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- When to worry about baby vomiting?
- How do I know if my baby is not tolerating breast milk?
- Can breastmilk upset a baby’s stomach?
- Should I breastfeed my baby again after vomiting?
- How to know if baby is overfed?
- How do I know if baby is overfed breastfeeding?
- How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby?
- Why is my baby throwing up my breast milk?
- Can a breastfed baby vomit from overfeeding?
Understanding Baby Vomiting: Is It Normal?
When it comes to the delicate world of infant care, one of the most common concerns for new parents is whether it is normal for their baby to throw up breast milk. The short answer is: yes, it can be normal, but there are nuances to consider.
The Difference Between Spitting Up and Vomiting
First, it’s essential to distinguish between spitting up and vomiting. Spitting up is a common occurrence in infants, particularly those under one year old. It typically involves a gentle flow of milk and saliva that dribbles from the mouth after feeding, often referred to as “posseting”. This is usually nothing to worry about and tends to decrease as the baby matures.
On the other hand, vomiting is more forceful and can be a cause for concern. While occasional vomiting can be normal, especially if it happens after a feeding, frequent or severe vomiting may indicate an underlying issue.
Common Causes of Vomiting in Infants
There are several reasons why a baby might vomit breast milk. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is one of the most common causes. This condition occurs when the valve at the top of the stomach does not close properly, allowing stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus. While this can be uncomfortable for the baby, it is generally not harmful.
Another potential cause is a tummy bug, which can lead to vomiting accompanied by diarrhea. In such cases, the vomiting is usually temporary and resolves on its own.
Additionally, if a baby is overfed or feeds too quickly, they may also vomit as their stomach struggles to handle the excess.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While occasional vomiting can be normal, parents should be vigilant. If the vomiting is persistent, accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or signs of dehydration, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is common for babies to throw up breast milk occasionally, understanding the difference between spitting up and vomiting is key. Most instances of spitting up are harmless and part of normal infant development. However, if vomiting becomes frequent or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, seeking medical advice is always the best course of action. As with many aspects of parenting, staying informed and attentive to your baby’s needs is essential for their health and well-being.
When to worry about baby vomiting?
Call Your Doctor If:
- Vomits clear fluids for more than 8 hours.
- Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours.
- Blood or bile (green color) in the vomit.
- Stomach ache present when not vomiting.
- Dehydration suspected (no urine in over 8 hours, dark urine, very dry mouth, and no tears)
- You think your child needs to be seen.
How do I know if my baby is not tolerating breast milk?
MSPI symptoms
| fussiness or excess crying before, during and after a feeding | stools may be infrequent, watery, have mucous, or be bloody |
|---|---|
| reflux | spitting up |
| nasal congestion | skin rash, eczema, hives, dry skin |
| weight loss | repeated vomiting |
| sudden waking with discomfort | |
Can breastmilk upset a baby’s stomach?
Your breast milk doesn’t exactly make your baby gassy. “Preventing gas, fussiness and colic might take a bit of trial and error and eliminating and reintroducing certain foods and drinks into the mom’s diet,” Rebecca said.
Should I breastfeed my baby again after vomiting?
If vomits more than once, nurse for 5 minutes every 30 to 60 minutes. After 4 hours without throwing up, return to regular nursing. If continues to vomit, switch to pumped breastmilk. (ORS is rarely needed in breastfed babies.
How to know if baby is overfed?
When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air. This can produce gas, increase discomfort in the belly, and lead to crying. An overfed baby also may spit up more than usual and have loose stools. Although crying from discomfort is not colic, it can make crying more frequent and more intense in an already colicky baby.
How do I know if baby is overfed breastfeeding?
What symptoms indicate a child is suffering from over breastfeeding?
- Vomiting, burping milk, regurgitating milk from their mouth or nose, or coughing up milk.
- A tight abdomen and severely swollen stomach alongside crying after being breastfed.
How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby?
If your baby shows negative symptoms after drinking breast milk. Consider how your baby responds to breast milk after drinking it. If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day.
Why is my baby throwing up my breast milk?
Breastfed Babies – Reduce the Amount Per Feeding:
If vomits once, nurse 1 side every 1 to 2 hours. If more than once, nurse for 5 minutes every 30 to 60 minutes. After 4 hours without throwing up, return to regular nursing. If continues to vomit, switch to pumped breastmilk.
Can a breastfed baby vomit from overfeeding?
Ensure your baby is not overfed: Regularly monitor the quantity of breast milk your baby consumes to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to vomiting. Try a slower paced feeding: Allow your baby to take breaks and burp during breastfeeding sessions.
