Hello Doctor my daughter is vomiting the milk frequently and every time after feeding she is not getting burf #asktheexperts

Question

Hello Doctor my daughter is vomiting the milk frequently and  every time after feeding she is not getting burf #asktheexperts

Accepted Answer

Thank you

Accepted Answer

Frequent vomiting in a one-month-old baby, along with difficulty in burping, is quite common and may be due to factors like gas, reflux, or improper feeding techniques. However, it's important to observe her closely to ensure that it’s not something more serious.

Possible Reasons for Frequent Vomiting:

1. Overfeeding: Babies have small stomachs, and overfeeding can cause them to spit up or vomit.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER): This happens when the contents of the stomach come back up into the esophagus, which is common in young babies.

3. Swallowed Air: If the baby swallows air while feeding, it can lead to gas buildup and vomiting if the air isn't properly released through burping.

4. Incorrect Feeding Position: If your baby isn't positioned correctly while feeding, she may take in more air, leading to spit-up and vomiting.

5. Food Sensitivity: In some cases, sensitivity to formula ingredients or something in the breastfeeding mother's diet can cause issues.

What You Can Do:

1. Feeding Position:

Keep the Baby Upright: Hold her in an upright position during and after feeding for at least 20–30 minutes to help reduce reflux and assist with digestion.

Proper Latch (for breastfeeding): Make sure she is latching correctly to avoid swallowing excess air.

For Bottle Feeding: Ensure the nipple size is appropriate (not too fast or too slow) and hold the bottle at an angle where the nipple is filled with milk, reducing air intake.

2. Burping Techniques:

Try Different Burping Positions: If she isn’t burping after feeds, try different positions:

Over the Shoulder: Hold her upright with her chin resting on your shoulder and gently pat or rub her back.

Sitting on Your Lap: Sit her on your lap with your hand supporting her chest and chin, and gently pat her back.

Tummy on Your Lap: Lay her tummy down across your lap and gently pat her back.

Take Breaks During Feeding: Burp her halfway through the feed to prevent a build-up of gas. For bottle-fed babies, try burping after every 60-90 ml (2-3 oz) of formula or milk.

3. Manage Reflux:

Smaller, More Frequent Feeds: If overfeeding is the issue, try feeding smaller amounts more frequently to avoid overwhelming her stomach.

Inclined Sleep: Some babies with reflux find relief when their heads are elevated while sleeping. However, consult your doctor before trying this, as safe sleep guidelines recommend babies sleep on a flat, firm surface.

4. Avoid Tight Diapers or Clothes: Tight clothing around the tummy can put pressure on the stomach and contribute to spitting up.

When to See a Doctor:

If your baby’s vomiting is persistent or shows any of the following signs, it’s important to consult a pediatrician:

Projectile vomiting (forceful vomiting).

Poor weight gain or weight loss.

Dehydration: Fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, or lethargy.

Green or yellow vomit.

Blood in the vomit.

Inconsolable crying or signs of discomfort.

In most cases, babies outgrow these issues as their digestive systems mature, but if you're concerned, it's always best to check with your pediatrician.