Last Updated on September 16, 2022
You may be wondering, “Why does my baby squirm when I’m breastfeeding?” This is a common problem that may not be entirely unrelated to your breast-feeding technique. Fortunately, there are some common causes of squirming and crying babies. Listed below are some possible causes and how you can resolve them. If you want to avoid these behaviors, follow these tips to help make your breastfeeding sessions more pleasant for both you and your baby.
Change position
One way to prevent your baby from squirming while breastfeeding is to change position. This can be easier said than done. For some mothers, it helps to practice the various positions throughout the day. Here are some positions to try. All positions should be comfortable for both you and your baby. For best results, try one or more of the following. You’ll soon see that your baby will stop squirming and become more content while nursing.
Changing positions can also improve the overall experience for you and your baby. For instance, you should hug the lower half of your baby’s body to help their chin press into your breast. Be aware that bunched clothing and baby’s arm could get in the way. Your baby’s entire body should be close to yours. This will make it easier for you to feed them. The squirming can also be reduced if you change positions frequently.
Another great position is a laid-back position. This position allows both mom and baby to relax and attach to the breast without gaps. It is especially good for babies who have trouble latching onto your breast. To get into this position, tilt your hips forward and lay the baby down on the shifted hips. Make sure that baby’s nose is in line with the mother’s breast.
Changing position while breastfeeding will also help with latching and inlet-down, the reflex that makes milk flow when mom is ready to breastfeed. Changing position often will help prevent blocked ducts. Avoid bending over while breastfeeding to prevent back and neck aches. Be sure to align your baby’s body and avoid leaning your head too far to one side. While you’re nursing, try not to tilt your head and make him/her squirm.
Change breasts
One of the most common reasons your baby squirms while breastfeeding is an ear infection. It’s perfectly normal for babies to experience an ear infection during their early months. To rule out an ear infection, change breasts and observe your baby’s fussiness. If you notice it happening more than once, contact your pediatrician or lactation consultant for further assessment.
A sore gum can also be a sign that your baby is rejecting breastfeeding. The baby might also be experiencing a growth spurt and be more curious about the world around them. It may be tempting to switch to a bottle during this phase, but it’s not the best choice. Instead, try squeezing drops of milk onto your breast to reactivate the latching reflex. You might also try changing positions or changing breasts. Watching your baby’s crying and fussing will give you clues about the reason.
A different taste in breast milk is also one of the main causes for a baby to wiggle. Some mothers experience tingling or pain while breastfeeding and find it uncomfortable. This is natural, and many new parents spend hours analyzing the tiny details of their baby’s behavior. In fact, the natural process of growth spurts in babies can be very confusing for both parents and babies.
When a baby refuses to feed, it might be a sign that your baby hasn’t had enough to eat. Sometimes, a baby isn’t even hungry and simply hasn’t had enough. If your baby is not expressing any signs of pain, it may be indicative of an ear infection or oral thrush, which causes cottage cheese-like material to form in the mouth.
Changing position can help
Squirming while breastfeeding can occur for a number of reasons, from tiredness to food sensitivity. However, most of the time, the cause is not a cause for concern. The best way to alleviate squirming is to switch positions to check if your baby is uncomfortable. If your baby is fussy, it may mean that your baby is suffering from an ear infection. In this case, you should visit your pediatrician to determine the cause.
Changing position to another position is another way to relieve squirming when breastfeeding. Changing positions allows for adequate drainage of each quadrant of the breast. The portion of the breast with the baby’s chin is the most heavily drained. It is recommended to rotate baby into different positions in the beginning of breastfeeding to improve comfort and confidence. Then, you can gradually increase the duration of the new position.
Another way to alleviate squirming while breastfeeding is to move to different positions when the baby squirms. Try feeding your baby in an upright position or on your toes, if this works better for your baby. Changing position when breastfeeding may help you both bond and enjoy your time breastfeeding. You can also try nursing from both sides, and you can even wean your baby off a smaller breast if it does not agree with you.
Some mothers experience increased squirming due to hormonal changes during the pregnancy. As a result, their breast milk may taste different. Aside from squirming during breastfeeding, the taste of breast milk can also influence whether a baby latches. If the breast is too full, it might release too much milk too quickly. This forceful let-down is unsettling to a baby.
Changing breasts can help
Changing breasts during breastfeeding can help relieve squirming when baby is still nursing on one side. Pressure on the breast stimulates milk flow, and gentle massage can reduce the squirming. Switching sides during breastfeeding will stimulate milk supply in both breasts. Squirming while breastfeeding is an inevitable part of the breastfeeding process. Babies cannot express their pain, so parents must analyze their baby’s movements to understand their needs.
Most reasons for squirming during breastfeeding aren’t anything to worry about. But if your baby squirms constantly and violently, then something may be wrong. If your child is displaying overstimulation, consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician. If you notice other changes in your baby’s behavior, write down these details so healthcare professionals can give more accurate advice. We encourage you to follow us on social media to get the latest tips on breastfeeding.
Changing position
Squirming during breastfeeding is a perfectly normal response. A newborn baby is soaking in everything they can, so this is completely normal. Sometimes, however, the squirming is a sign that something is wrong, so be sure to listen to your baby’s cues to figure out why he’s yawning or rubbing his eyes. There are some other reasons why a newborn might squirm during breastfeeding.
Squirming during breastfeeding may be a sign that your baby is full and needs a burp. When your baby squirms during breastfeeding, respond quickly by putting him down for a nap or burping him. While squirming during feeding is generally nothing to worry about, if you notice it more than once a day, contact your child’s lactation professional for advice.
About The Author
Wendy Lee is a pop culture ninja who knows all the latest trends and gossip. She's also an animal lover, and will be friends with any creature that crosses her path. Wendy is an expert writer and can tackle any subject with ease. But most of all, she loves to travel - and she's not afraid to evangelize about it to anyone who'll listen! Wendy enjoys all kinds of Asian food and cultures, and she considers herself a bit of a ninja when it comes to eating spicy foods.