My baby gets gas pains after nursing, is my nursing technique wrong?
⚡ Short answer: Gas pain after nursing is a very common concern and often can be improved with a few small technique adjustments.
Anonymous
bir anne · Diapers & Digestion
My baby gets bad gas pain after nursing — is he swallowing too much air because of my technique?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
Gas pain after nursing is a very common concern and often can be improved with a few small technique adjustments.
The most common reason babies swallow excess air is how they latch (hold the breast). Your baby should cover not just the nipple but a large part of the areola (the brown ring); his lower lip should be turned outward and his chin touching the breast. If he's only sucking on the tip, he swallows air along with milk.
A few things to try:
- Nurse your baby in an upright position (head at breast level, body facing you) — not lying down.
- Gently squeeze the breast during nursing to control flow; if milk comes too fast, baby may gulp and swallow air.
- Take frequent breaks and try burping in an upright position — especially when switching breasts and at the end of nursing.
- After nursing, keep your baby upright for 10-15 minutes; instead of patting the back, gently stroke upward with your palm.
Beyond these, if your baby's latch looks fine, gas pain could also relate to his immature digestive system and often improves around 3-4 months. If gas is severe, baby refuses to feed, or there's bloody spit-up or diarrhea, consult your pediatrician.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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