Table of contents:
- Babies like to pull the mother's nipple when feeding because ...
- 1. An uncomfortable breastfeeding position
- 2. Do not want to breastfeed
- 3. Tired
- 4. His attention is distracted
- 5. Are ill or are in the period of teething (teething)
- 6. Breastmilk flow is too slow
- 7. The milk flow is too heavy
- 8. He is full
Does your baby become restless or scratch your chest while feeding? Is she trying to "run away" from breastfeeding while pulling your nipple against her mouth and crying fretfully?
Babies can do this for several reasons. As long as he continues to gain weight and looks full after each feeding, don't worry too much the next time your little one starts acting up.
Babies like to pull the mother's nipple when feeding because …
1. An uncomfortable breastfeeding position
When the baby is properly attached to the breast, he is more likely to remain relaxed and calm during the feeding. If the position isn't quite right, your little one may keep pulling away to try again. The baby's mouth must be positioned correctly against your nipple so that he can suck the milk into his mouth.
You can help your little one to latch on properly while feeding by opening his mouth slowly with one finger and inserting your nipple in his mouth while holding his body closer to you. The baby's mouth when breastfeeding should be pursed, not stretched out.
2. Do not want to breastfeed
Sometimes, guessing what your baby really wants can be a challenge. There is nothing wrong with offering breastfeeding. If your baby continues to fuss, squirm and try to escape, and pulls your nipples from the start when offered to suck, it may just be because he isn't going to eat at that time. You can try again later.
3. Tired
Some babies will always be happy to breastfeed to help them fall asleep. Some will continue to suckle whining against drowsiness, especially if they are very tired. He may just need to sleep.
Try taking him to a quieter room before bed to help him calm down. Make sure the baby is not hot or cold. No matter what the reason your baby is crying, being held and held by the warmth and comfort offers a sense of security and can soothe the crying.
ALSO READ: 8 Compulsory Nutrients for Breastfeeding Mothers
4. His attention is distracted
Newborn babies will be happy and just ignorant of breastfeeding for more than an hour, because newborn babies love to suckle. But as they get a little more "mature" (the first six weeks or so), babies will be much more easily distracted during these times because they are more social and able to interact with their surroundings.
Your little one wants to feed, but he also wants to play and laugh with you at one time. He is very interested in his surroundings, perhaps glancing at the interesting lights from the TV or his siblings who are playing near you. This can be overwhelming for babies and can cause them to fuss and withdraw from breastfeeding. Try to minimize distraction while you feed and see if the whining continues.
5. Are ill or are in the period of teething (teething)
Has your little one had a cold recently? Sometimes nasal congestion can make the baby pull on the nipple while feeding or bottle because it is difficult for him to suck and breathe at the same time. Oral thrush can also be the reason why it becomes difficult for him to breastfeed.
If the baby is not sick but is still reluctant to breastfeed, he probably is teething. Teething aka the teething period can last for several weeks or months before the first teeth actually stick out to the surface. Some babies do not like the feeling of rubbing between the gums and the breast when feeding, which may increase their discomfort. To help her, let her eat something (teething toy or thumb) before starting to suckle or once she lets go.
ALSO READ: When Should You Stop Breastfeeding?
6. Breastmilk flow is too slow
Pulling on the nipple, whining, stretching, scratching or squeezing the breast, trying to stick it back together repeatedly. This aggressive baby is frustrated by the lack of milk and pulling on the nipple is his way of hoping that there will be more milk when he latches back on.
Switching your little one to the other side of the breast can help calm her down. You can switch sides several times if you need to. The breasts continue to produce milk; You can massage your breasts to try to stimulate the release of more milk.
7. The milk flow is too heavy
If your baby is sipping milk that is noisy, messy, and barely pauses, and is frequently releasing and sticking back and forth, it may be a sign that he is being overwhelmed by the heavy flow of your milk. It may be difficult for him to breathe comfortably because of this.
If your little one is still fussy, give him a moment to rest and calm down before clinging back to you. Position him as upright as possible instead of feeding while lying down, and lean your body back so that his throat is higher than your breasts. Press down on your breast area around their nose to give your little one more air access. Try to slightly bend the knees towards the chest when feeding. This position seems to be effective in helping the baby to suckle more comfortably, compared to if you have to breastfeed while stretching.
ALSO READ: Overcoming Chafed Nipples in Breastfeeding Mothers
8. He is full
When your baby is full, he may pull on your nipple before latching on to feed again. If this is what your baby often does, let the baby give his own signal to let you know when he is really full.
Help her stick back to the breast to see if she will continue eating. If he pulls away again and seems comfortable and calm, that means he's full and is patting his back to make your little one burp.
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