Baby health

To burp or not to burp?

Our expert explains why it's not necessary to burp all breastfed babies

By Diane Sacks, paediatrician

To burp or not to burp?

Q: I breastfeed my two-month-old daughter, and I burp her after every feeding — but she rarely actually burps. Am I doing it wrong or is it not necessary?

A: If your baby is not spitting up a lot after feeds and is not uncomfortable, it seems to me she is just not swallowing much air to burp with. Congratulations, the latch must be perfect. Burping is necessary to help get the air, swallowed during feeding or crying, out of the stomach. You and your daughter seem to have eliminated the need for that. No need to worry either.

This article was originally published on Sep 20, 2002

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