Question
The newborn recently shows a reluctance to breastfeed and has a spitting up situation after each feeding, accompanied by hiccups. What could be the cause of this?
Answer
Newborn crying and spitting up milk is usually due to the baby inhaling air during the feeding process. Once the air enters the stomach, being lighter than liquid, it tends to rise to the top and can cause the esophageal sphincter to open, leading to spitting up, which may also bring out some milk, causing over-feeding (overflowing milk). Therefore, it is important to ensure that the baby’s mouth completely covers the nipple during breastfeeding, leaving no gaps to prevent air from entering. It is recommended to have regular health checks to detect any abnormalities early and receive timely treatment.