Patient's question:
Baby is 42 days old, weighing 10.5 jin, measuring 60 cm tall, and being exclusively formula-fed. During the postpartum period, the baby wasn’t fed on a strict schedule—feeding occurred whenever they were hungry. At 1 month and 5 days, it was noticed that the umbilical cord was protruding, and the baby had frequent bowel movements, which were attributed to gas and bloating. The feeding schedule was adjusted to every three hours with 100 milliliters per feeding. However, the baby consistently woke up in the middle of the feedings looking for food, crying uncontrollably when they couldn’t get it. It has been confirmed that this is not colic.1. How should the baby be fed now?
2. Is it possible to increase the milk intake if the baby isn’t getting enough?
3. A hernia belt has already been used—what other methods can be tried?
Doctor's answer:
An umbilical hernia is caused by congenital developmental defects, where the infant's initial growth phase presents as a thin flap that gradually fuses forward to form the abdominal wall. If the midline does not fully close, the umbilical hernia may recur. The base of the umbilical hernia typically has a scar diameter of 0.8 cm. The hernia may appear during crying, can be pushed back in, and may produce a squeaking sound. Generally, it does not require special treatment and can heal on its own, with an healing rate of over 80%. For those that do not heal on their own, surgery is recommended after the age of 1. Currently, laparoscopic surgery causes minimal damage, with rapid recovery and a good prognosis. If conditions such as hydrocele, hernia, or appendicitis are present, they can be addressed simultaneously.