How to stop baby swallowing air when breastfeeding?

Understanding Air Swallowing in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful bonding experience, but it can sometimes lead to challenges, such as babies swallowing air. This can result in discomfort, gas, and colic, making both the baby and the parent feel frustrated. Understanding how to minimize air swallowing during breastfeeding can significantly enhance the feeding experience.
The Causes of Air Swallowing
Air swallowing often occurs when a baby is not latched properly or is in an incorrect feeding position. When a baby latches onto the breast, they should create a seal that allows them to draw milk without gulping air. If the latch is shallow or the baby is positioned awkwardly, they may inadvertently swallow air along with milk. This can lead to a distended belly and discomfort after feeding.
Tips to Minimize Air Swallowing
1. Ensure a Proper Latch: A deep latch is crucial. The baby should take in not just the nipple but also a good portion of the areola. This helps create a vacuum that minimizes air intake. If you’re unsure about the latch, consulting a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance.
2. Adjust Feeding Positions: Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can help. Some mothers find that holding the baby in a more upright position reduces the likelihood of air swallowing. The football hold or side-lying position may also be beneficial.
3. Pace the Feeding: Allow your baby to feed at their own pace. If they seem to be gulping or pulling away frequently, it might be a sign that they are swallowing air. Taking breaks during feeding can help them manage their intake better.
4. Burp Regularly: Incorporating burping into the feeding routine can help release any trapped air. Burp your baby after every few minutes of feeding or when they seem fussy. This can alleviate discomfort and prevent gas buildup.
5. Monitor Your Diet: If you are breastfeeding, your diet can influence your baby’s gas levels. Some mothers find that eliminating certain foods, like dairy or gas-producing vegetables, can help reduce their baby’s discomfort.
6. Stay Calm and Relaxed: Babies can pick up on their mother’s stress. Creating a calm feeding environment can help both you and your baby relax, which may reduce the likelihood of air swallowing.
Conclusion
While it’s common for babies to experience gas and discomfort, taking proactive steps can help minimize air swallowing during breastfeeding. By ensuring a proper latch, experimenting with feeding positions, pacing the feeding, and incorporating regular burping, parents can create a more comfortable feeding experience for their little ones. If issues persist, seeking advice from a lactation consultant can provide additional support and solutions tailored to your specific 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.

What should a mother eat when a baby has gas?

Some babies also may become fussy with the consumption of gas-producing foods (broccoli, cabbage, beans, etc.). If you notice this you may want to substitute other vegetables and lean proteins into your diet. Some foods may cause an allergy in an infant also, although this area needs additional research.

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.

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 prevent baby from gulping 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 gulping air when I feed?

Soothing a colicky baby

1. Burping. Burp your baby during and after every bottle feed.
2. Sit your baby up. When bottle feeding, sit your baby up as straight as possible – this helps stop them swallowing too much air.
3. Try different teats.
4. Avoid changing formula.

How to stop baby gulping air when feeding?

Soothing a colicky baby

1. Burping. Burp your baby during and after every bottle feed.
2. Sit your baby up. When bottle feeding, sit your baby up as straight as possible – this helps stop them swallowing too much air.
3. Try different teats.
4. Avoid changing formula.

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.

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.

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.