Fussiness at the Breast? How to Calm Your Baby and Make Feeding Easier

Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to bond with your baby, but it can also come with unexpected challenges. One of the most common—and frustrating—issues moms face is fussiness at the breast. Whether your baby is crying, pulling away, or refusing to latch, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what’s going wrong.

The good news? Fussiness at the breast is often temporary and has a clear cause. With a little troubleshooting and support, most moms can resolve the issue and continue breastfeeding successfully. This guide explores the common reasons why babies become fussy at the breast and provides actionable solutions to help you get back on track.

1. Common Causes of Fussiness at the Breast

Overactive Letdown

If you have a fast milk flow, your baby may struggle to keep up, leading to coughing, choking, or pulling away.

Signs to Look For:

• Gulping, coughing, or choking during feeds.
• Fussiness or crying shortly after latching.
• Excessive gas or spit-up due to swallowing air.

Solutions:

• Adjust Feeding Positions: Try nursing in a reclined or side-lying position to slow the flow of milk.
• Let Down First: Hand express or pump a little milk before latching your baby.
• One Breast Per Feed: Offer only one breast per feeding session to help regulate supply and flow.

Slow Letdown

On the other hand, a slow milk flow can frustrate some babies, causing them to become impatient or fussy.

Signs to Look For:

• Frequent unlatching or head-turning during feeds.
• Sucking without swallowing.
• Crying or fussing at the beginning of a feeding.

Solutions:

• Stimulate Letdown: Massage your breasts or use a warm compress before latching.
• Switch Breasts Often: If milk flow slows, switch sides to keep your baby engaged.
• Relax and Breathe: Stress can impact letdown, so focus on staying calm and comfortable.

Growth Spurts

During growth spurts, babies may seem hungrier and fussier than usual. These periods typically occur around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.

Signs to Look For:

• Frequent nursing sessions (cluster feeding).
• Increased fussiness or restlessness.
• Baby appears unsatisfied after feeds.

Solutions:

• Feed on Demand: Allow your baby to nurse as often as they want to boost your milk supply.
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Your body needs extra fluids and calories during growth spurts.
• Be Patient: Growth spurts usually last just a few days.

Gas or Discomfort

Gas or tummy discomfort can cause your baby to squirm, cry, or pull away from the breast.

Signs to Look For:

• Arched back or clenched fists during feeds.
• Crying or fussiness shortly after latching.
• Excessive burping or flatulence.

Solutions:

• Burp Frequently: Burp your baby between and after feeds.
• Use Gentle Positions: Try the football hold or upright nursing positions to reduce air intake.
• Check Your Diet: Some babies react to certain foods in mom’s diet, such as dairy or spicy foods.

Teething Pain

Teething can make breastfeeding uncomfortable for your baby, especially when their gums are swollen or sore.

Signs to Look For:

• Increased drooling.
• Chewing on the nipple or frequent unlatching.
• Red or swollen gums.

Solutions:

• Massage Gums: Use a clean finger to massage your baby’s gums before feeding.
• Chill a Teething Toy: Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething toy before nursing to soothe discomfort.
• Adjust Latch: Ensure a deep latch to minimize gum pressure during feeds.

Reflux or Medical Issues

Conditions like reflux, tongue tie, or a stuffy nose can make breastfeeding uncomfortable for your baby.

Signs to Look For:

• Frequent spit-up or vomiting after feeds.
• Arching back or crying during feeds.
• Difficulty breathing or sucking due to nasal congestion.

Solutions:

• Consult a Pediatrician: If reflux or another medical issue is suspected, seek professional advice.
• Clear Nasal Passages: Use saline drops and a bulb syringe to relieve congestion.
• Work with an IBCLC: A lactation consultant can help assess and address issues like tongue tie or poor latch.

2. Tips for Soothing a Fussy Baby During Breastfeeding

Offer Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin contact helps calm your baby, regulate their breathing, and create a sense of security.

How to Do It:

• Hold your baby against your bare chest with a blanket over both of you.
• Try skin-to-skin before feeds to reduce fussiness and improve latch.

Switch Nursing Positions

If your baby seems uncomfortable, try a different breastfeeding position.

Positions to Try:

• Football Hold: Keeps your baby upright and can reduce gas or reflux.
• Side-Lying: Great for nighttime feeds and calming a fussy baby.
• Laid-Back Nursing: Helps with overactive letdown by using gravity to slow milk flow.

Create a Calm Environment

Babies are easily overstimulated, so reducing distractions can make a big difference.

Tips:

• Dim the lights and minimize noise during feeds.
• Nurse in a quiet, familiar space.
• Use a white noise machine to create a soothing environment.

Use Breast Compressions

Breast compressions can help keep milk flowing and encourage your baby to stay engaged.

How to Do It:

• While your baby is latched, gently squeeze your breast to express milk.
• Focus on areas that feel firm or full to improve milk flow.

3. When to Seek Professional Help

While fussiness at the breast is often temporary, there are times when you should seek help from an IBCLC or pediatrician:

• Baby Refuses to Latch: Persistent refusal to latch can indicate a latch issue or other underlying problem.
• Weight Concerns: If your baby isn’t gaining weight or has fewer than 6 wet diapers per day.
• Suspected Medical Issues: Conditions like reflux, tongue tie, or thrush may require professional intervention.

💡 Click here to find a lactation consultant who can provide personalized breastfeeding support.

What’s Next?

Breastfeeding challenges like fussiness at the breast can feel overwhelming, but they’re often a normal part of your baby’s development. By understanding the causes and trying these practical solutions, you can work through the rough patches and continue enjoying your breastfeeding journey.

For more expert breastfeeding tips and advice, explore our resources at IBCLC.com—your trusted partner in all things breastfeeding.