Is your baby squirming when breastfeeding? Probably enough to concern you, and that’s why you’re here searching for answers. I get it, I’ve been there too! There are many reasons your baby might be squirming when breastfeeding. In this post, we’ll go over common reasons this might be happening and how to address it.
Things to Consider When Determining the Problem
First, there are a few different questions you should ask yourself to determine what could be the cause of all the squirming.
Is your baby going through a developmental growth spurt?
Have you noticed your baby going through any recent developmental changes? Maybe they’re starting to become more awake and aware during the day, discovering the world around them. Or maybe they’ve reached the stage where every little thing is so interesting to them and they become easily distracted.
How old is your baby?
There are a few common ages in your baby’s first year of life where they hit growth spurts. Around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. These ages are common times for some babies to be a bit more fussy and wanting to nurse more as well.
Is your baby fussing or crying? If so, when?
It’s important to know, is your baby fussing or crying while they’re squirming at the breast? If they are crying and squirming, this means something is going on that’s causing your baby discomfort.
When are they crying and squirming? Is it at the start of the feed? When you feel your breast milk letdown (if you can feel it)? Are they crying at the very end of the feed? Before you even put them on the breast?
Is anything new going on with baby?
Has your baby had a fever recently? Teething? Pulling at their ears? Starting solids? Gassy? All of these factors can cause a baby to be more fussy than usual and cause squirming at the breast.
Why is My Baby Squirming When Breastfeeding?
Growth Spurts
Like I mentioned above, babies go through growth spurts at certain ages (first few days of life, 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of age). You will see throughout your baby’s first year of life how rapidly they grow.
Cluster feeding can be really common in these times and you may see your baby getting frustrated by pulling off and fussing. Continue feeding your baby on demand and providing comfort.
Ear Infection
An ear infection can cause a lot of discomfort for your baby, and can be the cause of squirming and fussing while breastfeeding. If your baby has had a fever recently, congestion, rubbing or pulling at their ears, or difficulty sleeping, take them in to their pediatrician to check out those ears!
Milk Supply
Your milk supply can also be a factor in the cause of your baby squirming while breastfeeding. If you have an oversupply, your baby may experience gulping or coughing during feedings, excessive gas, lots of spitting up, fussiness, and frequently unlatching during feedings. These can all be major reasons for your baby to squirm while nursing.
If you have a low milk supply, your baby may get frustrated easily and pull off the breast. Some babies do not want to re-latch because they aren’t getting as much milk as they’d like. Check out this post for some evidence-based ways to increase your milk supply.
Milk Flow
Your baby may be squirming because they want a faster or a slower milk flow. You may be able to tell the difference by observing what your baby does when they’re squirming. Is your baby swallowing really quickly? Or pulling off the breast with milk pooling out of their mouth? You may have a fast flow of milk.
Does your baby grunt or get frustrating while nursing? Kneading your breast or hitting at it? This can be baby’s way of trying to get milk to come out quicker. In this case, you may have a slow flow of milk.
Forceful Let Down
A forceful let down is when your milk starts to flow but comes really quickly and forcefully. This can cause squirming, crying, coughing or sputtering as the milk comes really fast out of the breast. This can be really uncomfortable for your baby and can cause excessive gas or spitting up frequently.
A few tips you can try is to unlatch baby during the letdown to allow milk to spray out and slow down (catch it in a haakaa if you want to save it). Or you can try pumping or hand expressing to start your letdown before latching your baby. You can also try feeding baby in an upright position, which makes it easier for them to handle the fast flow of milk.
Really Hungry Baby
If your baby has been showing hunger cues and now they are in the late stages of hunger, it may be difficult to get them to nurse until they’ve calmed down. They may be squirming and getting frustrated. Just stay patient and provide comfort. Skin to skin contact may help calm your baby down.
Tired Baby
Similarly to a really hungry baby, if your baby is really tired this can make feedings difficult. Some babies may become really fussy and difficult to console, while others may start to doze and then awaken because they’re still hungry.
If you’re nursing your baby mostly around times they are tired, try observing them during a time where they are well rested and see if the squirming improves.
Food Sensitivity
If your baby is experiencing a sensitivity to something in your milk, this can definitely cause a fussy baby. Your baby may come to the breast hungry, but once they start drinking milk they may experience some gastrointestinal distress that will make them cry and squirm.
Always check with your baby’s doctor if your baby is exhibiting symptoms of food sensitivity such as vomiting, diarrhea, rash, excessive gas, or colic.
Teething
Teething can be a major cause of discomfort for your baby and can causing fussing and squirming while at the breast. Try offering your baby a teether or a cold wash cloth to chew on before a nursing session.
Distracted Nursing
As your baby gets older and becomes more mobile, they are also become more observant of the world around them. This can cause your baby to become distracted while nursing. Your baby may squirm, unlatch, and look around the room, or smile up at you. While this can be frustrating, it’s developmentally normal.
You can try using a pacifier clip with a small toy attached above the breast you’re nursing on. Your baby can play with this instead of pulling off the breast 100 times a feeding!
Baby Prefers One Side
There may be a few different reasons your baby prefers one breast to the other. Your baby may feel more comfortable in their position on that certain breast, one breast may have a more forceful letdown, or you may have a lower supply in one breast than the other.
If baby is squirming but only when nursing off of one breast, those are a few common reasons why.
Reflux
Reflux may cause your baby some discomfort while feeding. Try smaller, more frequent feedings and feeding in a more upright position. This includes the mother in a reclined position while baby lays tummy to tummy upright and latches to the mother’s breast. Skin-to-skin contact can also help if your baby is really fussy.
Baby is in an Uncomfortable Position
Some babies just don’t like certain breastfeeding positions. A newborn baby may feel more comfortable in a side-lying or cradle hold versus a football hold. But truly every baby is different. Try different positions with your baby and see if there is any improvement in their squirming/fussing.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection of the tongue and mouth. Signs of thrush include white, velvety patches over their tongue and inner cheek, redness or bleeding in the mouth, fussiness, and difficulty feeding. As you can see, this could cause discomfort in your baby and be a reason for their squirming.
If you notice any of these signs in your baby, see the pediatrician right away.
Congestion
If your baby has a runny nose or congestion, it can be a bit difficult for them to breathe while at the breast. They may squirm or unlatch multiple times in an attempt to catch their breathe while nursing. You can try suctioning their nose before feedings or using a saline mist made for babies.
Poor Latch
In the early days, it can be hard to get the hang of a good latch while breastfeeding. A poor latch may be uncomfortable not only for you, but for your baby as well. If you’re experiencing any signs of a poor latch, consult with a lactation consultant!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding?
There are many different reasons why your baby might pull away from the breast and cry. The best way to determine possible causes is by observing your baby to understand why they may be experiencing discomfort.
Why is my baby twisting and pulling while breastfeeding?
Twisting and pulling usually occurs in older babies that are becoming more mobile. They love to move around and observe the new exciting world around them. And all the cool things they can do with their body now.
Why does my baby keep pulling off breast and relatching?
If your baby is fussy while this is occurring, this usually means something is causing your baby discomfort. If your baby is happy, they may just be experimenting and becoming distracted.
Why is my baby fussy at the breast in the evenings?
Babies tend to have a fussy period in the evening that often coincides with cluster feeding. Cluster feeding is when a baby will nurse multiple times in a few-hour span. They may latch for a few minutes, seem content, and then cry again to nurse, over and over.
This is NOT an indicator that you have a low milk supply. This is completely normal. As long as your baby is taking feedings throughout the day and is happy and content in between. If not, please consult with your baby’s pediatrician or a lactation consultant.
I hope going through this list helps you determine a possible cause for why your baby is squirming when breastfeeding. Observing your baby will be the best way to determine what is going on!
Other Posts You May Like:
- Creative Ideas for What to do With Extra Breast Milk
- How to Use a Haakaa Breast Pump: Tips for Breastfeeding Moms
- How Much Water Should I Drink While Breastfeeding?
- The 2 Shirt Method for Breastfeeding in Public
