Learn how to identify signs of aerophagia in your baby and make breastfeeding a more comfortable experience for your child.
Did you know that aerophagia, or the act of swallowing air, is a common problem among newborns? This condition often occurs during breastfeeding and can lead to discomfort and noise in the baby. Recognizing early signs of aerophagia can help you effectively manage your baby’s pain and create a more comfortable feeding experience. New mothers need to understand aerophagia, including its causes, symptoms, and basic management tips.
What is the most important time for breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is important for your baby’s health. It helps to boost their immunity and supports healthy growth and development. However, breastfeeding can be difficult National Institute of Health in the UK. If your baby is gassy, noisy, or cooly after feeding, they may be swallowing too much air during the process. “This is known as aerophagia and can lead to bloating, burping, irritability and refusal to eat,” Parul Mudit Mishra, consultant nursing expert at motherly hospitals, tells Healthshot. A gross baby can make parents worried, but there is no need to panic.
What is Aerophagia?
Aerophagia is when a person swallows the air and enters the stomach and intestines. In breastfeeding infants, this usually happens for several reasons, such as having a weak latch, having too fast, or crying. Stanford Children’s Health. Paying close attention while breastfeeding can help alleviate this problem.
How can I stop my breastfed baby from swallowing the air?
It is important for aerophagia to know what is important to prevent this. Common reasons are:
- Bad latches during breastfeeding: Improper latching allows air to enter along with milk, effectively preventing the baby from breastfeeding.
- Flat or inverted nipples: “These can interfere with the baby’s ability to create proper seals and lead to swallowing air,” explains a nursing expert.
- Fast milk disappointment or overactive milk flow: If milk is flowing too quickly, the baby may swallow the air while it is swallowing.
- Feed while crying or when you’re too hungry: Desperate feeding attempts can lead to excessive swallowing.
- Inappropriate feeding location: Poor nipple placement can make the situation worse BMC pregnancy and childbirth.
- Airway problems: Conditions affecting the airways can increase the risk of aerophagia.
- Tongue tie or lip tie: These conditions prevent the baby from properly latching and can engulf the air.
What are the symptoms of aerophagia in infants?
Parents should monitor for signs that may indicate aerophagia. Be aware of the following symptoms:
- Frequently belching or hiccups It is one of the most common signs.
- Gasy stomach, bloating, or excessive flatulence: “An uncomfortable belly can indicate excessive intake of air,” experts say.
- Crying or Noisy after Breastfeeding: If the baby is irritated after feeding, it may be that they are experiencing discomfort due to swallowing the air.
- Draw your knees and knees on your chest: These are signs of discomfort in the abdomen.
- Spitting or mild vomiting: Frequent exhalation can link to excess air.
- Refusing to feed or pull away during feed: A gross baby who refuses a latch may indicate that they feel uncomfortable.
How to treat aerophagia in babies?
As a parent, it is important to take steps to deal with aerophagia. Here are some tips to help:
- Ensures a deep latch: The baby’s mouth should cover most of the areola to help create a better seal and reduce air intake.
- Experiment the feeding position: “Positions such as koala holds and loose feeding can be more advantageous for babies,” lactating experts share.
- Burp the baby in each feed and after each feed: This helps to release trapped air.
- Have your baby finish one breast before switching. This helps to avoid excessive intake and minimize air swallowing Harvard Health.
- Express milk before nursing, especially if the disappointment is too fast. This allows you to control flow and reduce galping.
- Soothe your baby before eating: Avoid feeding when they are excessively hungry or crying.
- Consult a breastfeeding specialist: If latching turns out to be difficult, seeking help can make a big difference. National Institute of Health in the UK.
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