Your baby might be crying during breastfeeding for a few reasons, one common reason relates to milk flow management.
One potential reason your baby cries when you try to breastfeed is due to an issue with the speed and amount of your milk flow. According to recent findings, babies sometimes cry in protest when they are having trouble managing your milk flow. The milk might be coming out too quickly and in large quantities, even spraying down their throat. This can cause the baby to struggle with coordinating breathing and suckling, making them upset.
Here's a breakdown of possible contributing factors and what you can do:
Possible Reasons for Crying During Breastfeeding
- Fast Milk Flow (Oversupply):
- As referenced, a forceful let-down can overwhelm a baby.
- Solution: Try breastfeeding in a reclined position to slow the flow. Burp frequently.
- Slow Milk Flow:
- The baby might be frustrated if the milk isn't coming out quickly enough.
- Solution: Ensure a good latch. Massage your breast to stimulate milk flow.
- Poor Latch:
- If the baby isn't latched on correctly, it can be difficult for them to get milk, leading to frustration and crying.
- Solution: Seek guidance from a lactation consultant to improve latch technique.
- Other Discomfort:
- Gas, reflux, or other discomforts can make breastfeeding unpleasant.
- Solution: Burp your baby frequently. Consider dietary changes if you suspect food sensitivities.
- Hunger Cues Missed:
- If you wait too long to feed your baby, they may be overly hungry and frustrated when you finally offer the breast.
- Solution: Learn to recognize early hunger cues and feed your baby before they become overly distressed.
- Distractions:
- Babies can get easily distracted, especially as they get older.
- Solution: Breastfeed in a quiet and calm environment.
- Illness:
- If your baby is sick, they may be too uncomfortable to breastfeed.
- Solution: Consult your pediatrician.
- Teething:
- Teething can make sucking uncomfortable.
- Solution: Offer a teething toy before breastfeeding.
- Breast Refusal:
- Sometimes babies go through phases of breast refusal for various reasons.
- Solution: Stay patient and persistent. Seek support from a lactation consultant.
