How to tell if a breastfed baby is swallowing air?

Understanding Air Swallowing in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish infants, but it can sometimes lead to complications, one of which is the swallowing of air, medically known as aerophagia. This phenomenon can cause discomfort and gastrointestinal issues in babies, making it essential for parents to recognize the signs that their little one may be swallowing air during feeds.
Signs of Air Swallowing
One of the primary indicators that a breastfed baby is swallowing air is the presence of excessive gas or a distended belly. Babies often exhibit signs of discomfort, such as fussiness or crying, particularly after feeding. This discomfort can stem from the accumulation of air in their digestive system, which can lead to colic symptoms and other gastrointestinal troubles.
Another telltale sign is the sounds made during breastfeeding. In the early days of breastfeeding, it may take several sucks before a parent hears a swallowing sound. If a baby is gulping or making clicking noises while feeding, it may indicate that they are not latching properly and are swallowing air instead.
Feeding Position and Technique
The position in which a baby is fed can significantly influence air swallowing. If a baby is not positioned correctly, they may struggle to latch onto the breast effectively, leading to air intake. Parents are encouraged to experiment with different feeding positions to find one that minimizes air swallowing. For instance, holding the baby in a more upright position can help reduce the likelihood of air being swallowed during feeds.
Additionally, the sucking technique is crucial. A baby who is sucking too vigorously or not latching properly may inadvertently swallow air. Observing the baby’s latch and ensuring they are latched onto the breast correctly can help mitigate this issue.
Monitoring and Managing Symptoms
Parents should keep an eye on their baby’s behavior during and after feeds. If a baby seems to be excessively gassy or shows signs of discomfort, it may be beneficial to consult with a lactation consultant. These professionals can provide guidance on proper latching techniques and feeding positions, which can help reduce air swallowing.
In some cases, if a baby is consistently experiencing discomfort due to swallowed air, it may be necessary to explore other feeding methods or consult a pediatrician for further evaluation. This is particularly important if the symptoms are severe or persistent, as they can lead to more significant issues like reflux.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of air swallowing in breastfed babies is crucial for ensuring their comfort and well-being. By paying attention to feeding techniques, positions, and the sounds made during breastfeeding, parents can help minimize the risk of aerophagia. If concerns persist, seeking professional advice can provide additional support and solutions for both the baby and the parents.

How do I know if my baby is swallowing air while breastfeeding?

Burping. It’s possible your baby has swallowed too much air while nursing or crying for a long period. Spitting up. While spitting up is perfectly normal, gas that’s trapped in the stomach can push breast milk back up and cause your baby to spit up.

How do I know if my breast milk is causing gas?

Common symptoms of gas in breastfed babies:
Spitting up (while typically completely normal): May be a sign of gas build up within the stomach. Trapped gas bubbles can push some breastmilk back up. Excessive flatulence (again, usually completely normal and a natural way to relieve the pressure of gas)

What if I can’t hear my baby swallowing while breastfeeding?

Call your baby’s doctor or a lactation specialist if: Your baby is having fewer than six wet diapers a day. Your baby is having fewer than three or four yellow stools a day. Your milk is in but you don’t hear your baby gulping or swallowing frequently during breastfeeding.

How to know if baby isn’t tolerating breast milk?

Fussiness before eating because of hunger, during the feeding and then more fussy as they become more uncomfortable can be common. “Children with MSPI may cry 18 hours or more a day and may develop weight loss, congestion, repeated vomiting, reflux, and certain kinds of skin rashes.

How to stop baby gulping air when feeding?

* 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.

How to make sure 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 do you know if milk is in baby lungs?

Aspiration can cause signs and symptoms in a baby such as:

• Weak sucking.
• Choking or coughing while feeding.
• Other signs of feeding trouble, like a red face, watery eyes, or facial grimaces.
• Stopping breathing while feeding.
• Faster breathing while feeding.
• Voice or breathing that sounds wet after feeding.

What position should I breastfeed to avoid gas?

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 do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

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.