What is the correct breastfeeding position so that the baby does not spit up?
The problem is, when you see your baby vomiting breast milk, it can make you panic, even though it is a common occurrence.
Most babies vomit occasionally because their digestive systems are not yet mature, making it easier for stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.
Meanwhile, the cause of babies often spitting up after drinking breast milk or reflux is also caused by the little one swallowing too much air while breastfeeding or when drinking too much milk.
This condition usually occurs after the baby has breastfed, or 1-2 hours after drinking breast milk.
To overcome this, there are many breastfeeding positions that mothers can do since the baby is born. Here are some of them!
Correct Breastfeeding Position So That Baby Doesn’t Spit Up
1. PositionCradle Hold
Source: milkology.org
This breastfeeding position is suitable for new mothers who are just starting to learn to breastfeed.
In fact, for small babies or newborns, this position is safe.
Position the baby’s head on the left breast, with the right hand supporting the baby’s body and neck.
The left hand holds the breast, while frequently massaging it towards the nipple so that the breast milk flows better.
Make sure the baby’s head is higher than his body and legs.
If you use a nursing pillow, make sure it doesn’t lift your baby too high.
Meanwhile, the breasts should remain at their natural resting height to avoid sore nipples and tight attachment.
2. Koala PositionHold
Source: milkology.org
For babies who suffer from reflux or spit up frequently, the upright position or koala hold is often the most comfortable breastfeeding position.
Apart from preventing spit up in babies, this is also one of the correct breastfeeding positions to make the baby full, Mom.
Jocelyn Bermudez, internationally certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and hostpodcastThe Snarky Boob Queens reveals that she recommends a position where the baby’s head is higher than their stomach for babies struggling with reflux.
“The goal is to work with gravity to help with digestion. In addition, mothers should keep babies upright after feedings, and burp when switching sides and at the end of feedings,” Bermudez says, as quoted from Romper .
In this straddling position, mothers who have just given birth by caesarean section are not advised to do it.
3. Relaxed Position
Source: milkology.org
While sitting on the sofa, you can breastfeed your little one with your body in a slightly upright position.
This position can also provide contactskin to skinmother and baby who are able to help stimulate their eating instincts.
However, this position should be used on babies who are 1 month old or are used to breastfeeding.
4. Side Lying Position
Source: milkology.org
This position makes it very easy for mothers because they can lie down with their beloved baby.
Lie on your side with a pillow under your head. Your baby should be facing you, head level with your nipple.
Use your hand on the side you are not lying on to cup your breast if necessary.
You may want to place a small pillow behind your baby’s back to hold him close.
Quoted from the pageKellyMom.com, some researchers noted that elevating the baby’s head did not make a significant difference in these studies, although many mothers found that their babies were more comfortable when in an upright position.
Positions that have been shown to significantly reduce reflux include lying on your left side.
5. Football Positions
Source: milkology.org
This breastfeeding position looks like the mother is carrying a soccer ball near her armpit.
This is the correct breastfeeding position to prevent the baby from spitting up and to help the mother to support the baby well, while giving lots of control and a good view of his face.
Lactation consultant Andrea Tran, RN and IBCLC says the breastfeeding position of holding a ball with baby in a sitting position is one of the best positions for reflux.
This keeps the baby in a position where gravity helps keep the milk in the stomach.
Mother holds the baby as if holding a ball, to the side, with the buttocks lower than the head, with the help of a pillow.
6. Breastfeeding Position in a Baby Carrier
This position may be quite difficult for new mothers.
However, as time goes by, you may get used to being carried and having your baby breastfed.
Some experts recommend carrying your baby in an M-shape position , and it can even be done for newborns.
An important note for mothers who use this position is to make sure they can always see the baby’s face and that his chin is not resting on his chest.
This is done so that the baby can still breathe well while breastfeeding.
How Many Times Does a Baby Spit Up in a Day?
Launching the pageIndonesian Pediatrician AssociationNormally, babies spit up 2-4 times a day, and the intensity will decrease as your little one gets older.
How to Treat Spitting Up in Babies?
Mom, spitting up is a common thing that often happens to babies.
If he experiences spitting up, there are several things that you can do to deal with it, namely:
- Pay attention to the correct breastfeeding position, keep the baby upright when breastfeeding.
- Limit overly intense activities after eating.
- Avoid giving too much milk, don’t force the baby to breastfeed if he doesn’t want to
- Burp the baby so that his stomach is not bloated. One way to burp a baby that you can do is to hold your little one on your chest or lay him on your lap after breastfeeding. Gently pat his back slowly and make sure the baby’s mouth and nose are not blocked so that he can breathe comfortably.
Keeping a baby’s head above their little body seems to be a universally accepted way to prevent reflux, and it makes sense.
Make sure to keep it upright, keep burping, and hold it in that position for as long as necessary.
Apart from that, avoid pressing on the baby’s stomach while breastfeeding.
This can increase reflux and discomfort in your little one.
Try to dress your baby in loose clothing with a loose diaper belt.
Also, avoid slumping or bending positions, for example rolling your baby onto his side rather than lifting his legs towards his stomach when changing his diaper.
***
Well, that’s it, Mom, some correct breastfeeding positions so that the baby doesn’t spit up.
So, which one do you want to try?
***
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
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