How can I get my baby to swallow less air while breastfeeding?

Understanding Air Swallowing in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful experience, but it can sometimes come with challenges, such as babies swallowing air during feeds. This can lead to discomfort and gas pains, which are distressing for both the baby and the parents. Fortunately, there are several strategies to help minimize air swallowing while breastfeeding.
Positioning Matters
One of the most effective ways to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows is to pay attention to their positioning during feeding. Optimal positioning can help create a better latch, which is crucial for effective breastfeeding. Holding your baby in a more upright position can help them swallow less air. The “football hold” or the “cradle hold” are popular positions that can facilitate a better latch and reduce air intake.
Ensuring a Good Latch
A proper latch is essential not only for effective feeding but also for minimizing air swallowing. If your baby is not latched on correctly, they may gulp air along with the milk. To check the latch, ensure that your baby’s mouth covers a good portion of the areola, not just the nipple. If you’re unsure, consulting a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and support.
Feeding Techniques
The way you feed your baby can also influence how much air they swallow. Try to keep your baby calm and relaxed before and during feeding. If they are fussy or crying, they may gulp more air. Additionally, consider using breast compression techniques to encourage your baby to suck more efficiently, which can help reduce the amount of air they take in.
Monitor Your Diet
Interestingly, what you eat can also affect your baby’s gas levels. Some foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet can contribute to gas in babies. Common culprits include dairy products, beans, and certain vegetables. If you notice that your baby seems particularly gassy after nursing, it might be worth evaluating your diet and making adjustments as needed.
Burping Techniques
After feeding, burping your baby can help release any air they may have swallowed. Experiment with different burping positions—over your shoulder, sitting on your lap, or lying on your tummy on your lap—to find what works best for your baby. Regular burping during and after feeds can significantly alleviate discomfort caused by trapped air.
Conclusion
While it’s normal for babies to swallow some air during breastfeeding, implementing these strategies can help minimize the issue. By focusing on proper positioning, ensuring a good latch, being mindful of your diet, and employing effective burping techniques, you can create a more comfortable feeding experience for your little one. If gas issues persist, consulting with a pediatrician or lactation consultant can provide further insights and support tailored to your situation.

Why do babies gasp for air while feeding?

Most babies who have laryngomalacia start having symptoms within a few days to weeks after birth. These symptoms may include: Noisy breathing. Difficulty feeding or gasping/choking noises while feeding.

How to stop baby gulping while breastfeeding?

If this happens during feeding: Try nursing your baby in a more upright position (head above the breast). This may ease the force of the milk. Nurse in a side-lying position, which also might help slow the flow of milk.

Why is my breastfed baby swallowing so much air?

Common causes of gas discomfort in breastfed babies:
An incorrect latch while nursing leads your baby to swallow too much air. Excessive crying fills your baby’s belly with air. Strong let-down or oversupply, causing baby to gulp quickly and swallow air.

How to feed a baby without swallowing air?

Tips for preventing excess gas in babies
Use a slow flow nipple on bottles, especially for newborns. Fast flow nipples may cause the baby to swallow more air. Angle the bottle so that air is not getting into the milk or formula while feeding.

Why is my baby gasping for air while breastfeeding?

Most often, babies are choking and gasping at the breast because mom has a lot of milk and/or the flow of her milk is so fast that the baby struggles (just like adults can only handle guzzling so much of a drink rather than drinking it at a more reasonable pace).

How can I reduce air swallowing?

Belching: Getting rid of excess air

1. Eat and drink slowly. Taking your time can help you swallow less air.
2. Don’t drink carbonated drinks and beer. They release carbon dioxide gas.
3. Skip the gum and hard candy.
4. Don’t smoke.
5. Check your dentures.
6. Get moving.
7. Treat heartburn.

What if baby doesn’t burp and falls asleep?

What to do in this case? A: If your baby falls asleep before burping, gently try to burp them while they are still drowsy. If unsuccessful, it’s generally okay to let them sleep without forcing a burp. Ensure a comfortable sleeping position to prevent discomfort, and try burping after the next feeding.

How to avoid baby swallowing air while breastfeeding?

What are the treatments for breastfed baby gas?

1. Burp frequently. Adding a few extra burps to feeding times is typically an easy adjustment to make.
2. Turn to tummy time.
3. Perform baby massage.
4. Bicycle their legs.
5. Feed while baby’s upright.
6. Check your latch.
7. Try to reduce baby’s crying.
8. Consider over-the-counter remedies.

What foods make reflux worse in breastfed babies?

Citrus fruit, tomatoes, caffeine containing drinks (tea, coffee, coke) and chocolate may also need to be avoided by the breast-feeding mother of a reflux baby. Remember that all babies are different and different babies react to different foods – the list above is a guideline only.

How do I stop my baby from gulping air when I feed?

* Breastfeeding mothers can avoid their babies from swallowing air by keeping them in an upright position (45 degree angle). * Flexing baby’s knees up against baby’s chest will help relieve burps and also helps for relieving flatulence. After about the age of 5 months, most babies do not need to be burped anymore.