What should be done if a newborn has thick white coating on the tongue while being exclusively breastfed?
Thick white tongue coating in newborns who are exclusively breastfed should be treated according to the specific underlying cause. It is usually caused by indigestion, food stagnation, or intestinal dysfunction.
1. Indigestion
If caused by indigestion, it is recommended to avoid feeding too frequently during breastfeeding. Extending the intervals between feedings appropriately allows newborns sufficient time for digestion and absorption. Additionally, since the digestive system in newborns is not fully developed, supplementation with probiotics under medical guidance may be necessary. Commonly used medications include live combined bacillus subtilis granules and bifidobacterium triple viable powder, which help regulate intestinal flora, enhance digestive function, and improve thick white tongue coating caused by indigestion in exclusively breastfed newborns.
2. Food Stagnation
If caused by food stagnation, parents can warm their hands by rubbing them together and gently apply pressure around the navel, massaging repeatedly in a clockwise direction. This helps enhance intestinal motility, promotes digestion and excretion of food, and improves thick white tongue coating in breastfed newborns due to food stagnation.
3. Intestinal Dysfunction
If caused by intestinal dysfunction, keep the abdomen warm. Applying a hot water bag to the abdomen or performing clockwise abdominal massage can promote intestinal motility and help alleviate thick white tongue coating in breastfed newborns resulting from intestinal dysfunction.