Medically reviewed by Alyssa Copeland, RN, IBCLC
So you’ve been thinking about trying to pump and feed your baby at the same time. You’ve seen pictures of other moms doing it, and they make it look so easy. But for some reason, every time you try, you hesitate or something happens and you end up right back in your old routine.
If you’re like so many other pumping moms, one of the things holding you back is that you have no clue how you’re supposed to burp your baby while hooked up to the pump. If this is you, then you are in the right place!
There are actually FOUR different ways to burp your baby while pumping. So try them out and see which one works best for you and your baby!
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only. You can read my full disclaimer here.
1. Burp your baby sitting up:
The easiest way to burp your baby while pumping is sitting up on your lap. To do this,
- Sit your baby upright on your lap, and place a burp cloth on your baby’s lap.
- Use your thumb and index finger to support your baby’s chin ((not their neck!)) and support their body with the rest of your hand.
- Lean them forward slightly, and pat or rub their back with your other hand.
Here’s a short video from Eugene Pediatric Associates that shows you how to do this.
Variations for “grabby” babies:
- Instead of having your baby sitting sideways on your lap, turn your baby so they’re facing outwards.
- Instead of having your baby sit on your lap, leave them in their Boppy or bouncer next to you. Lean them forward slightly, making sure you support their chin and body (as in step 2 above).
2. Burp your baby lying down:
- Place a burp cloth on your lap.
- Lay your baby tummy-down on your lap. Make sure you’re supporting your baby’s head and that it’s higher than their chest.
- Rub or pat your baby’s back.
Variation for older, larger babies:
- Prop your legs up on an ottoman, stool, couch, or bed, depending on where you’re pumping. Sit your baby on your lap with their tummy down on your legs. Make sure that they are supported and that their head is above your knees, so they can breathe. If you need to, you can place one hand underneath them to support their head.
3. Burp your baby over your arm:
This way is very similar to burping your baby lying down on your lap. The difference is that your arm is underneath your baby. You might even be able to stand up if you need to.
- Lay your baby tummy-down across your arm with their head near the crook of your elbow and their legs dangling on either side of your arm.
- Rub or pat your baby’s back.
4. Burp your baby over your shoulder:
If the first 3 ways don’t work for you, you can try burping your baby over your shoulder.
This way is easier with a wearable pump that has collection cups that you wear inside your bra, but it’s not impossible with the regular type of pump!
- Place a burp cloth over your shoulder.
- Hold your baby up with their chin resting on your shoulder. Then, either move both of their legs to one side, or place one leg on each side of your breast, whichever way is more comfortable to you.
- Rub or pat your baby’s back.
Variation for larger babies:
- Turn off the pump and unhook one side. Burp your baby and then re-attach your pump. It’s like a mini power pump!
Takeaway:
It’s actually pretty easy to burp your baby when you are hooked up to a breast pump.
If you’ve tried all 4 ways and still can’t get the hang of burping your baby while pumping, then let me leave you with one last tip…
If your baby’s gas doesn’t come out one end, it’ll come out the other!
So go try pumping and feeding at the same time – you’re gonna be glad you did!
You are doing an amazing job!
This post has been medically reviewed by Alyssa Copeland, RN, IBCLC
Alyssa Copeland is a mom of 3. She is a graduate of University of Michigan School of Nursing, and has been a pediatric RN since 2010. She has been an active La Leche League Leader since 2016 and an IBCLC since 2020.
