A missing burp is often not a problem Burping is a way of expelling air swallowed during feeding. It is not a required physiological event after every feed. Infants vary in how much air they swallow because of differences in…

There is no fixed burping schedule The answer to how often to burp a baby is individualized. The NHS explains that there are no exact rules: some babies need to burp during a feed, whereas others may only need an…

Why burping may help Babies can swallow air while feeding, particularly if they are crying, feeding rapidly, having difficulty maintaining a seal, or drinking from a bottle. Air in the stomach may contribute to temporary fullness, fussiness, squirming, or an…

Why babies may need to burp Infants can swallow air while sucking, particularly if the latch is changing, milk flow is rapid, the bottle teat is not fully filled with milk, or the baby is crying before feeding. Swallowed air…

What feeding on demand means Feeding on demand, also called cue-based or responsive feeding, means offering breast milk or infant formula when the baby shows signs of hunger rather than waiting for a predetermined interval. The parent observes the infant’s…

What feeding cues communicate Feeding cues are observable behaviours associated with hunger, satiation, or a need to regulate the feeding interaction. Research on the first two years of life shows that these signals change with age and development. A young…

The physiology of milk production Milk production is regulated by endocrine and autocrine mechanisms. During pregnancy and after placental delivery, hormonal changes, including a fall in progesterone and continued prolactin activity, enable lactogenesis, the process of establishing milk secretion. Once…

What hunger cues mean Hunger cues are observable behaviors that may indicate a baby is becoming ready to feed. They reflect a changing internal state, including appetite, arousal, and readiness to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. They are not a…

What feeding cues are and why they matter Feeding cues are observable behavioral and physiologic signals that may indicate a baby wants to feed, is preparing to feed, or is becoming satisfied. They are part of an infant's communication repertoire,…

What a Plugged Milk Duct May Feel Like A plugged milk duct generally refers to a localized area of breast tenderness, swelling, or firmness associated with narrowed milk flow and inflammation. A person may notice a small lump, wedge-shaped area,…