BEST Breastfeeding Positions for Gas Relief
Breastfeeding is both a science and an art. Your baby can pass gas as much as 15 to 19 times in day. Even though most parents breastfeed their children without following some of these tips for breastfeeding, there is still the need for proper attitide towards breastfeeding in order to reduce passage of gas by the baby.
In this article, I will tell you the proper position for your baby to reduce the passage of gas.
How to known when a baby is passing Gas
- CRYING: A baby can’t talk. Crying is one of the commonest ways they pass information that they are passing gas. Watch out for this when breastfeeding your baby.
- KICKING WITH THE LEGS: When the baby starts kicking the air during breastfeeding. That could be a sign that they are passing gas.
- HARDNESS OF THE TUMMY: The tummy can become hard during the breastfeeding process. Even though there are other possible causes of this in child, passing of gas must be ruled out.
- TWISTING OF THE BODY: During breastfeeding the baby may be seen squirming or shaking the body in a twist-like manner. They could also be a sign of passage of gas.
Breastfeeding Position to help Prevent passage of Gas
The best position to keep the baby is the upright position. Or semi upright. Here the baby is more vertical than horizontal. This will enable the child to swallow the milk, and the milk will also descend with minimal efforts. Gravity helps the movement so that the milk goes down as intended.
Most parents do not have this time despite its necessity. It is actually very important. That is why I am writing this.
By the way, remember that there is a methodology to ensure the baby is attached to the breast very well, read it here.
If you cannot withstand the upright position, you can use your hand to tilt the head upwards. The most important thing is that she is well latched.
This upright position helps to gravitate the milk down and the air remains afloat, as air is less then than breast milk.
In summary, the upright position, where by the head of the baby is slightly above the rest of the body is the best position to relieve gas passage during breastfeeding.