It happens very often, at the beginning of breastfeeding, that doubts arise regarding if you need to put your baby to burb after breastfeeding. But in fact, you don’t need to burp breastfed babies at all after each feed. This is an idea that comes directly from bottle feeding, where babies do swallow air and, therefore, you do need to put a bottle-fed baby to burp after they had a bottle.

When a baby breastfeeds well, which means that the position and latch are good and they make a good seal on the breast, which is practically airtight, then they can’t swallow air. In this case, you may occasionally need to burp them, but this is not because of breastfeeding.

However, if your baby makes clicking noises while suckling at the breast, it is advisable to check the positioning and attachment, as well as the latch onto the breast. This is when it is very useful to go to a breastfeeding support group (see this directory for a group near you) or see an IBCLC lactation consultant.

Therefore, if your baby has been quiet and/or asleep after breastfeeding, you don’t have to do anything to burp them. On the contrary, if you can, try to rest together with your baby 😉.

If you are unsure if your baby is breastfeeding well, it is important to have someone such as an IBCLC lactation consultant check over a feed at the breast. You can also take the “Is my baby breastfeeding well?” test in the “Test” section of the LactApp mobile app.

You can download the app for free for your Android and iPhone mobile phones.