What should I do if a newborn baby hiccups after drinking milk?
Oct 16, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
It is common for newborns to experience hiccups after feeding. To reduce this symptom, it's important to hold the baby upright and burp them promptly after each feeding. During breastfeeding, ensure the nipple and areola are fully placed into the newborn's mouth. For formula feeding, make sure the bottle nipple is completely filled with milk to prevent mixing of milk and air. Additionally, probiotics can be used to regulate intestinal flora, or medications such as simethicone can be administered to help expel gas.
After feeding, newborns often experience hiccups, which can generally be improved through post-feeding burping, correcting feeding techniques, or medication. Specific measures are as follows:
1. Burping after feeding
The gastrointestinal system of newborns is not yet fully developed, making them prone to hiccups after drinking milk. It is usually recommended to hold the newborn upright immediately after feeding and gently pat their back to help release swallowed air. This helps relieve diaphragmatic spasms and reduce hiccupping.
2. Correcting feeding methods
During breastfeeding, ensure that both the nipple and areola are fully placed into the newborn’s mouth to improve seal and prevent excessive air intake. For formula feeding, make sure the bottle nipple is always filled with milk during feeding to avoid mixing milk with air, which may otherwise cause choking or hiccups after feeding.
3. Medication
Newborns have delicate gastrointestinal systems. Improper feeding may lead to indigestion and subsequent hiccups after milk intake. If symptoms persist despite the above measures, probiotics may be used under medical guidance to regulate intestinal flora and alleviate hiccups. In cases of severe diaphragmatic spasm, medications such as simethicone may be administered under a doctor’s supervision to help expel gas.
