Understanding Infant Fussiness During Breastfeeding: Key Factors to Consider

By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC

© Lsantilli – Fotolia.com

Infants often exhibit fussiness, crying, or pulling off during breastfeeding. While this behaviorcan be observed as early as 6-8 weeks, it may occur at any stage. Persistent fussiness outside of nursing warrants further investigation.

Identifying the Cause

To address fussy behavior during breastfeeding, consider these assessment steps:

• How old is your baby? Growth spurts frequently occur in the first few days and at intervals such as 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, and 4-6 weeks. These spurts can trigger fussiness.
• Is your baby experiencing developmental changes? As infants become more aware of their surroundings, they often become easily distracted, impacting nursing time.
• When do the fussing episodes happen? Noting the timing of fussiness can offer insights. Fussiness at let-down may indicate a response to the milk flow or let-down reflex.
• Does fussiness occur on one breast more than the other? A preference could indicate uneven milk supply or flow between breasts.
• Is something else affecting your baby? Illness, teething, or new environmental changes could contribute to irritability during feeding.

Burping Needs

Fussiness may indicate that your baby needs to burp. While breastfed infants usually ingest less air than bottle-fed babies, it’s still common for them to need burping regularly, particularly if they've been fussy prior to nursing. Try burping your baby both between breasts and after feeding sessions. If problems persist, experiment with different burping positions to see which one provides relief.

Growth Spurts

Fussiness can rise sharply during growth spurts, also referred to as frequency days. Knowing when growth spurts typically occur can help establish expectations about feeding behaviors.

Distractibility

If your baby seems prone to distraction during breastfeeding, this might be another contributing factor. Young ones often notice and respond to their environment, which can disrupt nursing sessions. Consider minimizing distractions during feedings to support better focus on nursing.

Milk Flow Issues

Fussiness may be linked to how milk flows. A forceful let-down can overwhelm some babies, causing them to pull away. On the flip side, if the let-down is slow, an infant may grow increasingly frustrated. Depending on the situation, breast compression techniques can sometimes help manage milk flow effectively. Similarly, a baby used to a fast milk flow from a bottle may show reluctance to nurse if the flow appears too slow.

Completing the Feeding

Occasionally, an infant will display fussiness when they are simply finished feeding. Babies become more adept at milking the breast efficiently with time, resulting in shorter feeding sessions. Alternatively, if your baby appears to want to suck without nursing, offering a pacifier can provide comfort.

Breast Preference

Babies may fuss on one side due to varying milk supply or differences in let-down. Identifying and adjusting to these preferences could alleviate some fussing episodes.

Evening Fussiness

In the evening, many infants experience a natural uptick in fussiness. Evening cluster feeding is standard, and understanding this cycle can help parents adjust expectations and responses.

Teething and Other Factors

Teething can lead to discomfort during nursing, causing infants to pull away and cry. Other potential contributors include thrush, nasal congestion, or food sensitivities stemming from the mother’s diet, which should be evaluated if fussiness appears linked to feeding patterns.

Addressing Milk Supply and Reflux

If you suspect a low milk supply, it’s advisable to consult resources focused on this concern. In some instances, reflux or issues like tongue-tie can complicate feeding, revealing underlying issues that may require professional guidance.

In summary, understanding the myriad reasons behind why a baby might fuss or cry during breastfeeding can empower parents to find effective solutions and improve the feeding experience for both mother and child.