>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, if you are a new mom or soon-to-be mom, you may be wondering why your baby is spitting up or vomiting after nursing. This is a common concern, but the good news is, it’s usually not a cause for alarm. In this article, we will discuss 20 tips to help prevent your baby from spitting up after breastfeeding.
1. Feed in an Upright Position
When you’re nursing your baby, make sure they’re in an upright position. This will let gravity help keep the milk down in their stomach. You can hold your baby upright against your shoulder or lap, or use a nursing pillow to prop them up.
Another way to keep your baby upright is to recline while nursing. Lie back slightly, so your baby is at a slightly elevated angle. This position will help your baby’s stomach be less compressed, making it less likely for milk to come back up.
It’s important to note that you should not feed your baby in a horizontal position, as this can increase the risk of choking and ear infections.
2. Burp Your Baby Frequently
Burping your baby after nursing is important to relieve any air swallowed during feeding. This can help reduce the chance of your baby spitting up. You can burp your baby by holding them against your chest or over your shoulder and gently patting or rubbing their back. It’s best to burp your baby after nursing on each breast or halfway through a bottle feeding.
3. Offer Smaller, More Frequent Feedings
Sometimes, spitting up can be caused by your baby taking in too much milk too quickly. This can happen if you wait too long between feedings or if your baby is too hungry when they start feeding. Offering smaller, more frequent feedings can help reduce the amount of milk your baby takes in at once, which may help prevent spitting up.
4. Pay Attention to Your Baby’s Hunger Cues
It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues to avoid overfeeding. Signs that your baby is hungry may include sucking on their hands or rooting (turning their head towards the breast or bottle). Starting a feeding when your baby first shows hunger cues can help prevent overfeeding and minimize spitting up.
5. Check Your Baby’s Latch
If your baby is not latched properly during nursing, they may swallow air along with milk, which can cause spitting up. Make sure your baby’s mouth is open wide and covers most of your areola. Their lips should be flanged outward, not tucked in. A proper latch will help your baby nurse more efficiently and reduce the amount of air they swallow during feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is considered normal spit up for a baby? | Normal spit up is when your baby brings up a small amount of milk (usually less than a tablespoon) after feeding. This is usually not a cause for concern as long as your baby is gaining weight and seems otherwise healthy. |
| When should I be concerned about my baby spitting up? | You should contact your doctor if your baby is spitting up large amounts of milk (more than a tablespoon), spitting up forcefully, or if they seem to be in pain during or after feeding. |
| Can overfeeding cause my baby to spit up? | Yes, overfeeding can cause your baby to take in too much milk too quickly, which can overwhelm their digestive system and lead to spitting up. |
| Can breastfeeding moms do anything to prevent spitting up? | Yes, breastfeeding moms can try different nursing positions, burp their baby frequently, and pay attention to their baby’s hunger cues to prevent spitting up. |
6. Avoid Overfeeding Your Baby
Overfeeding your baby can increase the chances of spitting up. To make sure you’re not overfeeding your baby, pay attention to their hunger cues, limit the amount of time your baby spends nursing, and don’t force your baby to finish a whole bottle if they seem full.
7. Wait at Least 30 Minutes After Feeding to Lay Down Your Baby
If you lay your baby down too soon after feeding, it can cause milk to come back up. Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding to lay your baby down.
8. Check the Size of the Bottle Nipple or Your Breastfeeding Technique
If the bottle nipple is too small, your baby may struggle to get enough milk, causing them to swallow air during feeding. The same is true if you’re not using the proper breastfeeding technique. Make sure the nipple size and breastfeeding technique are appropriate for your baby’s age and development.
9. Try Different Nursing Positions
There are many different nursing positions to try, including the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position. Trying different positions can help you find the one that is most comfortable for you and your baby and may reduce spitting up.
10. Don’t Play with Your Baby Immediately After Feeding
Playing with your baby, bouncing them up and down, or putting them in a swing or bouncy seat, can increase the chance of spitting up. Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding before engaging in any activities that involve movement.
11. Keep Your Baby Calm and Relaxed During Feeding
Stress and anxiety can cause your baby to swallow air during feeding, which can lead to spitting up. Keep your baby calm and relaxed during feeding by creating a peaceful atmosphere and avoiding distractions.
12. Check Your Baby’s Clothes
If your baby is wearing tight clothes or a diaper that is too tight, it may increase the chances of spitting up. Make sure your baby’s clothing is loose-fitting and comfortable.
13. Try a Pacifier
A pacifier can help soothe your baby and reduce the risk of spitting up. However, it’s important not to introduce a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established, usually around 3-4 weeks, as it can interfere with proper latch and milk supply.
14. Avoid Spicy or Gassy Foods
Spicy or gassy foods can cause discomfort for your baby and increase the chances of spitting up. Avoid eating these types of foods when you’re breastfeeding.
15. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol while breastfeeding can be harmful to your baby and increase the chances of spitting up. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption while breastfeeding.
16. Seek Help from a Lactation Consultant
If you’re experiencing frequent or severe spitting up, or if you’re having trouble with breastfeeding, a lactation consultant can help. They can evaluate your baby’s latch and positioning, provide tips on breastfeeding techniques, and help you solve any breastfeeding problems.
17. Consult Your Doctor
If you’re concerned about your baby’s spitting up or if it’s causing weight loss or other issues, consult your doctor. They can evaluate your baby’s health and provide guidance on how to prevent spitting up.
18. Rule Out Medical Issues
In some cases, spitting up can be a sign of a medical issue, such as reflux or food allergies. If your baby is experiencing frequent or severe spitting up, consult your doctor to rule out any underlying medical issues.
19. Use a Bib or Burp Cloth
Using a bib or burp cloth can help prevent milk from getting on your baby’s clothes or your furniture. Keep a bib or burp cloth handy during feedings in case your baby spits up.
20. Be Patient and Persistent
Reducing spitting up takes time and patience. Try different techniques, be persistent, and don’t give up. With time and practice, you’ll find the techniques that work best for your baby.
That’s our 20 tips to help prevent your baby from spitting up after breastfeeding. Remember, occasional spitting up is normal, but if you’re concerned, consult your doctor. Good luck, Sohib EditorOnline, on your breastfeeding journey!