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Should I feed my newborn again if she throws up milk?

Understanding Baby Vomiting: Should You Refeed?
When a newborn throws up milk, it can be a distressing experience for parents. The instinctive reaction might be to worry about the baby’s health or to question whether to feed them again. However, the situation is often more manageable than it seems.
Is It Normal for Babies to Vomit?
Vomiting in infants is quite common and usually not a cause for alarm. Many babies experience this as part of their natural feeding process. According to health experts, it’s normal for babies to spit up or vomit after feeding, and this can happen for various reasons, including overfeeding, swallowing air, or simply the immaturity of their digestive systems.
Should You Refeed After Vomiting?
The short answer is yes, you can typically feed your baby again after they vomit. If your newborn has thrown up, it’s generally safe to offer them another feeding. This is especially true if they seem hungry or are showing signs of wanting to eat again. Experts suggest that after a vomiting episode, you can resume feeding your baby, as long as they appear comfortable and are not showing signs of distress.
However, it’s important to approach this with caution. If your baby has just vomited, consider waiting a little while before offering more milk. This allows their stomach to settle. If they seem calm and are not in discomfort, you can start with a small amount, gradually increasing as tolerated.
When to Be Concerned
While occasional vomiting is normal, there are certain signs that may indicate a more serious issue. If your baby vomits frequently, appears lethargic, has a fever, or shows signs of dehydration (such as fewer wet diapers), it’s crucial to consult a pediatrician. Persistent vomiting can sometimes signal underlying health problems that need to be addressed.
Conclusion
In summary, if your newborn throws up milk, it’s usually fine to feed them again after a brief pause. Monitor their behavior and comfort level, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about their health. Remember, parenting is a learning journey, and understanding your baby’s needs is key to navigating these early days.

Does spit up mean baby is overfed?

Babies regularly spit up when they drink too much milk, too quickly. This can happen when the baby feeds very fast, or when mom’s breasts are overfull. The amount of spit up can appear to be much more than it really is. Food sensitivities can cause excessive spitting up in babies.

Should I continue feeding my baby if he spits up?

Do not overfeed. If your baby spits up during a feeding, stop and wait until the next feeding. Offer smaller, more frequent feedings. Take time to burp half way through the feeding.

Do newborns vomit if overfed?

In formula-fed babies, vomiting may happen after overfeeding, or because of an intolerance to formula. Physical obstructions that prevent the normal passage of food through the digestive tract may cause vomiting. Talk with your baby’s healthcare provider right away if your baby is: Vomiting forcefully.

Will a newborn be hungry after throwing up?

Most babies recover quickly after vomiting and don’t need any specialised care. They can seem hungry again straight away or take a while to want to feed again.

Should you refeed a baby if they throw up?

Offer your baby a feeding after they’ve stopped throwing up. If your baby is hungry and takes to the bottle or breast after vomiting, go right ahead and feed them. Liquid feeding after vomiting can sometimes even help settle your baby’s nausea. Start with small amounts of milk and wait to see if they vomit again.

Does a pacifier help with reflux?

It’s a common belief that using a dummy helps soothe babies with reflux. With acid reflux this is another big no no! Apart from teaching your baby the wrong association; sucking creates wind, stimulates stomach acid and adds fuel to the fire with reflux.

Should I feed my newborn again if he throws up?

If vomits once, nurse half the regular time every 1 to 2 hours. 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.

Does spitting up count as a burp?

Spit-up is what happens when the contents of your baby’s tummy come back up easily – not forcefully – through their mouth. It often comes along with a burp. It’s not the same as vomiting, which is when your baby throws up their stomach contents with force and muscle contractions.

Does baby throwing up mean overfeeding?

In formula-fed babies, vomiting may happen after overfeeding, or because of an intolerance to formula. Physical obstructions that prevent the normal passage of food through the digestive tract may cause vomiting. Talk with your baby’s healthcare provider right away if your baby is: Vomiting forcefully.

What to do after a newborn spits up?

So there is no need to worry, especially if your baby is having wet diapers and growing well. If your baby spits up, gently wipe the baby’s face and lips clean. Talk with your baby’s healthcare provider about what to do if your child starts to choke on their spit-up.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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