When is Spitting up a Problem?
While almost all babies bring up a little milk every once an a while after feedings there are some babies that spit up regularly or after feedings and even in between feedings.
Sometimes spitting up is caused by your baby getting too much milk too quickly. If you see your baby gulp and gasp when you get the let-down feeling try taking them off your breast for a moment or two. Once your milk flow slows let them begin nursing again.
Gentle handling after a feeding will also help your baby keep down what they just ate. Too vigorous burping will bring up milk that would otherwise remain in the stomach..
Occasionally a baby will finish nursing only to promptly bring up what seems to be everything they just ate. (and with quite the propulsive force) If they are not showing any signs of illness it may be just one of those things…. but if it happens often be sure to contact your doctor.
Dr. Gregory White offers this bit of insight, ” In a healthy baby, spitting-up is a laundry problem, not a medical problem.”
You’ll soon get the feeling for how your baby responds after feedings. But it always a safe bet to have an extra change of clothes for you both for those times things get messy.
