Why does my baby swallow so much air while breastfeeding?

Understanding Air Swallowing in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. One common concern among new parents is why their baby seems to swallow so much air during feeding. This phenomenon, known as aerophagia, can lead to discomfort and even colic in some infants.
Causes of Air Swallowing
There are several reasons why a baby might swallow air while breastfeeding. One primary factor is the baby’s feeding technique. If a baby is very hungry or becomes frantic while latching on, they may suck vigorously, which can lead to swallowing excess air. This is particularly common if parents wait too long to feed their baby, as the urgency can cause the baby to gulp rather than suck gently.
Additionally, the position of the baby during feeding can influence how much air they swallow. If the baby is not properly positioned or if they are lying flat, it can create a situation where air is more easily ingested. Keeping the baby in an upright position during feeding can help minimize this issue.
The Impact of Feeding Sounds
Breastfeeding is often accompanied by various sounds, some of which can be surprising to first-time parents. These sounds can include slurping or gulping noises, which may indicate that the baby is taking in air along with milk. Understanding that these sounds are a normal part of breastfeeding can help alleviate some concerns, but it’s essential to monitor how they affect the baby’s comfort.
Consequences of Excess Air
Swallowing air can lead to a range of issues for babies, including gas and colic. When air accumulates in the stomach, it can cause discomfort, leading to fussiness and crying. In some cases, this can escalate to more severe reactions, such as projectile vomiting, particularly if the baby is drinking too quickly and swallowing too much air.
Solutions and Tips
To help reduce the amount of air swallowed during breastfeeding, parents can adopt several strategies. Recognizing early signs of hunger and feeding the baby before they become overly frantic can help promote a calmer feeding experience. Additionally, ensuring that the baby is properly latched and positioned can significantly reduce air intake.
Burping the baby regularly during and after feeds is also crucial. This helps to release any trapped air and can provide relief from discomfort.
In conclusion, while it’s common for babies to swallow air during breastfeeding, understanding the causes and implementing strategies to minimize this can lead to a more comfortable feeding experience for both the baby and the parents. If concerns persist, consulting with a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide tailored advice and support.

How to stop baby swallowing air when 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.

Do babies swallow more air with paced feeding?

Because paced feeding tamps the flow of milk or formula, babies tend to eat more slowly, taking in less air, making them less prone to gassiness compared to babies who recline to drink.

Is it normal for babies to swallow while breastfeeding?

Your baby will likely swallow occasionally as they begin to nurse, then swallow more frequently as they continue a session and less frequently again near the end. Swallowing is an excellent sign that they are actually ingesting milk.

Why does it sound like my baby is swallowing air while breastfeeding?

If your little one is not latching deep enough, they may be swallowing more air. A painful latch or a ‘clicking’ sound made while baby is feeding may indicate their latch needs adjusting. Shallow latches are often remedied with a new breastfeeding position along with some minor latch corrections.

Why does my baby gasp for air while feeding?

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 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.

Why does my baby gulp air when feeding?

In a breastfed infant, swallowing large amounts of air may be linked to poor latch-on and/or a fast and plentiful supply of breast milk. -if your supply is too much, or if your letdown is too strong for your baby try expressing for 5 mins (freeze what you express off) before each feed.

How to stop baby gulping while breastfeeding?

If this happens during feeding: Try nursing your baby in a more upright position (head above the breast). This may ease the force of the milk. Nurse in a side-lying position, which also might help slow the flow of milk.

Why can I hear my baby swallowing air while breastfeeding?

The sounds of “gulping” and “clicking” can signify a poor vacuum is in place and the child is swallowing more air then milk. The infant’s hands should be open and relax and eye contact maintained with the mother.

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.