For the past week I have introduced formula to my 9 month old. He LOVES it and so far it's been going really well. I try to hold off breastfeeding as long as I can but have still feed him twice per day in addition to the food/snacks and formula. He hasn't had any issues keeping down formula, it just seems right after I breastfeed he spits up a lot. I have been focused on my diet and exercise lately and thinking this might play into it. I have not switched my eating or drinking habbits just portion sizes. Any ideas??
I suggest that you mix the formula half and half with your breast milk.
Hi S.!
I think youre totally right to look at your diet. I would try doing this; Notice the times he spits up and then write down everything you ate that day and drank. Elimanate food by food and drink by drink and note if his spit ups get any better. Thats the only thing I can think of do try. Good luck.
Jess
He could just be getting too much. They say that those that are breastfed can't overeat (because they spit it up). Maybe that is all it is? Also, if you are holding off, maybe your let down has increased? He could be spitting up because it is pouring into his mouth. Good luck.
Hi--
Based on experience I would say that your son is probably allergic to something in your breastmilk that isn't in his formula. Babies will react to things you eat, but formula does not change from feeding to feeding like breast milk. If you are weaning him then this is probably an issue that will go away. If you would like to continue breastfeeding then I suggest you test him for food allergies. The most common culprit is milk and milk products, next is wheat, and the other top one include shell fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and eggs. Dairy products stay in your system for up to 7 days, so even if you haven't had the meal before your son can still react. Has he always spit up with breastfeeding? I've been through this with both my boys and would be happy to help further. Also, we have treated the allergies with alternative medicine quite effectively.
Good luck!
J.
Most kids spit up because they have a mix of air and food in their belly. If he is only spitting up when you breastfeed, I think maybe you should look at what position he is in when breastfeeding as compared to his position when taking a bottle. Also, different positions also affect the rate of your letdown. As my daughter got older, I found that it was best for both of us to nurse her laying down, as that helped slow down my letdown, get a good latch, and keep her from swallowing too much air. This might be hard with three kids, however!
Also, if you do a very serious workout, you milk can have a small amount of lactic acid in in for a brief period of time, so you might want to avoid feeding right after a hard workout.
Food allergies do not normally show themselves as spitting up. Rather, they usually present as a skin or diaper rash in children. So chances are good that your diet is not to blame.
Finally, it is possible that now that you are weaning him, he is really gorging himself when you breastfeed because it has become a limited commodity. This could lead to the spitting up. I would suggest feeding him for a shorter period of time. Maybe feed one side, then take a half hour break before the other side. Or just pop him off mid-feed and make him take a short break before he continues.
Good luck.
