Discover the reasons why your baby spits up after burping. Get answers to common questions about spitting up, gagging, and biting during breastfeeding.

Understanding Spitting Up in Breastfed Babies

Spitting up is a common occurrence in many infants, especially those who are breastfed. It’s important to understand that spitting up is not the same as forceful vomiting. Spitting up is a more gentle “flow” of fluids that come up, and babies usually don’t react to it. Vomiting, on the other hand, is a forceful projection of stomach fluids and is usually accompanied by the baby looking upset or crying.

As long as your baby is growing and gaining weight and doesn’t seem uncomfortable with the spitting up, it’s generally considered normal. The amount of spit-up often looks like more than it actually is. However, if you’re concerned that your baby is vomiting, it’s best to call your doctor, as there may be an underlying medical condition that requires attention.

Tips to Reduce Spitting Up

If your baby’s spitting up is deemed normal by your doctor, there are some steps you can take to help minimize it:

• Burp your baby after each feeding from each breast.
• Give smaller, more frequent feedings instead of larger, less frequent ones.
• Keep your baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feedings, and avoid jiggling, bouncing, or actively playing with your baby right after feeding.
• Make sure your baby’s head is above their feet when feeding, and avoid holding them in a dipped-down position.
• Raise the head of your baby’s crib or bassinet to create a gentle incline, but never use a pillow under their head.
• If using bottles, burp your baby after they’ve had 1-2 ounces, and don’t give the bottle while your baby is lying down.
• Ensure the bottle nipple has the right flow for your baby, as a fast-flow nipple may cause gagging or give them more milk than they can handle at once.

Dealing with Gagging During Breastfeeding

Sometimes, the force of a mother’s milk can be so strong that it causes the baby to gag and pull off the breast. To help prevent this:

1. Try nursing your baby in a more upright position or in a side-lying position to ease the force of the milk.
2. Make sure your breasts are not engorged or over-full by nursing every 2-3 hours and, if necessary, expressing or pumping a little bit of milk before feeding to avoid a strong letdown.
3. If your baby is still gagging or coughing during feeding, sit them up in a seated burp position and gently pat their back to help them calm down before continuing.

If the gagging persists despite these steps, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor or a lactation consultant.

Dealing with Biting During Breastfeeding

Babies will often play with their mothers’ nipples with their gums, especially as they start teething. This can be painful for the mother. To prevent biting:

• Watch for signs that your baby is finished feeding and may be feeling playful, and end the feeding before they have a chance to bite.
• Break the suction by gently inserting your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to release the latch before removing your breast.
• Firmly say “No” or “Ouch” and immediately remove your breast from your baby’s mouth if they do bite.
• Offer a teething toy or pacifier to satisfy your baby’s need to chew.

Seeking Professional Help

If you continue to experience persistent or concerning issues with spitting up, gagging, or biting during breastfeeding, it’s recommended to reach out to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can help identify any underlying issues and provide personalized guidance to ensure a positive breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby.

Conclusion

Spitting up, gagging, and biting are common challenges that many breastfeeding mothers face. By understanding the causes and implementing simple techniques, you can help minimize these issues and ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding journey for both you and your baby.

Key Takeaways

• Spitting up is a normal occurrence in many infants and is not the same as forceful vomiting.
• There are several steps you can take to help reduce spitting up, such as burping your baby, giving smaller and more frequent feedings, and keeping your baby upright after feeding.
• Gagging during breastfeeding can be caused by a strong milk flow, and adjusting your feeding position or expressing some milk before feeding can help.
• Biting during breastfeeding is common, especially as your baby starts teething, and can be managed by ending the feeding before they have a chance to bite and offering a teething toy or pacifier.
• If you continue to experience persistent issues, don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for personalized guidance.