Patient's question:
16-day-old baby spits up milk, sometimes through the nose. It seems like the baby doesn't know when to stop eating and keeps feeding, even when burping. How can I feed the baby properly?Doctor's answer:
Babys hiccups are caused by spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm. When feeding too quickly or inhaling cold air, the vegetative nervous system is affected, leading to involuntary diaphragmatic contractions that trigger hiccups. Currently, the baby's stomach and throat have not yet fully developed, making it easier for milk to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus, which can cause vomiting. Feeding should take place in a quiet and appropriate setting with the correct posture. During breastfeeding, the baby should latch onto most of the mother's areola to prevent the intake of excessive air.