How do I stop my baby from swallowing air when breastfeeding?

Understanding Air Swallowing in Breastfed Babies
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. This can lead to discomfort for the baby, manifesting as gas pains or colic. Understanding how to minimize this can enhance the breastfeeding experience for both mother and child.
Causes of Air Swallowing
Babies often swallow air during feeding, which can occur for several reasons. One common cause is an improper latch. If the baby is not latched onto the breast correctly, they may gulp air along with milk. Additionally, babies can swallow air when they cry, which can happen if they become frustrated or impatient during feeding.
Tips to Minimize Air Swallowing
To help prevent your baby from swallowing air while breastfeeding, consider the following strategies:
1. Ensure a Proper Latch: A good latch is crucial. The baby should take in not just the nipple but also a good portion of the areola. This helps create a seal that minimizes air intake. If you’re unsure about the latch, consulting a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance.
2. Adjust Feeding Positions: The position in which you hold your baby can significantly impact air swallowing. Try different breastfeeding positions, such as the football hold or side-lying position, to see which one allows your baby to feed more comfortably and effectively. Keeping the baby’s head higher than their stomach can also help reduce the amount of air swallowed.
3. Pace the Feeding: Allow your baby to feed at their own pace. If they seem to be gulping or pulling away frequently, it may be beneficial to take breaks during feeding. This can help them manage their intake and reduce the likelihood of swallowing air.
4. Burp Regularly: Incorporating burping into your feeding routine can help release any trapped air. Burp your baby after every few minutes of feeding or when they seem to be fussy. This can alleviate discomfort and prevent gas buildup.
5. Monitor Your Diet: If you notice that your baby is particularly gassy, consider evaluating your own diet. Certain foods can affect breast milk and may contribute to gas in your baby. Common culprits include dairy, caffeine, and certain vegetables.
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 effectively and reduce the chances of swallowing air.
Conclusion
While air swallowing during breastfeeding can be a common issue, it is manageable with the right techniques and adjustments. By ensuring a proper latch, experimenting with feeding positions, pacing the feeding, and incorporating regular burping, you can help your baby feed more comfortably. If problems persist, seeking advice from a lactation consultant can provide additional support tailored to your specific situation. Remember, every baby is different, and finding what works best for you and your little one may take some time and patience.

How do I make sure my baby doesn’t swallow 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.

How to stop baby gulping while breastfeeding?

Do

1. get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
2. hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
3. burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
4. make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)

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.

Do I always have to hold my breasts while breastfeeding?

First of all, because it is not needed. You also “lose” a useful hand by trying to keep your breast away from the baby’s nose. Furthermore, holding the breast during the feed could unintentionally cause the baby to latch on poorly (more on how to achieve a good latch here).

How to stop a breastfed baby from swallowing air?

Sit your baby up as straight as possible while feeding. This will help minimise the amount of air they swallow.

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).

Why does my baby sound like gulping air when breastfeeding?

The infant will make a suck or two and then an audible swallow should be heard as the milk is swallowed. The sounds of “gulping” and “clicking” can signify a poor vacuum is in place and the child is swallowing more air then milk.

Why does my baby swallow so much air while feeding?

A baby may swallow excess air during bottle-feeding when drinking too fast or when lying down. A baby may also swallow excess air if the nipple has holes that are too big. If you bottle-feed your baby, use nipples with holes large enough to drip cold formula at 1 drop each second. Position.

What breastfeeding position reduces air intake?

Breastfeeding position to reduce gas
“This air has to be released in one direction or another. If baby doesn’t burp, they’ll likely become gassy,” Long says. Good news: This can be remedied with the proper breastfeeding positions, including upright or semi-upright positions, like the laid-back breastfeeding position.

What positions reduce air breastfeeding?

Use positions for feeding that keep baby’s head higher than her tummy, such as a laid-back position or having baby diagonally across your chest in a cradle hold. Avoid positions that have baby bending at the waist, putting more pressure on her tummy.