Spitting
A baby who nurses too quickly may vomit slightly after the feeding. Throwing up a small amount of milk is often called spitting and is nothing to worry about. Even if the baby occasionally throws up the entire feeding, there is no need for alarm. If the vomiting occurs repeatedly, however, consult a physician.
When burping a baby in the upright position, rest the baby’s chin on your shoulder and be sure to protect your clothing in case the baby should spit or vomit.
Gas Pains
A baby who has swallowed too much air may be unable to expel the bubbles by burping immediately after being fed. The resulting discomfort can last for a few days and demands a great deal of patience. Be aware of a reliable sign that indicates gas: the baby may take two or three gulps of milk, draw away from the breast or bottle, and arch the back.
Nurse the baby slowly and try to relax. Walking slowly round the room with the baby in your arms sometimes helps to start him or her nursing again. Another method is to change the baby to a different nursing position, so that he or she sits upright or lies flat, for example. When the condition improves, make sure that the baby returns to the usual feeding position.
Inexperienced parents or baby sitters commonly try to bring up a baby’s gas by striking him or her sharply on the back. But this only makes the baby tense and even less able to release the bubbles. Sometimes such patting may actually cause the baby to throw up some milk.
Reluctant Nursers
Because the liver does not work at full capacity for some time after birth, some babies may become slightly jaundiced. This condition makes a baby sleepy and disinclined to suck during the first week, when it is important that a baby drinks enough. To encourage a baby to nurse, push gently and rhythmically with the forefinger under the baby’s chin. But be patient, because the baby may fall asleep again.
Restless Nursers
Older babies who for one reason or another feel insecure tend to be restless at nursing time. They wave their arms about, scratching at the bottle or hitting the breast. Such a baby should be held close to the body and wrapped in a blanket from the waist down. The baby’s arms may be left free if they are kept out of the way. One arm can be tucked behind the feeder’s back, while the other hand can be held. Hold the baby firmly, but not roughly, because this may make the baby struggle even more.
