Question
Babies often experience crying feed while drinking milk. Elders at home suggest that pulling the baby’s ears can alleviate the symptoms during crying feed. Is this method feasible?
Answer
Crying feed is a common phenomenon that usually occurs during breastfeeding, where milk enters the airway and the baby coughs. Traditionally, pulling the baby’s ears has been believed to have a certain effect on alleviating crying feed. However, preventing crying feed is more important. It is advisable to avoid breastfeeding when the baby is crying or laughing; do not wait until the baby is very hungry to feed, as the baby may cough if eating too quickly; and do not force the baby to eat more after they are full to prevent accidents. After feeding, let the baby lean against an adult’s body and gently pat their back to help expel air from the stomach.