Why does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding?

Understanding Why Babies Pull Away and Cry While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a serene bonding experience between mother and child, but for many parents, it can also be a source of confusion and distress, especially when babies pull away and cry during nursing sessions. This behavior can stem from a variety of factors, and understanding these can help alleviate concerns and improve the breastfeeding experience.
Common Reasons for Fussiness
One of the most prevalent reasons babies may pull away and cry is related to their ability to manage milk flow. If a mother has a fast let-down reflex, the milk may come out too quickly for the baby to handle. This can lead to choking or sputtering, causing the baby to become upset and pull away in protest. Conversely, if the milk flow is too slow, the baby may become frustrated and cry out of hunger.
Another significant factor is discomfort during feeding. Babies may experience gas or reflux, which can make nursing uncomfortable. When they feel this discomfort, they might fuss or cry, signaling their distress. Additionally, babies go through various growth spurts, which can lead to increased irritability and fussiness during feeding times.
Environmental Influences
Sometimes, external factors can also play a role in a baby’s breastfeeding behavior. Changes in the mother’s routine, such as new soaps, perfumes, or lotions, can alter the scent that the baby associates with comfort and feeding. This can lead to a reluctance to nurse. Moreover, if the breastfeeding environment is too noisy or chaotic, it may distract the baby, making it difficult for them to focus on feeding.
Emotional Factors
Emotional states can also impact breastfeeding. Babies are sensitive to their mother’s stress levels. If a mother is anxious or tense, it can affect her milk let-down and the overall feeding experience. Engaging in calming practices, such as deep breathing or gentle physical contact before nursing, can help create a more relaxed atmosphere for both mother and baby.
What Can Parents Do?
To address these issues, parents can try several strategies. Ensuring a calm and quiet environment during feeding can help the baby feel more secure. If the milk flow is too fast, mothers might consider nursing in a more upright position or expressing some milk before latching to reduce the initial flow. Additionally, paying attention to the baby’s cues and being responsive to their needs can foster a more positive breastfeeding experience.
In conclusion, while it can be distressing to see a baby pull away and cry during breastfeeding, understanding the underlying reasons can empower parents to make adjustments that enhance the feeding experience. By being attentive to both the baby’s physical and emotional needs, mothers can help create a more harmonious breastfeeding relationship.

How long does breast refusal last?

Sudden refusal or nursing strike
Nursing strikes usually last between 2 to 4 days, however they can last longer. There are several reasons why your baby may suddenly start to refuse your breast: they are unwell (tummy ache, earache, oral thrush etc.) too little milk.

Why does my baby keep pulling away while breastfeeding?

Babies can pull off the breast for a variety of reasons. This can occur because of high/fast flow of milk, or low flow that the baby is frustrated with.

Why is my baby unlatching and crying?

Babies who are having trouble getting a full meal might unlatch and fuss or cry. They may also seem to “shut down” at the breast. Either way, if you have any suspicions that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, you should speak to your doctor or a lactation consultant as soon as possible.

Why does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding teething?

Some moms may find it hard to breastfeed when baby’s teeth are coming in. That’s because babies can experience discomfort when teething and will change their position or latch to avoid hitting their sore gums. Babies may also try to relieve soreness by biting.

Why does my baby cry during a feed and arch his back?

You may think that your baby is communicating dislike of something by arching their back, and sometimes they are. You may notice your baby’s back arched when they seem hungry, frustrated, or are in pain. This natural response usually goes away at around nine months when your baby begins to communicate in new ways.

Why does my baby pull and squirm while breastfeeding?

Why do babies push and strain when breastfeeding? Pushing and straining is normal and is part of the baby’s learning process. At birth, babies have a gastrocolic reflex that allows them to eat and have a bowel movement within a few seconds. That is why when they start to suckle, you hear their tummy moving.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

As you may have read in my other blog about a baby’s breastfeeding crisis, a breastfeeding crisis, sometimes called a growth spurt, is a common phrase used to describe a phase where mothers may encounter significant breastfeeding challenges, typically related to an increase in milk demand from the baby.

Why does my baby pull off the breast and cry?

When a baby is getting too much milk too quickly, he may back off the breast and pop off. If your baby is doing this, consider yourself lucky. Another way babies cope with too much milk is to clamp! A baby popping on and off for this reason often seems to always be backing away from the milk as if trying to escape.

Why does my baby pull away and arch his back while breastfeeding?

When you’re feeding your little one, they may eat too fast or swallow air, which can cause gas. And because gas can lead to an upset stomach and discomfort, your child may move around, arching their back or pulling their legs up to find some relief.

How to tell if baby is comfort nursing?

Your baby is only nursing for comfort nursing when you see these signs:

1. Flutter sucking, slowing down, stop sucking, or making little sucks.
2. Still and looking into space while nursing.
3. Holding the nipple in their mouth but not sucking for milk.
4. Rooting and sucking lightly at the breast.
5. Arching and grabbing ears.