How do I stop my baby from getting air while breastfeeding?

Understanding Air Swallowing During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby, but it can sometimes come with challenges, one of which is the issue of air swallowing. Many parents notice that their little ones seem to gulp air while feeding, leading to discomfort and gas. Understanding how to minimize this can enhance the breastfeeding experience for both mother and child.
Causes of Air Swallowing
Air swallowing during breastfeeding can occur for several reasons. Babies may gulp air if they are not latched properly, if they are feeding too quickly, or if they are in a position that encourages air intake. Additionally, certain feeding habits, such as allowing the baby to feed while lying flat, can exacerbate the problem.
Tips to Minimize Air Swallowing
1. Ensure a Proper Latch: A good latch is crucial. When the baby latches onto the breast correctly, they are more likely to get a good seal, which helps reduce the amount of air they swallow. The baby’s mouth should cover not just the nipple but also a good portion of the areola.
2. Adjust Feeding Positions: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions. Holding your baby in a more upright position can help minimize air intake. The football hold or the cross-cradle hold are often recommended for better control and positioning.
3. Pace the Feeding: If your baby tends to gulp quickly, try to pace the feeding. Allow them to take breaks and breathe. You can gently pull them away from the breast for a moment if they seem to be feeding too aggressively.
4. Burp Regularly: Incorporate burping into your feeding routine. Burping your baby halfway through and after feeding can help release any trapped air. Hold your baby upright against your shoulder and gently pat their back.
5. Monitor Your Diet: Sometimes, the foods a breastfeeding mother consumes can affect the baby’s digestion. While this may not directly cause air swallowing, certain foods can lead to increased gas in babies. Keeping a food diary can help identify any potential culprits.
6. Stay Calm and Relaxed: Babies can pick up on their mother’s stress. A calm and relaxed feeding environment can help your baby feed more comfortably and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of gulping air.
Conclusion
Addressing the issue of air swallowing during breastfeeding requires a combination of proper technique, positioning, and awareness of both the baby’s and mother’s comfort. By implementing these strategies, you can help ensure that your breastfeeding experience is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible for both you and your baby. If problems persist, consulting a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and support.

How to avoid baby swallowing air while breastfeeding?

Make sure your baby has a good latch so he doesn’t swallow too much air. Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet.

Why is my breastfed baby getting so much air?

Babies often swallow air when sucking on the breast or a bottle, especially if they drink too quickly or don’t have an optimal latch on the nipple. They can also swallow air when crying. Food sensitivities. Hypersensitivities or allergies to certain types of food in mom’s diet are less common causes of baby gas.

How to get baby to latch deeper?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.

Why is my baby taking in air while breastfeeding?

If your little one is not latching deep enough, they may be swallowing more air. A painful latch or a ‘clicking’ sound made while baby is feeding may indicate their latch needs adjusting. Shallow latches are often remedied with a new breastfeeding position along with some minor latch corrections.

How do I stop my baby from suffocating while breastfeeding?

“Often, just stopping the feed and positioning the baby upright with good head and neck support will give them a few seconds to manage the problem.” Gina Posner, MD, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, says if your baby begins to choke, let them stop feeding for a little bit and pat their back.

Is my breastmilk making my baby gassy?

According to Estevane, digestive discomfort or gassiness in babies is primarily due to the baby’s immature digestive system, not mom’s diet. Most babies’ bodies will naturally handle gas more easily as they grow and increase their activity.

How do I stop my baby from taking in the 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.

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).

What foods make breastmilk gassy?

Food sensitivities and gas in breastfed babies
Some moms swear that when they eat foods such as dairy products, broccoli, cabbage, bananas, eggs, or garlic, their babies are gassy and fussy for up to the next 24 hours.

How can I help my baby not get air when breastfeeding?

Make sure your baby has a good latch so he doesn’t swallow too much air. Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet.