Life
In the beginning, breastfeeding can be stressful for mother and baby as they figure out the best position, times to nurse, and amount of milk to digest. You may go through some growing pains during this period, which can be frustrating for both of you. You also may have thought that putting baby on the breast would solve any issue, but sometimes trying to get him to breastfeed can actually be contributing to the problem. If feeding time is leaving you and your baby in tears, you've probably asked, "Why is my baby crying while trying to latch?"
According to Kelly Mom, fussiness while nursing is common in many babies around 6 to 8 weeks of age, but can be the result of a number of different factors. If it seems like breastfeeding is hurting more than helping your baby, you're going to need to put on your detective hat to understand what's really going on. Teething pain, growth spurts, and an increased interest in solid foods are all issues that can cause your baby to get fussy when you're trying to breastfeed. Believe it or not, the problem can actually be that you are producing more milk than her little tummy can handle. If you feel like you've exhausted every possible option and are just plain exhausted, your pediatrician or a lactation consultant can be great resources to help you diagnose the problem and identify an appropriate solution. Once you've figured it out, you should be able to continue to nurse your baby and be stress free.
1
Teething
If your baby is teething, he'll probably be pretty miserable most of the time, and feeding time is no exception. As Kelly Mom mentioned, sucking can cause babies who are teething to experience discomfort in their gums.
2
She's Really Hungry
As Dr. Sears told Parenting, waiting too long to feed your baby can cause her to become distressed and fussy when you're trying to put her on the breast. Pay attention to hunger cues like smacking her lips and trying to root towards your breast to know when she wants to eat. If you respond right away, you can prevent some of her distress.
3
He's Into Other Foods
If you have a craving for pizza and someone offers you a protein shake, you probably won't be too happy. If you've introduced your baby to solids, he may have less of an appetite for breast milk. For the first six months of life, breast milk is all he needs, and should be his primary source of nutrition for the first year, according to La Leche League International.
4
He's Not Hungry
If you feed your baby according to a strict schedule, he may not always be hungry, and may get fussy when you try to offer your breast, according to Belly Belly. Feeding your baby when he's hungry will make sure your milk supply adjusts accordingly and the nursing experience is pleasant for both of you.
5
Growing Pains
Growth spurts can be another reason why your baby is upset when you put her on the breast. As Kelly Mom mentioned, growth spurts typically occur at around 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months and 9 months of age. During this time, your baby may breastfeed more frequently and be fussier than normal.
6
You're Making Too Much Milk
Getting a rush of milk when he's trying to nurse can cause your baby to get fussy, according to La Leche League International. To solve the problem, you can try offering only one breast at each feeding until your supply levels off.
