Question

Why do full-month-old babies cough while breastfeeding?

Answer

Due to the incomplete development of newborns’ stomach muscles, the upper part of the stomach (the cardia) is more relaxed, while the lower part (the pylorus) is prone to spasms. In this situation, milk may reflux back into the esophagus during feeding, causing coughing. Additionally, under the action of stomach acid, proteins in the milk can sometimes form larger clumps, which may also lead to coughing in babies.