Why is my baby getting too much air while breastfeeding?

Understanding Air Swallowing in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful process, but it can sometimes come with challenges, one of which is the issue of babies swallowing too much air. This phenomenon is not uncommon and can lead to discomfort for your little one, manifesting as gas and fussiness. Understanding the reasons behind this can help parents manage the situation more effectively.
Common Causes of Air Swallowing
One of the primary reasons babies may swallow air while breastfeeding is improper latch. If the baby is not latched on correctly, they may struggle to create a proper seal around the nipple, leading to air being sucked in along with milk. This can happen if the baby is positioned awkwardly or if the mother has flat or inverted nipples, making it harder for the baby to latch effectively.
Another factor to consider is the flow of milk. If a mother has a strong let-down reflex, the milk may flow too quickly for the baby to handle, causing them to gulp and swallow air in the process. Conversely, if the milk flow is too slow, the baby may become frustrated and suck harder, which can also lead to air swallowing.
Dietary Influences
Interestingly, a mother’s diet can also play a role in her baby’s gas issues. Certain foods consumed by breastfeeding mothers, such as dairy products, beans, and cruciferous vegetables, can contribute to gas in babies. While these foods may not directly cause air swallowing, they can exacerbate the discomfort that results from it.
Signs of Air Swallowing
Parents may notice several signs that their baby is swallowing too much air. These can include a distended belly, excessive fussiness, and frequent burping or passing gas. If a baby seems uncomfortable after feeding, it may be a sign that they have ingested more air than usual.
Solutions and Tips
To mitigate the issue of air swallowing, mothers can try several strategies. Ensuring a proper latch is crucial; consulting with a lactation consultant can provide valuable guidance. Additionally, experimenting with different breastfeeding positions may help the baby latch better and reduce air intake.
Mothers can also try to burp their baby more frequently during and after feeds. This can help release any trapped air and alleviate discomfort. If the problem persists, it may be worth discussing with a pediatrician or lactation consultant to rule out any underlying issues.
Conclusion
While it can be concerning to see your baby experiencing discomfort from swallowing too much air during breastfeeding, understanding the causes and implementing some practical solutions can help ease the situation. With patience and support, both mother and baby can enjoy a more comfortable breastfeeding experience.

What foods can make a baby gassy while breastfeeding?

Common culprits include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Bloating, burping, and passing gas are normal. But if your baby is gassy or has colic, avoid these foods for a few weeks to see whether they relieve the symptoms.

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.

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).

What foods make breastmilk gassy?

Food sensitivities and gas in breastfed babies
Some moms swear that when they eat foods such as dairy products, broccoli, cabbage, bananas, eggs, or garlic, their babies are gassy and fussy for up to the next 24 hours.

Why does my baby gulp air while breastfeeding?

Gulping while feeding.
If your milk let-down reflex is strong, your baby may gulp your milk to keep up and swallow extra air in the process. If that’s the case, your little one may do better nursing in a more upright position, so he or she has better control over milk intake and flow.

Why does my baby sound like 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 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.

Why is my breastfed baby getting so much air?

Babies often swallow air when sucking on the breast or a bottle, especially if they drink too quickly or don’t have an optimal latch on the nipple. They can also swallow air when crying. Food sensitivities. Hypersensitivities or allergies to certain types of food in mom’s diet are less common causes of baby gas.

How do I stop my baby from getting 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.

What causes excessive gas in breastfed babies?

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. Constipation.