. If the problems continue, seek advice from a lactation consultant.
- Milk Flow Issues. Some babies fuss if the flow is too fast or too slow. A fast flow makes them choke, while a slow flow frustrates them. If it's too fast, try either an upright position or express some milk before feeding. If the flow is too slow, gentle compressions could help.
- Bottle Feeding and Breastfeeding. If you use bottles and breastfeed, then your baby may become accustomed to the faster flow of the bottle and fuss at the breast. Bottle use can be cut down as much as possible, or slow-flow teats can be used if you need to combine feeding methods.
- Baby in Pain or Ill. Pain from teething, illness, or vaccinations may make breastfeeding more difficult for your baby. Comfort your baby when they are sick. Crying due to discomfort or sickness usually goes away as soon as they start to feel better. If the problem persists, check with a physician or lactation consultant.
Your baby fussing at the breast is a way of saying, "I'm not ready" or "I'm full." Trust your baby's cues; offer the breast when you think the baby wants to feed. If you have doubts, ask your doctor or lactation consultant.
How to Deal with a Baby Fussy on Breast?
It is quite natural for babies to get cranky while feeding. But it may get pretty irritating both for you and your baby in some situations. There are several ways you can deal with a fussy baby and ease breastfeeding for you and your baby.
- Skin to Skin Contact
You and your baby are sure to find skin-to-skin contact calming. Holding your baby next to your chest before feeding often stimulates instinctive feeding actions, helps regulate heart and breathing rates, and offers a sense of security. It is a good time to soothe a fussing baby before you try to nurse.
- Switch Sides or Try Different Positions
Sometimes, babies fuss because they are uncomfortable with their current breastfeeding position. Try switching to the other breast, or experiment with different breastfeeding positions to see which one your baby prefers. A change in position can help improve the latch and make the feeding more comfortable for your baby. Using a nursing pillow can help with this, too. Momcozy Nursing Pillow provides more comprehensive arms support for moms. This nursing pillow also helps stay in an ideal position, eliminating the gap between the mom and the baby.
- Let Someone Else Soothe the Baby
It may even be helpful to pass your baby to another caregiver when you are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. Occasionally babies can sense when their parents are stressed, making the baby more difficult. A little break can give you both an opportunity to reset, and your baby might be more willing to nurse once they have had a little bit of time to calm down.
- Try Motion and Darkness
Babies are used to the calm, enclosed space of the womb, and adjusting to the bright, noisy world can be overwhelming. Try mimicking the womb environment by gently rocking your baby in your arms, using a baby carrier, or placing your baby in a swing. Dimming the lights or using white noise can also create a calming atmosphere that may help your baby nurse more easily.
- Burp Your Baby
While the baby is gassy or has some air trapped in the stomach, it could make feeding uncomfortable. Burping your baby before or even during feeding can help relieve the discomfort. Hold your baby upright against your chest or pat them gently to help them release the trapped gas.
Feeding when your baby wakes up from a nap can often be a smoother experience. Babies are usually not very picky when they are in this sleep state, and it can be a good time to give them the breasts before they really wake up and become very active.
- Be Patient
Breastfeeding is a learning experience for both you and your baby. If your baby is fussy at the breast, don't rush or stress. It takes some time to settle your baby, and patience can go a long way. If your baby continues resisting feeding, take a break and try again later. Trust that your baby will feed when she is ready.
FAQs about Baby Fussy and Kicking while Nursing
How to tell if a baby is comfort nursing?
To know if the baby is comfort nursing, look for the following signs:
- Relaxed Body: The baby's entire body is relaxed with open hands and a peaceful-looking face.
- Sucking Rhythm: The baby sucks rhythmically and swallows milk, which shows they are feeding properly.
- Proper Latch: The baby latches onto the breast without pain for the mom and more than just sticking in the nipple.
- Active Feeding: The baby sucks and swallows and doesn't pull away or fuss a lot.
- Content After Feeding: The baby looks relaxed, may fall asleep, or seem satisfied once done.
- No Fussing: The baby isn't crying, arching, or pulling away during nursing.
Why is my baby crying and arching his back during feeding?
A baby arching his back and crying during feeding may be normal and harmless, but it may also indicate a sense of discomfort, pain, or a more serious condition:
- Discomfort or pain
The baby arches his back when uncomfortable or in pain from gas, colic, or reflux. Most babies have reflux, which occurs when the stomach acid comes up into the throat.
- Frustration or tiredness
Babies may arch their backs if they are frustrated or tired. For instance, if they want milk to let down and it takes time, or the flow from the bottle is strong, they may arch their back.
- Startle reflex
The Moro reflex is an involuntary reaction babies give when they feel a loss of support or are shocked by a loud noise. It's a normal reflex that shows good neurological development.
- Kernicterus
This condition is the result of bilirubin, a yellow compound that forms when red blood cells break down, building up in the baby's blood. It causes rigidity of the muscles and abnormal reflexes that might cause arching.
- Neurological immaturity
Infants who have neurological immaturity or other concerns might arch their backs as one of the features of increased muscle tone or another neurologic condition.
Should I feed my newborn every time she cries?
You don't have to feed your baby every time they cry. In the first place, babies cry for many different reasons and not necessarily because they are hungry. It can be dirty nappies, too tired, uncomfortable, and many more. So, if your baby cries for such reasons, feeding might not solve it. Overfeeding causes discomfort as well, so try to discern what's really the problem. Sometimes, a pacifier could calm them down when they are not hungry. Trust your instincts as you learn to recognize what your baby's different cries mean.
Conclusion
A fussy baby during breastfeeding is common and can be caused by various factors, from hunger to discomfort or even positioning issues. Most mothers learn to adapt and change their soothing techniques based on what they feel works best for them. You can try switching positions, burping, or even skin-to-skin contact to make your baby relatively more comfortable and feeding successful. Remember, patience is the best thing, as both you and your baby learn while navigating breastfeeding. If difficulties persist, do not hesitate to seek advice from a lactation consultant or pediatrician to ensure both you and your baby are supported in this process.
