7 Week Breastfeeding Crisis

Breastfeeding is often described as a beautiful, natural bonding experience. And while that’s certainly true, it can also be incredibly challenging — especially around the 6 – 8 week mark. If you’re currently seven weeks postpartum and feel like everything is falling apart, you’re not alone. This period is often referred to by lactation consultants and seasoned parents alike as the “7 week breastfeeding crisis.”

But what is it, exactly? Why does it happen? And how can you survive it?

What Is the 7 Week Breastfeeding Crisis?

Around week seven, many mothers hit a sudden wall with breastfeeding. It may seem like your baby is constantly fussy at the breast, refusing to latch, crying more often, or feeding erratically. You may feel like your milk supply has suddenly dropped or that something is “wrong” with your baby or your body.

The truth? This is a completely normal — albeit frustrating — developmental phase.

What Causes 7 week breastfeeding crisis?

Here are a few common causes:

1. Developmental Leap

At around seven weeks, babies often go through a major cognitive and sensory leap. They’re more aware of their surroundings, which means they’re more easily distracted and overstimulated — even during feedings.

2. Growth Spurt

Your baby may be going through a growth spurt and suddenly wants to nurse more often, which can leave you feeling like you’re feeding non-stop. This is nature’s way of increasing your milk supply to meet your baby’s growing needs.

3. Cluster Feeding

Many parents report intense cluster feeding during this time. It can feel like your baby is nursing all day and still not satisfied, which can create anxiety about your supply — but this behavior is temporary and normal.

4. Change in Milk Taste

According to LactApp, a little-known but fascinating cause is a temporary change in the taste of breast milk. Around this time, your milk may become slightly saltier, which some babies notice — and protest. This can lead to sudden fussiness or shorter feeds.

5. Sleep Disruption & Overstimulation

Your baby may also be struggling with sleep or overstimulation, which can affect how calmly they nurse. New skills and sensations can make it hard for them to focus.

6. Gas, Reflux, or Tummy Troubles

Some babies start showing signs of reflux or digestive discomfort around this age. It can make them irritable at the breast and harder to settle.

7. Exhaustion & Burnout

Let’s not forget about you. By seven weeks, the initial adrenaline of new parenthood has likely worn off. Sleep deprivation is catching up, and the emotional and physical toll of round-the-clock feedings can lead to burnout, doubt, and even resentment.

Signs You Might Be in the 7 Week Crisis

• Your baby fusses, cries, or pulls away during feeds

• Feedings feel chaotic or unusually short

• Your baby wants to nurse constantly — or not at all

• You feel like your milk supply has dropped (even if it hasn’t)

• You’re questioning whether you can keep going

What You Can Do when you hit 7 week breastfeeding crisis?

Here’s how to survive — and even thrive — through this rough patch:

1. Trust the Process

Your body and your baby are working hard to regulate. This phase is temporary. Most parents report things getting better by week 9 or 10.

2. Feed on Demand

Let your baby nurse as often as they want. Frequent nursing helps boost your supply and comforts your baby during this big transition.

3. Practice Skin-to-Skin

Reconnecting with skin-to-skin contact can help calm a fussy baby and increase milk-producing hormones in you.

4. Try Different Feeding Positions

Sometimes switching up your position can help if your baby seems uncomfortable. Side-lying or laid-back nursing may be more relaxing.

5. Use a Dummy

If your baby is looking for non-nutritive comfort but you’re touched out, a dummy might give you a short breather. Not sure if a dummy is the right choice? Read more about when and how to introduce a pacifier here.

6. Get Support

Talk to a lactation consultant or join a breastfeeding support group. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can make a world of difference — the NHS offers free breastfeeding support here.

7. Take Care of You

Take care of yourself—drink plenty of water, eat nourishing food, and rest when you can. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your well-being matters just as much as your baby’s. Connecting with other parents really helps, and Facebook groups can be a great way to find support and chat with people who get what you’re going through.

How Long Does 7 week breastfeeding crisis last?

For most babies, this crisis lasts a few days up to a week, though for some, it can continue for closer to two weeks. The key thing to remember: it does pass, and it doesn’t mean your breastfeeding journey is over. Stay positive, be patient with yourself and your baby, and soon enough, things will get easier.

Final Thoughts

The 7 week breastfeeding crisis can be a rough patch, but it’s also a sign that your baby is growing, learning, and adjusting to their new world. As frustrating as it may be, this phase is temporary and a normal part of breastfeeding.

Trust your instincts, lean on your support system, and remind yourself: you’re doing an incredible job. Hang in there — calmer days (and easier feeds) are just around the corner.