Question
My newborn is 42 days old and has been drinking formula milk. Recently, he often spits up, and it feels similar to dry heaving in adults. I would like to understand the causes and how to deal with it.
Answer
Hello: Nursing Principles
- Pay attention to the color, shape, frequency, smell, and amount of vomit. If the vomit is bright red or dark red, collect a sample for testing. Help the baby sit up or lie on his side to prevent vomit from entering the lungs and causing aspiration or aspiration pneumonia. For severe vomiting, it is advisable to fast for 4 to 6 hours and gradually increase the intake of liquid and semi-liquid foods after vomiting stops, gradually returning to a normal diet.
- Clean the baby’s mouth immediately after vomiting and clean and rearrange the soiled bedding. Nursing Precautions
- Breastfeeding should not be rushed for newborns and infants. After breastfeeding, hold the baby upright and pat his back gently to help expel air. Feedings should be regular and measured, avoiding excessive intake of food, which should be fresh and hygienic. Avoid excessive consumption of spicy, smoked, and greasy foods.
- When vomiting occurs, place the child on his side to prevent food from entering the trachea during vomiting.
- For mild vomiting, it is advisable to eat easily digestible liquid foods in small amounts multiple times a day.
- For severe vomiting, it is advisable to fast temporarily and follow medical advice for feeding.