Understanding Spit-Up & Burping

What is Spit-Up?

Spit-up is extremely common in newborns—especially in the first weeks of life. It happens when a baby's still-developing digestive system lets milk flow back up after a feeding. For Noah, this can show up as small dribbles, a few tablespoons, or occasional larger spit-ups after nursing or taking formula.

This is normal, even when Noah is fed gently and held upright.

 

Why Babies Spit Up

Spit-up is normally caused by:

• An immature digestive system
• Air swallowed during feeding
• Lying down too soon after eating
• Overfeeding or fast letdown
• Sensitive tummies adjusting to breastmilk and/or formula

For Noah—who is only days old—his body is still learning. His belly just needs a little time.

 

When Spit-Up is Normal

Most spit-up is harmless. If Noah is:

• Gaining weight
• Generally comfortable after feeding
• Having normal diapers
• Breathing easily
• Alert when awake

...then his spit-up pattern is simply part of being a newborn.

 

Helping Noah With Spit-Up

Here are gentle, supportive things Abby can do that usually help newborns—including Noah—feel more comfortable:

1. Burp More Frequently

Burp Noah midway through a feeding and again at the end.

Some babies need several small burps rather than one big one.

2. Keep Him Upright After Feeding

Hold Noah upright against Abby's chest for 15-20 minutes after each feeding.

This slows milk from washing back up.

3. Gentle, Slow Feeding

If Noah swallows air easily, try:

• Slightly reclined nursing positions
• Slower-paced bottle feeds (if needed)
• Taking short breaks during feeds

4. Avoid Too Much Movement After Eating

Bouncing, swaying, or laying him flat immediately after feeding can increase spit-up.

5. Track What Works Best

Abby is already doing this beautifully—seeing what helps Noah settle, like colostrum feedings, gentle burping, and the plant-based formula when needed.

 

When to Try a Different Formula

Some newborns—like Noah—have sensitive stomachs and respond differently to certain formulas.

Signs a formula may be upsetting Noah's tummy:

• Frequent spit-up with discomfort
• Lots of gas or tight belly
• Fussing during or after bottle feeds
• Trouble settling after eating

Using plant-based or gentle formulas, as Abby mentioned, can be a good temporary support while Noah's digetstive system matures.

 

When Spit-Up Might Need Attention

Most spit-up is normal. But Abby should reach out to Noah's pediatrician if she ever notices:

• Forceful, projectile vomiting
• Spit-up that is green, yellow, or bloody
• Poor weight gain
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, low diapers)
• Noah seeming in persistent pain
• Difficulty breathing or unusual coughing with feeds

These are rare— but every mom deserves to know what to look for.

 

Encouragement for Abby

Newborn feeding truly is a science—and an art.

What Abby is doing already shows patience, intuition, and love:

• She's watching Noah's patterns
• She's adjusting when something doesn't sit right
• She's celebrating little victories (like those double burps!)
• She's staying calm through the exhausting nighttime feedings

Every feeding helps Noah grow, and ever moment Abby comforts him builds his sense of safety. She's doing an amazing job.