13 week old suddenly fussy at the breast, any reassurance or tips?

[jmrpinkie]

My 13 week old the last couple days is just so fussy On the breast. Latching then pulling off and latching again and ultimately crying her head off after a couple of minutes. She has always fed well and calmly so it’s really stressing me out. Looking for reassurance and any tips?

Hi OP, this is totally normal! I breastfed my first baby, currently breastfeeding my second, both went through this stage. At this age babies are becoming so much more aware of the world around them and what is going on, it’s distracting for them and so then can be on & off the boob even when they are hungry. I sometimes used a little cover to help with this! There is also a growth spurt between sort of 12-16 weeks and so they can cluster feed, be on & off and just generally a bit unsettled on the boob. Try not to stress and (if you want to continue BF) then just keep persevering, it will pass x

Thank youuuuu. This is so helpful. I really do want to continue. I’ve enjoyed it so much more this time around than with my first but the last few days it really has stressed me out. I’ll just keep following her lead. I miss the long snuggly feeds but I know they do become so much more efficient etc just generally.

It is definitely an adjustment from newborn breastfeeding to older baby breastfeeding, it’s less long slow cuddles and more frantic quick feeds like drinking water from a running tap and then moving on! It is all part of the journey, try not to worry honestly x

Yes! Tbh I remember this with my first but we had already introduced a bottle so I thought he was showing bottle preference and not getting enough from the boob but looking back it was about the same time.

Very normal as they become more aware and interested in what’s going on around them. Baby also might not actually need as much feeding now so doesn’t actually want it, but you’re still offering as much, so many try offering a bit less. The first year they really do change all the time. Try and go with the flow as much as possible.