Why is my breastfed baby throwing up after feeding?

Understanding Why Your Breastfed Baby is Throwing Up After Feeding
If you’ve noticed your breastfed baby throwing up after feeding, it can be concerning for any parent. However, it’s important to understand that this phenomenon is relatively common and can stem from various causes, most of which are not serious.
Common Causes of Vomiting in Breastfed Babies
One of the primary reasons your baby might be vomiting is reflux, also known as spitting up. This occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back up into the esophagus, often due to the immaturity of the digestive system in infants. The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach is still developing, which can lead to this backflow, especially after a feed.
Another common cause is overfeeding. Babies have small stomachs, and if they consume more milk than their stomach can hold, it can lead to vomiting. This is particularly true if the baby is feeding too quickly or if the mother has a fast let-down reflex, causing the baby to gulp down milk.
When to Be Concerned
While occasional vomiting can be normal, there are certain signs that warrant a visit to the pediatrician. If your baby is experiencing projectile vomiting—which is forceful and occurs shortly after feeding—it could indicate a more serious condition, such as pyloric stenosis. This rare condition involves a thickening of the muscle at the outlet of the stomach, which can obstruct food from entering the small intestine. If vomiting occurs frequently, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, dehydration, or a lack of weight gain, it’s crucial to seek medical advice.
Managing the Situation
If your baby is throwing up after feeding, there are several strategies you can employ to help manage the situation. Feeding your baby in an upright position and keeping them upright for about 30 minutes after feeding can help reduce the likelihood of reflux. Additionally, smaller, more frequent feedings may prevent overfeeding and help your baby digest more comfortably.
In conclusion, while it can be alarming to see your breastfed baby throwing up, understanding the common causes and knowing when to seek help can ease your worries. Most instances of vomiting are benign and part of the normal developmental process, but staying vigilant and informed is key to ensuring your baby’s health.

How do you know if breast milk is not agreeing with a baby?

MSPI symptoms

​fussiness or excess crying before, during and after a feeding	​stools may be infrequent, watery, have mucous, or be bloody
​reflux	​spitting up
​nasal congestion	​skin rash, eczema, hives, dry skin
​weight loss	​repeated vomiting
​sudden waking with discomfort	​

How to avoid overfeeding a breastfed baby?

Supply and demand
The more your baby drinks, the more milk there will be. Unless your baby is very sleepy or ill and not feeding enough, you can trust your baby to know what they need. Your baby will let you know when they are getting hungry, and also when they are full. You should watch your baby, not the clock.

Should you refeed baby if they throw up?

Offer your baby a feeding after they’ve stopped throwing up. If your baby is hungry and takes to the bottle or breast after vomiting, go right ahead and feed them. Liquid feeding after vomiting can sometimes even help settle your baby’s nausea. Start with small amounts of milk and wait to see if they vomit again.

Is it normal for breastfed babies to throw up while overfeeding?

It is common for babies to regurgitate small amounts of milk occasionally during or after nursing. This is known as possetting and is typically not a cause for concern. However, if your baby is frequently vomiting or showing signs of discomfort, it could indicate a problem.

How do I know if baby is overfed breastfeeding?

What symptoms indicate a child is suffering from over breastfeeding?

1. Vomiting, burping milk, regurgitating milk from their mouth or nose, or coughing up milk.
2. A tight abdomen and severely swollen stomach alongside crying after being breastfed.

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.

Why is my baby suddenly throwing up after breastfeeding?

Sometimes, it might be when they eat too much, or when they burp or drool. Many infants will spit up a little after some — or even all — feedings or during burping. That’s perfectly normal. As long as your baby is growing and gaining weight and doesn’t seem uncomfortable with the spitting up, it’s OK.

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.

How do I stop my baby from vomiting after feeding breast milk?

Remedies for spitty babies

1. Avoid overfeeding.
2. Burp your baby more frequently.
3. Limit active play after meals and hold your baby upright.
4. Consider the formula.
5. If breastfeeding, consider your diet.
6. Try a little oatmeal.

Should I feed my baby again if he vomits after feeding?

If vomits once, nurse half the regular time every 1 to 2 hours. If vomits more than once, nurse for 5 minutes every 30 to 60 minutes. After 4 hours without throwing up, return to regular nursing. If continues to vomit, switch to pumped breastmilk.