Burping

I am EBFing and never seem to be able to get Sidney to burp. But about 10 minutes after she falls asleep she'll start crying and when I pick her up she'll most of the time burp. I've tried sitting position, over the shoulder, laying her across my lap. Can't get this kid to burp. I'm afraid to lay her down because she sometimes spits up when she finally burps on her own. I know they say the EBF babies don't burp alot but she really seems to. Maybe its something I'm eating...don't know. I give 4 doses of mylecon a day. Also, a new thing she does is wriggle around and grunt while feeding. I unlatch her to see if she needs to be burped and she starts to wail until I put her back on. HELP PLEASE!!!! She is constantly crying when not at my boobs. They feel like punching bags!

Re: Burping

How old is she?

How long are you trying to burp her for?

How soon after the feeding is she falling asleep?

I'm not sure who started the rumor that breastfed babies don't need to burp -- I'm guessing they simply may not need to burp as much as bottlefed babies. My four month old EBF daughter burps after (or during) nearly every meal, and spits up a bit after most meals as well.

Does she have any neck control? If so, I wouldn't worry too much about lying her down when she isn't fussying -- she'll turn her head if a surprise spit up comes. I just wouldn't lie her down after a meal if she was whining -- that means either a burp is coming or she wants more to eat.

Mostly this is a guessing game. Personally I don't unlatch to see if she needs to burp. I wait until she comes off herself. My usually signal that she needs a mid-feed burp is that she latches for a second, comes off, latches for a second, comes off...

Another suggestion my pediatrician made when my daughter was younger was to simply hold her with her head higher then her bottom for about 10-15 minutes after a feeding and then try to put her on my shoulder.

Oh, and whether or not those gas drops actually do something is a matter of some controversy. They certain don't do harm, but some studies have demonstrated that they aren't more effective then water. My doctor's explanation was that for some babies it may serve as a distraction from fussing, which if it works, great -- but its not doing anything for the gas.

Re: Burping

my boy does the same dance when feeding from time to time...I was told that they do that sometimes if there is too much flow coming at them...I dont know how valid that is, plus there is really nothing you can do about that...other than make sure that you arent too full when you feed him...if i feel too full i will pump for a few minutes before i go to feed him, he is happier and it makes it easier for him to latch on.

as far as the burp thing, i have found the same thing. I try and walk him around if i cant get a burp while sitting with him over my shoulder or over my leg or leading forward against my hand...somthing about the walking and burping over the shoulder seems to work...

are you trying to burp her between sides? If not, that might help...

Re: Burping

she is almost 3 weeks old. She usually falls alseep during the feeding. I try to burp her then for about 5 mins to wake her and put her back on same breast. If no luck then will change her diaper to wake her up. Then I burp her again between breasts. She's never really unlatched herself. I usually have to do it. She could hang out there all day. My LC has me feeding 30 mins on one breast then as long as possible on the 2nd... I unlatch after she falls asleep (usally after 5-10 mins)

Honestly...this is the hardest thing I've ever done. I'm so stressed and I think Sidney can sense it and it is making her stressed.

Re: Burping

Hang in there Dree, breastfeeding isn't easy but you are doing such a wonderful thing for your baby! You are such a great mom!

Personally, I doubt that Sidney can tell that you are stressed. Babies are very self centered in the early months. At three weeks I wouldn't even be certain that she is aware that there is a person attached to that boob. hehe...

Do you like your lactation consultant? If so, then go with her advice and don't let us confuse you by telling you different things. There are 101 philosophies of how long you should feed. If you don't feel confident in her, then we can complicate matters.

One more question -- are you using a pacifier? If your baby is gaining weight fine, they can be a lifesaver for mommy. (It certainly was for me!)