WHY YOUR BREASTFED BABY SPIT UP & HOW TO REDUCE IT

 WHY YOUR BREASTFED BABY SPIT UP?

Both breast milk and formula commonly spit up by babies. Infants spit up after meals (sometimes after every meal) and frequently bring the milk up when they burp. The term "happy spitter" is used by doctors to describe a baby who spits up but is otherwise healthy, has no breathing problems, and is thriving and growing well.

 

Even though this is just one of those things babies do, there are things you can do to help prevent it and keep your baby happy. There are also signs to look for that may indicate that spitting up necessitates medical attention.

 

What causes babies to spit up?

Because a newborn's digestive system is still developing, spitting up is more common in the first few months than later. Milk travels down the throat to the esophagus, then to the stomach, as babies feed.

 

The lower esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscles that connects the esophagus to the stomach. This sphincter opens to allow milk into the stomach and then closes again, but until about 6 months of age, when it is more mature, this "trap door" isn't as reliable as it should be. This can result in spit-up due to a milk back flow.

 

Aside from that, babies spit up for three different reasons.

 

Overeating: Because babies have small stomachs, eating too much or too quickly can be a problem. A baby who drinks too much milk at each feeding may become bloated, and the extra milk that his stomach can't hold will have to go somewhere.

 

Allergies or sensitivities to certain foods or beverages in your diet: Allergens can be passed through breast milk and cause spit-up in your baby.

 

Taking in air while eating: When a baby drinks quickly, he or she is also gulping air along with the milk. This is especially true if you have a strong let-down reflex or an excessive supply of milk.

 

Suggestions for Reducing Spit-Ups

You can do a few things to reduce the likelihood or frequency of your baby spitting up.

 

Burp Your Newborn baby

Burp your baby during and after each feeding to help her get rid of the air in her stomach. Because breastfed babies swallow less air than bottle-fed babies, they may not need to burp after every feeding. However, if you have a plentiful supply of milk or a very fast milk flow, this may not be the case. Burping causes babies to spit up. Nonetheless, this is a valuable measure.

 

Burping your baby assists in the release of air swallowed during the feeding. Your baby will feel better after a burp. Removing air may also free up space in your baby's stomach, allowing you to continue feeding.

 

Feedings should be calm and quiet

While breastfeeding, try to keep distractions, noise, and bright lights to a minimum. Slightly slower feedings may result in fewer spit-ups. Also, don't bounce or engage in high-intensity play right after a feeding.

 

Increase the number of times you feed your baby

If you wait too long between feedings and your baby is starving, she may overfeed and inhale too much air. Maintain the recommended amount of milk throughout the day, but consider adjusting your feeding schedule.

 

Organize a Strong Let-Down

Your milk may be flowing too fast for your baby if you have a strong let-down reflex. If possible, nurse your baby in a reclined position so that the milk is absorbed against gravity. To help slow down the flow, pump or express some milk from your breasts before starting feeding.

 

Before feeding, relieve engorgement

Your breasts may be engorged if you have too much milk or if your milk supply has not yet adjusted to your baby's needs. This can cause your breasts to become full and hard, making it difficult for your baby to latch and form a good seal around your nipple. As a result, when your baby tries to nurse, he will take in air.

To soften the breast, use a pump or express some milk before feeding your baby. This will make it easier for your baby to latch on.

 

Experiment with different positions

Examine various breastfeeding positions to see if any are more comfortable for your baby than others. Also, try to keep your baby's head upright and elevated for at least 30 minutes after a feeding.

 

Feeding your baby before he or she becomes overly hungry is the best way to reduce spit-up. When your baby takes a break from eating, gently burp him or her. After meals, limit active play and keep your baby upright for at least 20 minutes. During this time, keep a close eye on your child.