Thursday 18 November 2010

Guide to Bringing up Wind

When babies drink they almost always swallow some air. This is especially true if you are feeding them from a bottle. This air tends to get trapped in their stomachs and can make your baby uncomfortable. Occasionally your baby may “burp” on their own and release this gas but, more often, you will need to do something to help.

You should try to get your baby to burp in the middle and, at the end of every feed. There are three simple ways to get your baby to release this trapped wind. Try all three until you find the one that works best for you.

  • Lay the baby face down across your knees and, whilst supporting the head gently rub or pat their back.
  • Hold the baby, facing you in an upright position with their head above your shoulder. Gently rub or pat their back.
  • Hold the baby on your knee in a sitting position whilst leaning them slightly forwards. Gently rub or pat their back.

Whichever way you choose you must always remember to support the baby’s head at all times. There is no need to do anything more vigorous than gently rubbing or patting. The trapped wind is brought up by the pressure of your hand not by the noise created or, because of any sudden movements.

When the air is released it will often bring up some liquid with it so you should be ready for this to avoid spillage on clothing. This is very common and is nothing to worry about. If your baby vomits it will involve a lot more fluid and, although this in itself is not uncommon if it happens regularly you should raise it with your midwife or health visitor.


1 comment:

  1. Love your shoes will keep them in mind when I need some

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