Baby squirmy while feeding

16 Reasons Behind a Baby Squirming When Breastfeeding

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Do you ever feel like your baby is constantly squirming when you’re breastfeeding? It can be really frustrating but don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many mothers experience this phenomenon. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the possible reasons why your baby is squirming and how to deal with it. We hope that this information will help make breastfeeding a more enjoyable experience for both you and your little one.

When breastfeeding, it’s normal for your baby to squirm and move around. 

Babies often squirm when they’re breastfeeding because it feels good and they’re getting milk. However, if your baby is squirming a lot, seems to be in pain, or is just being a fussy baby, it may be a sign that something isn’t quite right.

In most cases, baby squirming is nothing to worry about. However, in this article, we’ll discuss possible causes behind squirminess during feeding time and important things you should keep in mind.

Table Of Contents

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• Reasons Why a Baby Squirms While Breastfeeding
• Slow Letdown
• Fast letdown
• Gas
• Hunger
• Tiredness
• Overstimulation
• Growth Spurt/Developmental Leap
• Diaper
• Distracted
• Uneven Breasts
• Reflux
• Thrush
• Positioning
• Teething
• Illness
• Finished Eating
• Is baby squirming a cause for concern?
• How can I make breastfeeding more comfortable for my baby?
• What should I do if my baby is in pain while breastfeeding?
• More Articles You May Enjoy:

Reasons Why a Baby Squirms While Breastfeeding

There are some common reasons why breastfed babies squirm while breastfeeding. In most cases, baby squirming is just a sign that they’re comfortable and get all the milk they need. However, there are a few things that might be the culprit your baby is squirming excessively or seems to be in discomfort.

These are the top reasons:

• Gas
• Slow letdown
• Fast letdown
• Hunger
• Tiredness
• Overstimulation
• Growth Spurt/Developmental Leap
• Diaper
• Distracted
• Uneven Breasts
• Reflux
• Thrush
• Positioning
• Teething
• Illness
• Finished Eating

Slow Letdown

If your baby is squirming and seems frustrated, it could be because your milk is taking too long to let down. When the baby begins to nurse, they stimulate the release of oxytocin, which causes the milk to let down. In some cases, this process can take a few minutes. If baby gets impatient, they may start to squirm.

To help with a slower letdown, you can :

• Do breast compressions/massage before and during your nursing session
• Hand express to a letdown for a particularly fussy baby
• Switchback and forth every 1-2 minutes to keep baby engaged and to help elicit the letdown

Fast letdown

If your baby is squirming because of a fast or overactive letdown, it may be because the milk is coming out too quickly for them to handle. Managing a fast letdown can be tricky – sometimes they happen because of an oversupply of milk, while other times it just happens.

Certain positions can be better for a fast letdown than others. Some women find success with blocking off a milk duct by gently applying pressure in a “karate chop” position to the breast.

Gas

Another common reason baby is squirming might be because they have a lot of gas in their tummy. This can sometimes make the baby feel uncomfortable or bloated, which can lead to excessive squirming.

This is common in the early days of breastfeeding, due to infants having immature digestive systems. It can also happen if they have a poor latch which makes them bring in a lot of air, from a fast letdown where they get a fast flow of milk, or because of food allergies/intolerances.

Here is a great article about the different causes behind a gassy baby. But sometimes, all you need to do is help your baby get a good burp to help with gas issues.

Hunger

Your baby might just simply be hungry – which might make them more impatient for a letdown. If you find that this is happening frequently, you may want to pay closer attention to early hunger signs to ensure you are feeding your baby when they are in the early hunger stages – not the late.

Tiredness

If the baby is squirming and seems to be falling asleep, it could be a sign that they’re tired. When a baby is tired, they may start to fuss and squirm. They may settle and fall asleep as they start to nurse, or they may just not want to eat right then. Try giving them a short nap and try to feed them again later.

Overstimulation

Another common reason for baby squirming is overstimulation. When a baby is breastfeeding, they are also taking in all the sights and sounds around them. This can be overwhelming for them, causing them to squirm and try to escape the situation.

Growth Spurt/Developmental Leap

The baby may be squirming because of growth spurts or a developmental leap. During these times, babies may be extra hungry and need more milk to keep up with their growing bodies.

During these times, they can be more interested in the world around them and have less patience. In this situation, just try and offer the breast as much as you can and be patient – this stage will pass!

Diaper

A wet or dirty diaper can also cause the baby to squirm. If a baby’s diaper is full, they will squirm and cry until you change it. Some babies are more sensitive to soiled diapers than others, so you may want to make a habit of making sure your baby has a clean diaper before feeding.

Distracted

Your baby may squirm if they’re getting distracted while breastfeeding. This is common if the baby is trying to look around the room or if there’s something else going on that’s grabbing their attention.

Here is some great advice on how to manage distracted nursing – 14 Tips for Surviving Distracted Nursing.

Uneven Breasts

Most women have a “slacker” side, or one side that seems to have a slower flow or produce less milk. If your baby doesn’t like that side as much, they may squirm more to show their dissatisfaction.

More on this topic – Lopsided Breastfeeding? How to Fix a Slacker Breast

Reflux

If a baby has gastroesophageal reflux disease, they may start to squirm and cry at the breast. This is because the acid from their stomach is coming back up, causing them to feel uncomfortable.

Laidback nursing can be helpful as it keeps your baby in a more upright position. Chiropractic adjustments can also be really helpful for helping with reflux.

Thrush

If a baby is squirming because of thrush, it’s important to take them to the doctor for treatment. Thrush can make the baby uncomfortable and fussy while breastfeeding, so it’s essential to get medical help right away.

Positioning

Sometimes your baby just doesn’t like the position they are in, and they are squirming to get more comfortable!

There are different positions you can try and experiment with. While a newborn baby can’t tell you why they are uncomfortable, sometimes a different position is just the trick. I am personally a fan of the cross-cradle hold and side-lying.

Teething

The baby may start to squirm and cry when they’re teething. This is because the pain from teething can be uncomfortable and the baby may want to find a way to relieve it.

Illness

If a baby seems to be fussy all the time, it could be a sign that they are sick. the baby may start to squirm if their illness is causing them discomfort or pain. Ear infections are one of the more common ailments to cause a disruption to breastfeeding.

Finished Eating

If the baby seems to be done nursing, it may be a sign that they are full and no longer need any more milk. In this case, you should try burping the baby and then putting them down for a nap or cuddle session. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is pay attention to the baby’s cues and respond accordingly to their needs.

Is baby squirming a cause for concern?

The good news is, this type of behavior while breastfeeding is not usually a cause for concern. However, if you have any concerns, make sure you reach out to a lactation professional or your child’s care provider.

Here are a few signs that maybe this squirming is more than just normal infant behavior:

• baby’s fussiness occurs all day long
• poor weight gain
• drop in diaper output
• frequently falling asleep at the breast before taking in a full feed

When you are trying to determine the cause of the squirming, here are a few questions to consider:

• Is it happening at the start, middle, or end of the feed
• Does it last the whole feed or just for a short time?
• Will they still nurse?
• Is it combined with other fussy behavior?
• Are you experiencing cracked or damaged nipples?

How can I make breastfeeding more comfortable for my baby?

There are a few things you can do to make breastfeeding more comfortable for your baby. Here are some things to try:

• Try a new position
• Remove distractions
• Do skin-to-skin contact
• Nurse in a bath
• Burp baby
• Stop and try again later
• Ensure a good latch
• Determine underlying causes

What should I do if my baby is in pain while breastfeeding?

If baby squirming is accompanied by signs of pain or discomfort, such as increased agitation, pulling away from the breast, and grimacing, you should consider reaching out to a medical professional In some cases, baby squirming may be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires treatment.

To get help for your baby, speak to your doctor or a lactation consultant. They can help you identify the root cause of the baby’s discomfort and work with you to come up with an appropriate treatment plan.

If your baby is squirming a lot, it could be for any number of reasons. Hopefully, the tips in this post have given you some ideas on how to troubleshoot and alleviate the problem – most of the time, this is just a normal stage that will get better after a short time.

Always remember to consult with your pediatrician if you’re concerned about your baby’s health or well-being. And please share with us what solutions worked best for you in the comments below!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

Katie Clark, CLE, CBS

Katie Clark is a Certified Lactation Educator, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, and IBCLC student. She has helped thousands of mothers and families around the globe navigate breastfeeding challenges and questions since 2015. She has a passion for creating research-based, helpful breastfeeding education and helping parents find a way to make breastfeeding work for them. Katie is a mom of three little boys and lives in the great state of Colorado. She also has a degree in Communications with an emphasis in print journalism.

Why Is My Baby So Squirmy While Nursing? – Tabeeze

Let’s be real; we all envision nursing in that picturesque way. Baby suckling calmy, you relaxing as they feed — all in the world is right. The reality, however, is that feeding your little one can be tricky to get the hang of when they are a newborn. 

Just like our babies are learning the rules of fine dining, so are we. Each baby nurses differently, with different habits and preferences. There’s no way to predict what our little ones will do; one child might tend to fall asleep while breastfeeding, and their sibling takes this as an opportunity to learn some new dance moves.

Being a new parent isn’t always easy, but we look forward to the challenge. If your baby seems to have ants in their pants (or diaper) when nursing, relax — that is much more normal than you think. Babies squirm while nursing for various reasons, including milk flow, latch position, growth spurts, or common early childhood conditions like colic.

At Tabeeze, we’ve got some ideas as to why your baby might be so squirmy while nursing. Below are ten common reasons babies move while feeding. We hope they help you get to the bottom of it with your little one.

You Have an Overactive Letdown

Ah, homophones. Let’s talk about “letdown.” While “letdown” can mean a disappointment, in this case, we’re talking about breast milk flow. 

What Is Letdown?

Letdown is the technical term for the reflex that encourages the flow of breast milk brought on by two hormones: prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin is what makes the milk, and oxytocin pushes the milk from the nipples. 

At the start of any feed, your baby will suckle faster to encourage your body to produce more oxytocin and literally “let” your milk “down.” Some moms report tingling or feelings of fullness. Right after giving birth, brand-new mamas might feel their uterus contract at this point.

Sometimes, your milk comes down faster than your baby is prepared for or faster than they would like. This is called an “overactive/forceful letdown.” If your baby is coughing or squirming, it could be a sign that the letdown is a touch too fast for them.  

How To Slow an Overactive Letdown?

Luckily, there are a few techniques to keep in your toolbelt if this is the case. Some mothers with an overactive letdown prefer to hand express or pump before their baby nurses at the breast. Especially if your breasts are engorged, this can reduce the pressure in your breast, thereby slowing the letdown.

Another technique is to gently push your hand into your breast or hold your nipple between your middle and forefinger as your baby drinks. Nursing positions that can make it a bit easier for your baby to nurse include the laid-back position and the football hold.

How To Correct Bottle Flow Problems

If you’re bottle-feeding and your baby is squirming, the reason could be somewhat related. If the milk flow from the bottle nipple is too rushed, try swapping it for a slower nipple type or helping your baby into a sitting position while bottle feeding.

Your Letdown Is Too Slow

Babies can be a tad picky sometimes, looking for the Goldilocks of breastfeeding situations. There is a chance that your baby is squirmy and wriggly because your letdown is slower than they would like — they want their food, and they want it now!

If your baby is crying, refusing the breast, or wiggling (or worst of all, biting the nipple), your letdown might be a bit slow for them. This can lead to some fussiness if your baby is hangry and doesn’t want to wait.

What Causes a Slower Letdown?

Slower letdowns can be caused by a number of things. Some possible lifestyle contributors include caffeine, smoking, or alcohol use. Other possible causes could be cold temperatures or breast surgery. Mental health issues like stress, exhaustion, and depression may also be behind this struggle.

If you’re bottle-feeding and the milk seems like it’s lagging, try swapping the bottle nipple or changing the baby’s position. 

How To Help Speed Up Your Letdown

Some mothers find it helpful to stimulate their letdown by briefly pumping or hand expressing before breastfeeding. Breast massages and warm compresses might also be your new best friend. With time and some help (reach out to a local lactation consultant for advice), you and your baby can work together to get this feeding thing figured out.

Your Latch or Feed Position Needs Adjusting

In movies, it seems like babies instinctively know exactly how to breastfeed, instantly settling into the nook of their adoring mother’s arms.

Unfortunately, this is often more movie magic than real life. Some babies take to breastfeeding like a duck to water. Others might need a little bit of guidance. A good latch is something new to both you and your baby. If you’ve got a squirmy baby who can’t seem to find a comfy latch, you’re definitely not alone.

If your baby can’t seem to get a good latch, they probably aren’t getting as much milk as they should either. Your baby may be squirming because they’re uncomfortable or are struggling to access their dinner.

How To Adjust Your Latch

Think of this as a sign to adjust positions. Again, you and your baby are getting to know each other in a new way. Taking some time to figure out a comfy latch position can make a world of difference.

Just like we said: You’re not alone. Ask your healthcare provider, lactation consultant, or midwife to show you a few other latch positions that might be the perfect fit (literally).

Nursing in a calm, quiet place is also a great tip; even without the ability to check their email or Instagram, babies can get very distracted by the world around them. 

Starting your feed with skin-to-skin contact may also help your baby breastfeed to the best of their ability.

What Are the Signs of a Good Latch?

Some indicators that your baby has a proper latch include:

• You aren’t in any pain.
• Your baby’s lips are turned out, and their chin rests on your breast.
• Your baby’s mouth isn’t clamped solely on the nipple but extends further around your breast.

As you keep trying new feed positions with your baby, you’re bound to find one that works for both of you and prevents any wiggling due to an improper latch.

Your Baby Is Full

We all know that “too full” feeling after a huge meal, and it is so uncomfortable. Our babies know this sensation as well.

Your baby might be squirming all around because they’re full. Their adorable squirming might be their way of letting you know they’re done. 

Of course, we get used to how long our babies typically feed, but like our own hunger, this can vary. Your baby may be less hungry at some times than others; this isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, just something to keep an eye on.

They Have Tummy Issues

Squirming can signify some sort of bodily discomfort. Sometimes, breastfeeding is more art than science, and no matter how hard we try, not every feed is likely to be perfect.

Feeding can lead to some air in your baby’s belly, which means gas and burps are on the way. Trapped gas can make feeding itself and latch positions uncomfortable or even painful for your baby.

How To Burp a Baby

If your baby is squirming and it seems like gas might be the issue, practice some methods of getting that gas out. Pull your burping cloth out of your diaper bag (because you can never truly know how much spittle will come out).

There are several techniques for burping a baby, and only time and practice will let you know which works best for your family. Some babies will need to be burped more than others.

Keep in mind that gas might also be a product of other things like food sensitivity or overeating. If you suspect that to be the case, it’s time to have a chat with your pediatrician. 

Once that gas is passed, you should find yourself with a much more content feeding baby. If their belly is happy, they are bound to squirm less and give you that award-worthy toothless smile once again.

Voila! Happy you and happy baby.

Your Baby Might Have Colic

If your baby is squirming with no solution in sight (especially if a lot of crying accompanies this), it could be the phenomenon known as colic. Colic is characterized by excessive crying from an infant who is otherwise perfectly healthy.

Colic vs. General Crying: Which Is Which?

Your infant may be experiencing colic if they follow the rule of threes. If the crying persists for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, and occurs for more than three weeks at a time — there’s a chance it’s colic. 

Colic can be an extremely frustrating thing to tackle both for new parents and for your baby. This excessive crying can ultimately be painful for your baby and can increase some discomfort while feeding.

Any discomfort, whether emotional or physical, can cause squirming in your little one. Your baby may also be hungry but crying too much to want to eat: a terrible Catch 22. 

When Does Colic Go Away?

Colic will eventually go away on its own. After three months of age, some babies will stop the unprompted crying spells. Most cases of colic dissipate by a baby’s six month birthday.

Sadly, there isn’t much we can do as new parents other than being patient, keeping them soothed, and ensuring you’ve crossed off any other possibilities as far as baby health and safety.

They Are Sick

Naturally, we don’t ever want our precious babies to get sick, but life happens. If it feels like you’ve exhausted any other options for why your baby is squirming, or you have a bad feeling about your baby’s health, it is possible they may not feel good. Even as adults, eating is the last thing you want to do when you feel sick. 

If you have this worry, bring your infant to see their doctor. Even if it’s a mild bug, a doctor will be able to tell you how to proceed and how to keep your little one comfortable and on the mend. 

Once they are feeling better, you should see your baby go right back to normal. Feeding patterns should return, and any squirmy behavior should subside. If this behavior doesn’t change once they are all healed up, consult a doctor or revisit other reasons for the squirming.

They Are Exploring and Curious

Your newborn is adjusting literally every day to being earthside. As they continue to grow, so does their awareness, which adds to curiosity about what is happening around them.

Feeding is such a comfortable and consistent thing in their lives that they feel safe and relaxed enough to explore their surroundings while eating. This can add to extra wriggling and squirming while they are feeding. 

How To Minimize Distractions

Nursing in a dimly lit, quiet environment can help a baby zero in on the goal at hand: growing big and strong. Your baby might find a nice moment of zen with soft, peaceful music or a white noise machine in the background. 

If you’re breastfeeding outside, a nursing cover can help your baby resist the temptation to partake in one of humanity’s favorite activities: people-watching while eating lunch.

Teething

Another reason your baby might be squirming is if they are teething. As we’ve already established, any form of discomfort can lead to extra movement while your baby feeds. Teeth coming in are definitely no exception.

Teething is painful for your tiny angel, and feeding could potentially intensify this pain. When teeth are growing in, a baby’s gums get extremely sore. This soreness and inflammation can make your baby’s mouth pretty painful when they’ve got to eat.

How To Soothe Teething Pain

If your baby is starting to teeth, causing lots of movement and wiggles in your feeding routine, you have some options. For example, your baby might like a frozen teething toy right before feeding. Opt for gentle, chemical-free options, like our personal favorite 100% organic cotton.

Your Baby Wants To Switch Breasts

That’s right… it really is possible that your baby is just picky. If your baby is fussy and you can’t figure out why it is possible, they may want to get switched to the other side of your chest. It can be that one breast produces more milk, or your baby is finished on one side and wants to eat more.

We know this sounds silly, but if you’ve got a little one who tends to be fussy, it may be that they want their favorite side. Generally, there’s no real harm in that, as long as you are able to keep your other side comfortable and pumped if necessary. 

If your baby gets wriggly on one side but still seems to be hungry, it could be that they are ready to swap sides to get more milk as well.

Your Baby Feels Stressed

From time to time, things like feeding can be stressful for a newborn due in part to all its newness. If your baby feels stressed or frustrated, they might start to squirm.

One of the best remedies for a stressed baby (and parents) is a session of skin-to-skin contact or “kangaroo care.” Skin-to-skin contact helps promote healthier weights, slow rapid heart rates, boost the immune system, and more. Plus, it increases the presence of oxytocin, so baby and parent get a nice dose of the love hormone.  

We suggest the Bottom-Up Bodysuit for easy access to skin-to-skin contact. This suit’s patented design allows you to undress your baby from the bottom-up since no calming session has ever involved maneuvering your baby’s head through the tiny gaps that onesies usually have.

You’ve Got This!

Whether the answer is a teething toy, a growing pain, some burping, or a comfier outfit, your baby will be calmer and happier, and you can be more anxiety-free. 

At Tabeeze, we believe in making everything as stress-free for you, and as fuss-free for your baby, as possible. Good luck, parents – you’ve got this, and we are here to help.

Sources:

Breastfeeding: Benefits, Considerations, How to, Supplies | Healthline

Why Babies Have A Favourite Boob When Breastfeeding | HuffPost Parents

Overactive Let-Down | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Steps and Signs of a Good Latch | WIC Breastfeeding Support

Burping Your Baby (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

Colic | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Kangaroo Care: The Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact | Parents

Frequent problems during breastfeeding: doctor's advice

Breastfeeding is a simple and natural process that does not require special training, skill, skills . ..

We can talk about the benefits of breast milk for babies for a very long time. Mother's milk is often called "white blood" because its composition and biological characteristics are as close as possible to the composition of placental blood, milk can carry nutrients and influence biochemical systems that increase immunity and destroy pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, breastfeeding is a process that allows you to establish the first contact between mother and child. For many mothers, these are happy moments of unity with the baby. But it is far from always possible to establish breastfeeding immediately and without problems. Often women experience difficulties that confuse, frighten and make them doubt the correctness of their own actions. Mammologist and breastfeeding specialist Anna Vanesyan talks about the most common problems faced by mothers who start breastfeeding. What to do if the baby fidgets at the chest? Should You Diet While Breastfeeding? And what if the baby has a tummy ache? The answers to these questions are in Anna Vanesyan's article. nine0007