What should I do if my 3.5-month-old baby often struggles during breastfeeding?

A 3.5-month-old baby often struggling during breastfeeding may be caused by factors such as poor milk digestibility, insufficient milk supply, or incorrect feeding posture. Symptoms can usually be relieved by adjusting the mother's diet, changing feeding positions, and massaging the breasts.

1. Adjust Diet

If the mother consumes excessively greasy foods, her breast milk may become relatively fatty, making it difficult for the baby to digest and absorb, which can lead to the baby struggling during feeding. It is recommended that the mother adjust her eating habits and adopt a lighter, more balanced diet.

2. Change Feeding Posture

The baby isn't refusing to feed but may be eager to drink; if the feeding posture is incorrect and the baby cannot properly latch onto the nipple, he or she may struggle and cry intensely. In such cases, adjusting the breastfeeding position is essential.

3. Massage the Breasts

When milk production does not meet the baby's demand, the baby may become anxious, leading to struggling and crying. It is therefore recommended that the mother massage her breasts before and during each feeding to promote milk flow. Once an adequate milk supply is provided, the baby's struggling during feeding typically improves.

In addition, during breastfeeding, feeding duration should be appropriately controlled—generally not exceeding 30 minutes, with 15–20 minutes being ideal.