Question
How to treat a baby’s excessive vomiting?
Answer
When a baby vomits excessively, it is important to note that the volume and speed of the milk are more than normal physiological phenomena, which is medically referred to as “vomiting” and is different from spitting up. Excessive vomiting can harm a baby’s health as the milk may enter the trachea, causing coughing, and in severe cases, may lead to tracheal obstruction, affecting breathing. Moreover, vomiting may allow milk to enter the deep lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia, and even harm life due to insufficient oxygen supply. However, once the root cause of the problem is found, vomiting can be prevented. Here are some guidelines for preventing excessive vomiting:
- Adopt an appropriate diaper-changing position: Hold the baby while changing the diaper as much as possible, keeping the baby’s body at a 45-degree angle so that milk in the stomach can naturally flow into the small intestine, reducing the chance of vomiting.
- Burp the baby after a diaper change: Hold the baby upright against your shoulder and gently pat the back to expel inhaled air. Then place the baby on the bed, making it less likely for them to vomit.
- Avoid immediate supine positioning after feeding; instead, let the baby semi-recline first