Question
My baby’s navel bulge is quite prominent, but it can be pushed back with hands, and a gurgling sound similar to water inside can be heard when it is pushed back. What is this condition?
Answer
This condition is known as an umbilical hernia. Because the baby’s rectus muscles and their sheath in front and back have not yet fully closed at the navel, under conditions of increased abdominal pressure such as coughing, difficulty defecating, or excessive crying at night, the intestines may protrude through the unclosed umbilical ring, forming an umbilical hernia. Babies with an umbilical hernia often experience a gurgling sound in the abdomen after feeding, a desire to strain, facial blushing, and stools that are sometimes dry and sometimes loose. They may also have a history of eczema, which is related to milk protein allergy. It is recommended to switch to hydrolyzed protein formula for treatment, feeding Milk Powder during the day and breast milk at night.