Baby vomits after breastfeeding

My baby is 5 weeks old. I was breastfeeding, then expressing my milk and feeding by bottle initially to top him up as he has a high palate and does not get enough milk by breastfeeding alone. Then his appetite grew and I didn't produce enough milk to keep up with him so started to give him formula as well.

He is ok when he drinks from the bottle but when he breastfeeds he practically vomits all the milk he drank. He sucks as before but as soon as I go to burp him he vomits heaps. I get very tired and fustrated and sometimes give up breastfeeding him. I feel bad and selfish.

I have noticed that sometimes when he breaths his chest sounds congested, is that normal? Maybe he can't breath properly on the breast but I have tried different positions

Any advice would be appreciated

:hug: It can get confusing hey. My bub sounded congested - they can get milk up their nose when they feed, and this is fine - I was told it actually helps them clear out that area! But it made him sound a bit snuffly at times.

My bub would drink then spew - can I ask what makes you think bub wasn't getting enough from the breast? Because my bub would spew after breastfeeds because he'd drank so much. He seemed happy enough, but would 'posset' afterwards, and it's perfectly normal - it seemed to me that he was losing a lot of milk, but he seemed fine. Perhaps you could try burping more often during a breastfeed? I know some people say babies don't need to be burped at all, but you could give it a shot, and see what happens?

Does your bub seem upset that he is vomiting, or is he not bothered? Many babies have a bit of a chuck after a feed - I guess that's where we get the term 'happy chucker'. :p

Hang in there - it's early days yet and hopefully things will settle soon. xo

You are doing a great job and have no reason to feel guilty :hug: Learning to be a mum takes time.

My babies both had that congested breathing sound when feeding - I took DD to the doctor because I was so concerned but the doctor assured me it was normal. I haven't heard your baby breath so I can't make a call on it over the internet, but if you are worried get him checked out by a GP or baby nurse.

As for the vomitting - that too is very normal. I asked one of the midwives about it because it seemed like so much and she said that if you think of how wet one of those terry toweling nappies get if you tip 20mL of water over it and baby vomit doesn't usually saturate one of those, then it is not actually as much as it seems.

She also said that it is not completely bm that is coming back up again - it mixes with saliva and other things so they are actually digesting quite a lot.

If you are concerned, keep and eye on your baby's weight. As long as they are gaining, then it is fine.

My only other advice would be to make an appointment with a Lactation Consultant. They will be able to look at all these things for you and help you work through some of these issues. Not all of them will push bfing onto either, if you don't want to keep going, but they will talk you through the things you need to think about. I saw a LC with my first baby and found it really useful. She was very encouraging.

Just remember you are doing a great job, give yourself time to learn to be a mum and take each day as it comes.

My friends nicknamed my first son 'vomitron' because you could guarantee he would bring up a substantial amount of milk after every feed. I never held him without a nappy over my shoulder! He definitely fitted into the 'happy chucker' category. He also sounded congested alot and I was told by doctors that it wasn't a problem. If he couldn't breathe while feeding he would let go of your breast.

If your bub is gaining weight, and doesn't seem to be hurt or bothered by his vomiting then try not to worry. Some babies just don't know when to call it quits when they are breastfeeding as the breast just keeps making more. He probably seems ok after a bottle as you have limited the amount he can drink.

Once DS started on solids he stopped all the spewing and we haven't had any further gastro type problems.

he was not vomiting at the end of the feed but from the start, like 10 minutes, so i knew it was not because he was full. This was when i was feeding him with me sitting down.

anyway my aunty told me to feed him with me lying down on my back and him on top. that has worked and im so relieved. i dont even have to burp him, he burps on his own.

Hun, it could be related to his difficulty with attachment. I would see if you can find an LC who is familiar with high palates. She should be able to help with you some ideas. GL.