How to stop a breastfed baby from swallowing air?

Understanding Air Swallowing in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish infants, but it can sometimes lead to discomfort due to air swallowing. This issue is common among breastfed babies and can result in gas, fussiness, and even colic. Understanding how to minimize air intake during feeding can significantly enhance your baby’s comfort and overall feeding experience.
The Mechanics of Feeding
When a baby breastfeeds, they engage in a complex coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. If this coordination is disrupted, it can lead to the baby swallowing air. Factors such as the baby’s latch, the mother’s positioning, and the flow of milk can all influence how much air is swallowed during feeding.
Tips to Minimize Air Swallowing
1. Proper Latch: Ensuring that your baby has a good latch is crucial. A poor latch can cause the baby to gulp air along with milk. The baby’s mouth should cover not just the nipple but also a good portion of the areola. This helps create a seal that minimizes air intake.
2. Feeding Position: The position in which you hold your baby during breastfeeding can affect air swallowing. Holding your baby in a more upright position can help reduce the likelihood of air being swallowed. This position allows gravity to assist in the feeding process and can help the baby maintain a better latch.
3. Paced Feeding: If you are using a bottle for expressed milk, consider paced bottle feeding. This technique mimics breastfeeding by allowing the baby to suck and swallow at their own pace, reducing the chances of gulping air. It involves holding the bottle horizontally and allowing the baby to draw milk when they suck.
4. Burping Techniques: Regular burping during and after feeds can help release any trapped air. Try burping your baby after every few minutes of feeding or when you notice them becoming fussy. Different burping positions, such as holding the baby against your shoulder or sitting them upright on your lap, can be effective.
5. Monitor Feeding Cues: Pay attention to your baby’s feeding cues. If they seem to be gulping or pulling away frequently, it may indicate that they are swallowing air. Adjusting the feeding rhythm or taking breaks can help them manage their intake better.
6. Avoid Overfeeding: Sometimes, babies may swallow air if they are overfed. Be mindful of your baby’s hunger signals and try to feed them when they show signs of hunger rather than on a strict schedule.
Conclusion
While gas and air swallowing are common issues for breastfed babies, they can often be managed with a few adjustments to feeding techniques. By ensuring a proper latch, choosing the right feeding position, and being attentive to your baby’s needs, you can help minimize discomfort and promote a more enjoyable breastfeeding experience. If concerns persist, consulting with a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide additional support and guidance tailored to your situation.

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.

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 do I get my baby to stop swallowing air?

Perhaps the easiest way to try to prevent gas in babies is to minimize the amount of air they’re swallowing. In breastfed infants, this means ensuring that their lips are creating a seal on the areola. If you’re using bottles, make sure your baby is putting their lips towards the base of the nipple, not just the tip.

How do I stop compulsively swallowing air?

How do you get rid of aerophagia?

1. Change how you eat and drink. Chew your food slowly and ensure you’ve swallowed one piece of food before taking the next bite.
2. Change what you eat and drink. You may need to reach for drinks without carbonation.
3. Quit smoking. Quitting smoking provides an endless list of health benefits.

Why is my breastfed baby swallowing so much air?

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 prevent my baby from 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.

How to stop baby gulping when 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)

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.

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.

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.