Why does a 4-month-old baby cry and fuss when breastfeeding?

Mar 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ma Yan

Introduction

A 4-month-old baby crying and fussing during feeding may be entering a phase of nursing aversion, showing signs of resistance. This could be due to insufficient breast milk supply, causing the baby to remain hungry after feeding. It may also result from congenital abnormalities in nipple development or acquired factors such as excessive pressure or inflammation leading to inverted nipples, which prevent the baby from latching properly.

A 4-month-old baby crying and fussing during breastfeeding may be due to physiological reasons, such as insufficient breast milk supply or inverted nipples.

1. Physiological phenomenon

The baby may have entered a phase of nursing aversion, showing disinterest or resistance toward feeding. This is considered a normal physiological occurrence and generally does not require treatment.

2. Insufficient breast milk supply

Inadequate milk production may leave the baby unable to sufficiently relieve hunger while nursing. This situation can usually be improved by appropriately supplementing with formula milk.

3. Inverted nipples

Inverted nipples may result from congenital abnormal nipple development or from external pressure or inflammation after birth, causing the nipple to retract inward. This makes it difficult for the baby to properly latch on during breastfeeding. Manual traction techniques are often used to help draw the nipple outward and improve the condition.

In addition, conditions such as oral thrush may also cause feeding difficulties. In such cases, appropriate medical treatment should be strictly followed as directed by a healthcare provider, along with close monitoring of symptom changes.

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