Your baby might push her face into your breasts because she is not getting enough milk at that moment.
Understanding the Behavior
Babies can exhibit a variety of behaviors while breastfeeding, and pushing their face into the breast is one of them. This action often indicates frustration, signaling that the flow of milk might not be meeting their immediate needs.
Reasons for This Behavior:
- Not enough milk at the moment:
- As described in the reference, a baby may push her face into the breast when she isn’t getting enough milk. This can happen if the milk flow is slow or if the baby isn’t latched on well enough.
- This is often accompanied by a popping on and off the breast, followed by crying.
- It resembles how kittens and puppies nurse, burying their heads then tugging back before popping off.
What You Can Do
If your baby displays this behavior, consider the following:
- Check Your Latch: Ensure the baby has a good latch. A proper latch is key to efficient milk transfer.
- Milk Supply: If this happens frequently, you might need to evaluate your milk supply.
- Positioning: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to see if a change makes a difference.
- Consult a Lactation Consultant: If the problem continues, seek help from a lactation consultant. They can assess the situation and offer tailored guidance.
- Observe Baby's Cues: Pay close attention to your baby's cues. This can help you understand if she is actually hungry or having other needs.
Signs of Effective Breastfeeding:
To help you discern whether the issue is latch or milk supply, here's what to look for in effective breastfeeding:
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Audible Swallowing | You can hear your baby swallowing milk regularly. |
| Relaxed Baby | Your baby appears content and relaxed during and after feedings. |
| Sufficient Wet Diapers | Your baby has enough wet diapers. |
| Weight Gain | Your baby is gaining weight appropriately. |
Summary
In conclusion, when your baby pushes her face into your breasts, it often indicates she is not getting enough milk as desired at that moment. By understanding this behavior, you can take steps to improve your breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby.
