Baby squirms while breastfeeding: What can you do?
Is your baby squirming during breastfeeding? Gain insight into why this happens and what you can do to create more calm, better flow, and a more secure breastfeeding experience for both of you.
It can be frustrating and worrying when your baby wriggles during breastfeeding. Perhaps the baby lets go of the breast, tenses their body, or seems discontent, even though you try to provide calm and closeness.
Many parents quickly wonder if something is wrong – but in most cases, it is completely normal, and there can be several explanations.
Why does baby wriggle during breastfeeding?
When a baby wriggles, it often indicates that something doesn't feel quite right in the situation. These can be small things that affect the breastfeeding experience.
For some babies, it's about the milk flow rate. If the milk flows too quickly, the baby may have difficulty keeping up and react by letting go or tensing their body.
For others, it might be about gas in the stomach. If the baby swallows air during breastfeeding, it can cause discomfort and make it harder to settle at the breast.
It can also be as simple as overstimulation. In the first few weeks, the world is new and intense, and some babies are quickly affected by the impressions around them.
When the body tries to communicate something
A baby who wriggles is not trying to reject breastfeeding – but to communicate.
It could be a sign that:
- the baby needs a break
- there's something in their body that's bothering them
- a small adjustment is needed
When you start to see these as signals instead of resistance, it often becomes easier to find solutions.
Check latch and position
One of the first things worth looking at is the latch.
If the baby isn't latched correctly, it can cause discomfort and make it harder to feed effectively. Small adjustments in how the baby is positioned or how the breast is offered can make a big difference.
It can also help to ensure the baby is held close and steadily so their body doesn't have to work unnecessarily during breastfeeding.
Allow for breaks
Sometimes it's not about changing anything – but about allowing space.
If the baby becomes restless, it can help to:
- take a short break
- burp the baby
- create a calm environment around you
Afterward, you can try again at a calmer pace.
Be aware of milk flow
If the milk flows too quickly, the baby may react by letting go of the breast or becoming restless.
Here, it can help to change breastfeeding positions so gravity doesn't push the milk forward at the same rate. A more reclined position can make it easier for the baby to keep up.
Create calm during breastfeeding
Some babies need more calm than others.
If there are many sounds, lights, or movements around you, it can affect the baby's ability to concentrate on breastfeeding. A calm atmosphere can make it easier for the baby to focus.
When should you react?
It's normal for babies to occasionally be restless during breastfeeding. But if it happens often and breastfeeding becomes difficult to complete, it might be a good idea to seek help.
A lactation consultant or health visitor can help identify the cause and suggest specific adjustments that make a difference.
Trust the process
The most important thing to remember is that it's not a sign that you're doing something wrong.
Breastfeeding is a process where both you and your baby learn along the way. There will be periods of restlessness and adjustments – and that's completely normal.
When you approach your baby with calm and curiosity, it often becomes easier to figure out what works for you.
Source: Sundhed.dk
If your baby both wriggles and wants to breastfeed very often, it can also be related to developmental phases. For example, you can read more about growth spurts and how they affect breastfeeding.
