Why is my baby fussy when breastfeeding?

It can be incredibly frustrating when your baby becomes fussy at the breast, constantly popping on and off. Trying to understand the causes of this behaviour only adds to the challenge. So, let's unravel a few possible reasons…

Too Much Milk, Too Quickly:

When your little one gets an overwhelming flow of milk, they may pull off the breast, causing milk to spray everywhere .They tend to start with a deep latch but transition to a shallower one during your let-down. Try Leaning back as gravity will help slow the forcefulness of your letdown. Some mothers also find that the side-lying position helps.

Not Enough Milk at the Moment:

Sometimes, your baby might pop on and off when they're not getting as much milk as they'd like in that particular moment. You might notice them burying their head into the breast, then pulling back with the nipple still in their mouth before detaching and becoming fussy. Encourage them to stay at the breast by trying breast compression. This can stimulate more milk flow, and your baby may stay at the breast longer. Alternatively, try switching sides more frequently.

Oral Restrictions:

Babies with tongue ties often struggle to maintain a proper latch while breastfeeding. A tongue tie occurs when the frenulum, the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too tight or short, restricting the tongue's movement. The tongue's restricted mobility may create a shallow latch and cause nipple pain. Seeking professional help from a lactation consultant can provide guidance and support to improve breastfeeding success and comfort for both of you.

Distractions:

Three - four month old babies have different feeding patterns than when they were newborns. They will feed less frequent and for a shorter duration. Bigger Babies are skilled at breastfeeding, they won’t starve themselves, I promise. As they become more curious about the world, you can try positioning yourself so they can explore what captures their interest or give them something interesting to hold while feeding to keep them engaged. Another option is to feed in a quiet and dim room to create a calm environment or try using a cover to minimise distractions.

Remember that this stage is temporary. As your baby grows their needs will change, and you will discover new ways to comfort and connect with them. Having a fussy baby can be so overwhelming, try to stay patient, trust your instincts, observe your baby's cues, and seek support when needed.

You've got this!

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