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Do I need to burp if breastfeeding?

Do I Need to Burp If Breastfeeding?
When it comes to the age-old question of whether you need to burp your baby after breastfeeding, the answer is nuanced and depends on several factors. While burping is often associated with feeding, particularly for formula-fed infants, breastfed babies typically require less burping. This is largely due to the differences in how breast milk and formula are digested.
The Digestive Differences
Breast milk is a physiologic substance that is easier to digest compared to formula, which is often made from cow’s milk and can take longer to break down in a baby’s stomach. As a result, breastfed babies tend to have a rapid transit time through their digestive systems, meaning they may not swallow as much air during feeding and therefore may not need to burp as frequently.
Individual Variability
However, it’s important to note that every baby is different. Some infants may still need to be burped during or after breastfeeding, especially if they seem uncomfortable or fussy. According to experts, there are no strict rules about when to burp a baby; some may require burping during the feed, while others may need it afterward. Observing your baby’s cues can help determine the best approach.
Signs Your Baby Might Need to Burp
If your baby appears to be squirming, fussing, or showing signs of discomfort after feeding, it might be a good idea to try burping them. Burping helps release any air that may have been swallowed during feeding, which can alleviate discomfort and prevent excessive fussiness.
Techniques for Burping
If you decide to burp your baby, there are several techniques you can use. Common methods include holding your baby upright against your shoulder, sitting them on your lap while supporting their chin, or laying them across your lap. Gentle pats or rubs on the back can help encourage the release of trapped air.
When to Skip Burping
Interestingly, some babies may not need to burp at all. If your baby seems content and is not showing signs of discomfort, it’s perfectly fine to skip the burping session. In fact, if you find that your baby doesn’t burp after several attempts, there’s no need to worry; many babies simply don’t need to burp after every feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while burping can be beneficial for some breastfed babies, it is not universally necessary. The key is to pay attention to your baby’s individual needs and comfort levels. If they seem happy and content after feeding, you might not need to worry about burping at all.

Do I need to burp baby after side lying breastfeeding?

There are no rules on when to burp your baby. Some babies need to be burped during their feed while others after. And some may find it easier than others.

When to switch breasts while breastfeeding?

Let your baby stay at the first breast until either the breast is very soft or your baby is full. If your baby is not satisfied with the first breast, offer the second breast. Try nursing on only one breast at each feeding, if possible.

At what age do you stop burping your baby after a feeding?

If you’re burping a newborn after breastfeeding, the baby will typically burp less because they swallow less air. Most babies will outgrow the need to be burped by 4-6 months of age. You can often tell that a baby needs to be burped if he or she is squirmy or pulling away while being fed.

What happens if a baby is not burped after feeding?

An important part of feeding a baby is burping. Burping helps to get rid of some of the air that babies tend to swallow during feeding. Not being burped often and swallowing too much air can make a baby spit up, or seem cranky or gassy.

Is it OK to put baby to sleep without burping after breastfeeding?

It’s generally okay for a baby to sleep without burping. But it depends on your baby, how they’re feeling and what they need. So you’ll have to decide on a case-by-case basis, recognizing if they are showing signs of discomfort. Feeding can often have a calming effect on a baby.

What if my baby never burps after breastfeeding?

As your baby gets older, don’t worry if your child doesn’t burp during or after every feeding. Usually, it means that your baby has learned to eat without swallowing too much air.

Do you need to burp a breastfed baby?

Formula – made from cow’s milk, soy, or other non-human milk – can cause difficult digestion for a baby and babies may be comforted by burping. However, because human breastmilk is a physiologic substance that digests easily and has rapid transit time through the stomach, burping is not necessary.

When can I stop worrying about SIDS?

SIDS deaths occur most often during the first year of a baby’s life. About 90% of SIDS deaths occur before the age of 6 months. Generally, after a baby turns 1 year old, parents can be less worried about SIDS.

Do breastfed babies need to be winded?

Timing breastfeeds
Allow your baby to stay on the first breast for as long as they are feeding. Then take a break, wind your baby if needed and offer the second breast. Many babies can wind themselves while in laid back or upright breastfeeding positions. Some babies only take 1 breast per feed.

Can a baby choke if not burped while sleeping?

And can go right into the air pipe causing the baby to breathe the spit up into their lungs. So it is always best to put your baby on their back to sleep for all sleeps nap time. And bedtime.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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