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What if my baby wont burp after breastfeeding?

Understanding Burping After Breastfeeding
When it comes to the delicate art of caring for a newborn, burping is often a topic of concern for new parents. Many wonder, “What if my baby won’t burp after breastfeeding?” This question is particularly relevant as parents navigate the complexities of infant feeding and digestion.
The Need for Burping
Burping is primarily about releasing the air that babies swallow while feeding. This air can lead to discomfort, fussiness, and even spitting up. While burping is commonly recommended, especially for formula-fed babies, breastfed infants typically require less burping. This is largely due to the nature of breast milk, which is easier to digest compared to formula.
What Happens If Your Baby Doesn’t Burp?
If your baby doesn’t burp after breastfeeding, it’s generally not a cause for alarm. Many babies may not need to burp at all, and some may simply not have swallowed enough air during the feeding. According to experts, if your baby seems comfortable and is not showing signs of distress, there is likely no need to worry.
In fact, the sphincter that controls gas release in a baby’s esophagus is still maturing, which can affect their ability to burp effectively. If your baby is content and not exhibiting signs of discomfort, such as excessive fussiness or crying, it’s perfectly fine to skip the burping session.
Techniques for Encouraging Burping
If you do want to encourage your baby to burp, there are several techniques you can try. The most common methods involve holding your baby in an upright position against your shoulder or sitting them on your lap while gently patting or rubbing their back. It’s often recommended to attempt burping after every 2 to 3 ounces of feeding if bottle-feeding, or each time you switch breasts during breastfeeding.
However, if your baby resists burping, it’s important to remain calm. Stressing over the burping process can create tension for both you and your baby, which may hinder the feeding experience.
When to Seek Help
While not burping is usually harmless, there are instances where it might be beneficial to consult a pediatrician. If your baby frequently spits up large amounts, seems excessively fussy after feeding, or shows signs of discomfort, it may be worth discussing these symptoms with a healthcare professional.
In summary, if your baby won’t burp after breastfeeding, it’s often nothing to worry about. Each baby is unique, and their needs can vary widely. As long as your little one is feeding well, gaining weight, and appears comfortable, you can feel confident in your approach to burping—or not burping—your baby.

What happens if a baby doesn’t burp and falls asleep?

If you’re concerned about what happens if your baby won’t burp after feeding, try not to worry. He’ll likely be just fine and will end up passing the gas from the other end. Other babies may spit up in the crib later on, or they’ll wake up fussy and need that burp you tried to get out of them before.

Will my baby be OK if he doesn’t burp?

Sometimes your baby may awaken because of gas. Picking your little one up to burp might put them back to sleep. As your baby gets older, don’t worry if your child doesn’t burp during or after every feeding. Usually, it means that your baby has learned to eat without swallowing too much air.

What to do if baby won’t burp after feeding?

If your baby doesn’t burp, you can either just lay him down and come back in a few minutes if you feel like he really needs to have a burp or you can just lay him down and if he sleeps and doesn’t act fussy then he might be okay without a burp.

Will my baby be ok if he doesn’t burp?

Sometimes your baby may awaken because of gas. Picking your little one up to burp might put them back to sleep. As your baby gets older, don’t worry if your child doesn’t burp during or after every feeding. Usually, it means that your baby has learned to eat without swallowing too much air.

Can a baby choke if not burped while sleeping?

And can go right into the air pipe causing the baby to breathe the spit up into their lungs. So it is always best to put your baby on their back to sleep for all sleeps nap time. And bedtime.

When do you not have to worry about burping a baby?

Most babies will outgrow the need to be burped by 4-6 months of age. You can often tell that a baby needs to be burped if he or she is squirmy or pulling away while being fed. This being said, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents try to burp their baby: When a nursing mother switches breasts or.

When can I stop worrying about SIDS?

SIDS deaths occur most often during the first year of a baby’s life. About 90% of SIDS deaths occur before the age of 6 months. Generally, after a baby turns 1 year old, parents can be less worried about SIDS.

Is it OK for baby not to burp but fart?

If you’re not burping your baby enough after every feed, any leftover gas has to come out the other end! You can burp during and after feeds to help alleviate gas. You can also pay attention to bubbles and position when bottle feeding.

Will baby choke if not burped?

However when your baby sleeps on his stomach. And spits up it is easier for him to choke because the spit up will gather at the back of the throat.

Is it okay if breastfed babies don’t burp?

In fact, some breastfed babies don’t need burping at all. That’s because when a baby drinks milk from their mother’s breast, they can control the flow of milk and won’t swallow as much air as a baby who is drinking out of a bottle.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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