Why Does a Seven-Month-Old Baby Often Spit Up Milk Through the Nose After Feeding?

Question

Why does a two-month-old baby often spit up milk through the nose after feeding? What treatments have they received and what were the results? What kind of help are they seeking?

Answer

Many infants frequently spit up a large amount of milk after feeding in the first few weeks after birth. This condition is commonly referred to as “possetting.” A small number of babies may spit up milk due to changes in position after feeding (usually soon after feeding). If the baby is well, has normal growth and development, and is gaining weight appropriately, this is usually considered normal. As the baby grows, possetting will gradually decrease and typically disappears around six months of age. Causes: The stomach capacity of newborns is very small, and their stomach muscles are weak. The regulation of the stomach nerves is not yet mature. The pylorus (the entrance to the stomach) is relaxed, while the duodenum (the exit) is more tight, and the stomach is horizontal, making it easy for milk to reflux and cause vomiting. If the feeding position is incorrect, feeding is inadequate, the baby is fed too much, cries during feeding, sucks on a bottle until it’s empty, or has a large or sunken nipple, which allows gas to be swallowed; or if a bottle is used for feeding and the rubber nipple hole is too large, sucking milk too quickly or too forcefully; or if the baby is turned over too much or too soon after feeding with a bottle, vomiting can easily occur. I hope my explanation has answered your questions!