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Why Does Your Baby Sweat While Breastfeeding?

Team AckoDec 5, 2024

Do you ever wonder why your baby breaks a sweat while breastfeeding? Have you come across it more than once? Do you wonder if it is an indication of some health issue? All these questions occur in your mind and make you curious, especially if you are a new mom. It can be very unsettling for you. You might have dismissed it, thinking that it was because of the warm weather. Your concerns will end after reading this blog. There are many reasons as to why your baby sweats while breastfeeding.

why-does-baby-sweat-while-breastfeeding

Contents

Reasons Your Baby Sweats While Breastfeeding
Why Does Your Baby Sweat While Breastfeeding: Does It Indicate A Health Issue?
Tips To Reduce Baby Sweating
- Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Reasons Your Baby Sweats While Breastfeeding

It is common for babies to sweat while breastfeeding. However, it is important to mention it to your paediatrician when you take them for a health check-up. The following are the reasons why your baby may sweat while breastfeeding:

Close Contact with Mum's Skin

While breastfeeding, you and your baby are in close contact, often skin-to-skin, which can make them feel warm. It increases your baby’s body heat. To help your baby regulate their temperature, the body stimulates the natural cooling process by starting to sweat. It is a classic biological process designed to regulate body heat transfer.

A Warm Room

A warm environment causes your baby to sweat. If you live in a hot and humid place, your baby is more likely to sweat while breastfeeding. That is why you must make sure their room is of ambient temperature. The baby will get fussy while breastfeeding if it is too cold or hot. It is always a good idea to keep the rooms well-ventilated. It will keep your baby comfortable and prevent any stuffiness in the room.

Overdressing Your Baby

You should never over-dress your baby. The old practice of layering multiple clothing items isn’t always necessary. Put on clothes as necessary. Too many layers of clothes in a hot surrounding will cause sweating. Avoid making them wear a cap while breastfeeding, as keeping their head bare will allow heat to escape and help their body to remain cool. If it is cold and you are feeding them during winter months, you can dress up your little one in woollen clothes, but do not overdo it with many layers.

Not Using Cotton Clothes

Cotton clothes are breathable and soft. It will ensure that your baby is comfortable. Polyester clothes can interfere with air and heat regulation in your baby’s body, preventing proper air circulation. This is another reason why your baby may sweat, as polyester fabric tends to trap heat and increase sweating.

Sucking is Your Baby’s Form of Exercise

When we exercise and move our muscles, it's common to sweat. Similarly, sucking is a form of exercise for your baby's jaw, which can cause them to sweat. You can let your baby take breaks during breastfeeding, allowing them to catch their breath before resuming.

Why Does Your Baby Sweat While Breastfeeding: Does It Indicate A Health Issue?

While sweating during breastfeeding is normal, it can sometimes be associated with certain health issues. The most common health issues are pulmonary atresia and hyperthyroidism. Pulmonary atresia is a condition related to the pulmonary valve of the baby’s body. The pulmonary valve is an opening on the right side of the heart that helps regulate blood flow to the lungs. In the case of pulmonary atresia, the pulmonary valve does not form properly. As a result, the blood from the baby’s right ventricle cannot reach the lungs. It leads to a deficiency of oxygen in the body.

Excessive sweating may also indicate a condition related to the thyroid gland. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. Some babies can suffer from cyanosis or develop a bluish tint to their skin. If your baby has a health issue that causes excessive sweating while breastfeeding, there will be more symptoms that you need to spot. Here are a few more symptoms you can watch out for:

• Your baby may have difficulty in breathing. She may breathe rapidly or slowly or even gasp.

• Your baby may often seem tired and lethargic or may fall asleep while breastfeeding.

• In some cases, your baby may refuse to feed altogether. However, you can try again after some time.

Tips To Reduce Baby Sweating

Before you panic and let negative thoughts take over, here are a few tips to help reduce your baby’s sweating. Try these out before you rush to a doctor:

• While breastfeeding, you and your baby will be in close contact, so it’s important to be mindful of your clothing, as what you wear can affect your baby too. Make sure you dress in light cotton clothes in summer that will help keep both you and your baby cool. Make sure the material is soft on your baby’s skin. If you're breastfeeding during the winter months, make sure your woollen garment doesn’t come into direct contact with your baby’s skin, as it may irritate.

• Do not cover your baby’s head or face using a cloak while nursing them at home. Use a cotton nursing cloak while breastfeeding them in public.

• If your baby seems uncomfortable, lightly blow air over their head to reduce sweating.

• Try switching your baby’s position while breastfeeding. When nursing, your baby’s head may remain in the same position for a long time, causing one side of the face and head to heat up, which can lead to sweating in that area. Be sure to change your baby’s position occasionally, especially when switching breasts.

If your baby is still sweating after taking all these necessary measures, you should consult the doctor immediately. Excessive sweating can be a symptom of some major health issues. Now that you understand the various reasons why your baby sweats during breastfeeding and how to prevent it, there's no need to worry.

Conclusion

Sweating in babies during breastfeeding is quite normal. It often happens because of the warmth, the clothing they are wearing, or the physical effort they exert while feeding. However, excessive sweating could indicate some underlying health concerns. Observing your baby’s overall behaviour and following tips like adjusting clothing, room temperature, and nursing positions can help reduce sweating. If sweating persists despite these measures, consulting a doctor is essential. With awareness and proactive care, you can ensure your baby’s comfort and well-being during feeding sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of FAQs about Why Does Your Baby Sweat While Breastfeeding?

1. Is it normal for babies to sweat while breastfeeding?

Yes, it’s normal for babies to sweat during breastfeeding. This is usually a normal reaction to the warmth he/she feels from his mother and the physical effort made by them during the process of sucking. However, it varies based on the baby’s age, activity level, and the environment.

2. Should I be worried if my baby sweats only on one side of their head?

Sweating on one side of the head is generally normal and can be related to their position or contact with the mother during the feeding period. However, if it seems persistent or unusual, consulting a doctor can help clarify any concerns.

3. How can I tell if my baby’s sweating is due to being too warm or if it’s something else?

Check the room temperature, clothing layers, and the signs of comfort, like the baby’s general behaviour. If the baby seems calm and happy, it’s likely just heat transfer taking place from being in contact with the mother. Excessive fussiness or sweating despite a cool environment may warrant a checkup.

4. Is sweating during breastfeeding different in younger babies versus older ones?

Newborns and younger babies might sweat less since their sweat glands are still in the process of development. Older infants, however, may sweat more as their glands have developed fully, and they become more active during feedings.

5. Is it possible for a baby to lose fluids by sweating during breastfeeding?

The amount of fluid loss during breastfeeding is typically minimal. Regular feeding and hydration through breast milk will keep them sufficiently hydrated, so it is nothing to be alarmed about.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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