whimpering and thrashing about during feeds

[Muntjac]

My 4 week old son has recently got into the habit of making whimpering (slightly crying) noises towards the end of feeds - sometimes at the beginning. Does anyone know why this might be? I get paranoid that my milk has run out.

He also regularly thrashes his torso and legs about during feeds, especially in the evening. This is driving me mad as I don't know what is causing it and therefore what I can do to stop it. It's incredibly difficult to breastfeed a baby who is thrashing his body about as he loses his latch but keeps gripping on to my nipple.

Any advice on what might be causing this and how to stop it greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

I posted about similar problems a few weeks ago and was advised it could be wind. I tend to wind her now when this starts and it doesn't always work but it does sometimes.

Hi, wind could be the problem, but he might be tired.

My DS is now 20 weeks so I'm good now at picking up him cues for different things, but back when he was 4 weeks old I had little idea!

When DS whimpers and wriggles during a feed I now can spot that sometimes he's tired and feeding for comfort. Winding him halfway through can be a good idea sometimes, but if you don't think it's wind and he isn't really hungry stick him in the car or pram and head out to get him to sleep.

HTH!

DS2 did this up until around 12 weeks.

No idea why, it was usually at the last feed of the day, lots of wriggling and growling. It would sometimes help to take him off and distract him for a second and then put him back on.

I think it is just something they do, which can be a pain when they clamp down hard with their gums in order not to lose the nipple when they are writhing which was one of DS2's favourite tricks.

yes, I'd try winding half way through, and then again at the end if possible?

Thanks everyone. I'll try some extra winding but yes it could just be tiredness - I wish I knew for sure how to spot when he's tired.

And yes Morloth, he does exactly what you said re clamping down hard with his gums - good to know I'm not the only one!

Sounds familiar! Wish someone had warned me about the exorcist impressions and gum clamping...

I find it's when she's distracted, I turn off telly, lights, tell family to shush. Usually works.

Ditto all these! DS is 13 weeks and started this last week... i was worried we were going to have a nusing strike as he seemed so upset each time i tried to feed. Did the quiet room thing also walking whilst feeding works a treat and rather than getting fustrated with him i now sit him up wind him a little and then do my best to make him smile or laugh- think silly noises and blowing raspberries and lots of kisses. It makes both of us feel so much better and seems to work for us. It is definitely worse when he is over tired so i have also started being more vigilant for hunger and tiredness cues....licking lips, hand in mouth, rubbing eyes etc. before the first hunger wimper is out i am offering a feed. Seems much better since doing thses things.