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What Can Make a Baby Fussy While Breastfeeding?
Here are 7 reasons your baby is fussy while breastfeeding:1. Slow or Fast Milk Flow
The speed of the breast milk flow can affect how comfortably a baby feeds. When the flow is slow, a hungry baby may become frustrated while waiting for more milk. The baby may pull away, cry, or repeatedly try to latch. A very fast flow can also make feeding difficult. The baby may cough, gulp, splutter, or pull away from the breast. Trying a different breastfeeding position may help the baby manage the flow better.
2. Poor Latch
A proper latch helps the baby breastfeed comfortably and take in milk effectively. If the baby does not attach well to the breast, sucking may become difficult and tiring. The baby may become frustrated if they are unable to get enough milk.
A poor latch may also cause nipple pain for the mother. If the baby frequently slips off the breast, makes clicking sounds while feeding or seems unsatisfied after feeding, a lactation consultant can assess the latch and suggest suitable changes.
3. Gas or Reflux
Gas can cause abdominal discomfort and make it difficult for a baby to remain settled during breastfeeding. A baby with trapped gas may squirm, cry, pull their legs towards the tummy, or repeatedly stop feeding.
Reflux, which occurs when stomach contents move back towards the food pipe, may also cause discomfort in some babies. Burping the baby when needed and keeping them upright after feeding may help.
4. Sleepiness or Being Overtired
A baby who is very sleepy or overtired may struggle to coordinate sucking and swallowing. They may latch briefly, suck slowly, fall asleep, and then wake up crying.
Offering a feed when the baby first shows hunger cues can help. These cues may include stirring, opening the mouth, turning towards the breasts or bringing the hands towards the mouth. Waiting until the baby becomes very hungry and upset may make feeding more difficult.
5. Nasal Congestion
A blocked nose can make breastfeeding uncomfortable because babies need to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing during a feed. Nasal congestion may cause a baby to stop frequently or pull away from the breast to breathe. If your baby has a stuffy nose, follow your paediatrician’s advice on keeping the nasal passages clear.
6. Teething or Oral Discomfort
Teething can make the gums sore and may cause some babies to become fussy while sucking. A baby may latch and pull away, chew rather than suck, or become more irritable during feeding.
Other forms of oral discomfort, including mouth sores or infections, can also affect feeding. If your baby appears to be in pain during feeds or repeatedly refuses to feed, consult a paediatrician.
6. Distraction or Developmental Changes
As babies grow, they become more aware of their surroundings. Sounds, movement, lights, and people around them can distract them during breastfeeding. A baby who once fed quietly may suddenly stop to look around or respond to a sound. This can be a normal part of development. Feeding in a quiet room with fewer distractions may help the baby stay focused.
“Breastfeeding fussiness is often temporary. A calm approach, comfortable positioning, good latch and attention to feeding cues can help babies feed better and stay settled.”
- Dr Chetna Jain
How Can You Help a Fussy Baby During Breastfeeding?
Parents can do the following:- Breastfeed when the baby begins showing signs of hunger
- Feed the baby in a calm and comfortable atmosphere
- Experiment with different positions for breastfeeding
- Ensure that the baby has latched correctly
- Burp the baby when necessary
- Give breaks when the baby appears to be overstimulated
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
There may be some fussiness during breastfeeding from time to time. Nevertheless, parents must reach out to a doctor or lactation specialist in case the baby:- Often refuses to feed
- Struggles to latch and appears very tired while feeding
- Has trouble gaining weight
- Has reduced number of wet nappies
- Vomits all the time
- Has breathing problems
- Experiences major feeding difficulties
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FAQs on 7 Reasons Your Baby is Fussy While Breastfeeding
- How often should a breastfed baby be fed?
Feeding frequency varies with the baby's age and individual needs. Newborns usually feed frequently throughout the day and night. Rather than following a strict schedule, parents can respond to the baby's hunger and fullness cues. - What are signs that a baby is hungry?
Early hunger cues include stirring, opening the mouth, turning the head towards the breast, sucking on the hands, and making sucking movements. Crying is usually a later hunger cue. - Should breastfeeding continue when a baby has hiccups?
In most cases, hiccups are harmless and do not require breastfeeding to be stopped. If the baby remains comfortable and wants to feed, breastfeeding can generally continue. If hiccups are frequent and occur with other concerning symptoms, discuss them with a paediatrician.
