Question
My baby suddenly starts hiccuping frequently after playing or finishing breastfeeding, and this has been going on for two days, with a period of hiccups every day. What could be the reason for a newborn to keep hiccuping every day, and what should I do about it?
Answer
Hiccupping is a common symptom in the infant stage, usually caused by spasms and persistent contractions of the diaphragm. This is due to the fact that within the first one to two months after birth, the autonomic nervous system of the diaphragm has not yet fully matured. Therefore, when exposed to mild stimuli such as inhaling cold air or eating too quickly, the diaphragm may suddenly contract, leading to rapid inhalation and the resulting hiccup sound. Once a child’s nervous system has fully developed (usually by three months), the frequency of hiccups will gradually decrease. When a child experiences hiccups, you can try feeding them a small amount of water or milk to alleviate the symptoms. Additionally, gently pressing on the baby’s ears, especially on the second rib above the ear, for several tens of seconds can also help alleviate the hiccups.