In this article:
What is Twiddling While Breastfeeding?
Twiddling while breastfeeding refers to a baby pinching, twisting, rubbing, stroking, fiddling, tweaking, and pulling non-sucked nipples and breasts while nursing. This behaviour typically starts around 3-4 months of age and normally develops between 6-9 months as fine motor skills develop.Your nipples are the nearest and most familiar to them, which becomes a natural target. When nursing, the baby may play with your breasts as a way to engage with their environment. Babies are attention-seeking little balls of happiness. If you don't give them the needed attention, they might show it while twiddling to grab your attention
However, there’s no need to worry. This behaviour can serve a beneficial purpose. Twisting and pulling while breastfeeding can help stimulate milk production and flow, ensuring that your baby receives an adequate supply of nourishment.
Why is my baby twisting and pulling while feeding?
Baby twisting and pulling while breastfeeding may result from discomfort or a need for attention. Most nursing parents misinterpret that their baby is not interested in milk or that the baby is not hungry. Although that could be one of the reasons, here are a few more reasons behind baby twiddling while breastfeeding.- Low Milk Supply: Due to reduced milk letdown, the baby instinctively twiddles the nipple to stimulate milk supply and output. Nipple stimulation (twiddling) triggers oxytocin release, increasing milk let-down and boosting the flow if the supply is slow.
- Poor Latching: An uncomfortable latch during early breastfeeding can strain the baby’s body and neck, prompting fidgeting, twisting, and changing positions for comfort.
- Coughing, Gagging, and Choking: Forceful letdowns may cause discomfort through coughing, gagging, and choking and overwhelm the suck-swallow-breathe reflex. Twiddling helps regulate milk flow and pressure.
- Digestive Discomfort: Babies may twiddle to cope with constipation and intestinal issues. Gas or colic may prompt twiddling and tugging, which distract the baby and relieve belly tension.
- Engorged Breast: Breast engorgement alters the breast's shape and texture, and the areola becomes stretched and firm. This makes breastfeeding and latching difficult for the baby, resulting in twiddling and fidgeting.
- Nipple Confusion: If you often switch breasts and bottles during feeds before establishing breastfeeding, the baby’s feeding preference changes, as milk flows faster from the bottle and requires less suction effort. Breastfeeding requires pressure and jaw movement. If the baby is used to the comfort of bottle feeding, they may try to twiddle to mimic bottle feeding.
- Frustration: When a baby is overstimulated, tired or emotionally distressed, they may twist and fidget on your breast. Frustrated babies twiddle to release oxytocin, which lets the mother relax and calms the environment.
Why does my baby pinch my nipple?
Baby pinching the nipple is very common and nothing to be worried about. Most mothers can relate to their babies pinching their nipples while breastfeeding. This is just another stunt your baby pulls out of curiosity, as they explore their surroundings.Here are a few reasons why a baby might pinch your nipple.
- Milk Flow: Too little or too much milk can irritate them. It would lead to baby pinching while nursing. If the problem is too little milk, feed frequently to increase the supply.
- Comfort: An Uncomfortable feeding position strains the baby’s body. So they pinch or bite to show the discomfort. Try adjusting the latching position.
- Teething: While teething, babies may search for things to bite and chew on for comfort.
How to Stop a Baby from Pinching the Nipple when Breastfeeding
Baby pinching your nipple can be extremely painful. If you are uncomfortable or getting distracted by baby twiddling while breastfeeding, you must stop this before it becomes a habit. Here are a few strategies you can follow to prevent your baby from pinching your nipple while breastfeeding:- Immediately take their hand away when they start pinching
- Give them some clothes or toys to keep their hands busy
- Say "No"(by your expressions) or show visible discomfort as soon as they pinch your nipple
- Close your nipple yourself to show your baby that you are not comfortable
- Rock and cuddle to offer comfort
- Turn off the light or keep the light dim
- Offer breast when they are calm and before they get hungry
- Improve latching and feeding position
- Use a warm compress and gently massage to increase milk supply
- Avoid Distraction while feeding
As they grow, babies become curious about their surroundings, and their desire to move, grab, kick, bite, and pinch gets higher. This curiosity is one of the critical driving factors behind all that twiddling, pinching, grabbing, twisting, and pulling your nipple. If you are not comfortable or can't bear the pain, stop them before they become a habit.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQ's on Know Why Your Baby Is Twisting And Pulling Your Breasts While Breastfeeding
- Why does my baby squirm so much while eating?
Babies squirm due to overactive letdown, stomach aches, gastric issues, to stimulate milk flow, bad latch, teething discomfort, distracting sounds, and bright lights. If the baby keeps squirming, change or adjust the position, burp, and check if the milk is overflowing. Always consult with the baby's paediatrician to ensure there are no underlying issues. - Why does my baby grab my breast while nursing?
Babies grab your non-nursing breast to stimulate milk letdown, increase flow, and explore their surroundings. If the baby is frustrated or scared, they instinctively grab the mother's breast to find comfort and communicate.
