Question
The baby spits up milk about 20 minutes after feeding, and this has been happening recently. The baby also has a congenital heart septal defect. What could be the possible reasons, and what kind of assistance is needed?
Answer
When a baby does not have pneumonia, cold, or gastroenteritis, spitting up milk is a normal phenomenon, related to the baby’s digestive tract anatomy and physiological characteristics. Babies have small stomach capacities, a more horizontal position, and an underdeveloped upper esophageal sphincter while the lower esophageal sphincter is well-developed. This makes the stomach’s outlet tight and the entrance loose, causing milk to easily reflux and lead to vomiting. In addition, improper feeding or care may also cause spitting up. It is recommended to gently pat the baby’s back after feeding until they burp, then let the baby sleep on their right side to prevent spitting up from choking and causing pneumonia.