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Should I feed newborn again after spitting up?

Understanding Spitting Up in Newborns
Spitting up is a common occurrence among newborns, often causing concern for new parents. It typically happens when a baby regurgitates a small amount of milk after feeding. This phenomenon is largely due to the immaturity of a newborn’s digestive system, which is still developing during the first few months of life. As a result, many babies experience spitting up more frequently in this early stage.
Should You Feed Again After Spitting Up?
When a newborn spits up, the immediate question for many parents is whether to feed them again. The answer largely depends on the baby’s overall demeanor and health. If your baby appears happy, is not showing signs of distress, and is gaining weight appropriately, there is generally no need to rush to feed them again right away. In fact, feeding a baby too soon after spitting up can sometimes lead to more discomfort or additional spitting up.
However, if your baby seems hungry after spitting up, it is perfectly fine to offer them more milk. It’s important to observe your baby’s cues; if they are rooting or showing signs of hunger, you can proceed with feeding. Feeding before they become very hungry can also help reduce the likelihood of spitting up.
Tips for Managing Spitting Up
To help manage spitting up, consider the following strategies:
– Burping: Burp your baby several times during and after feeding. This can help release any trapped air that might contribute to spitting up.
– Positioning: Keep your baby in an upright position during and after feeding. This can aid digestion and reduce the chances of spitting up.
– Feeding Techniques: Feed your baby smaller amounts more frequently rather than larger amounts less often. This can help prevent overfilling the stomach, which is a common cause of spitting up.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While spitting up is usually normal, parents should be vigilant for signs that may indicate a more serious issue. If your baby is spitting up excessively, seems to be in pain, or is not gaining weight, it may be time to consult a pediatrician. Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes be mistaken for normal spitting up, and a healthcare professional can provide guidance and support.
In summary, while spitting up is a typical part of newborn life, understanding when and how to respond can help ease parental anxiety. Always trust your instincts and your baby’s cues, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

How to tell if baby is hungry or has reflux?

Check if your baby has reflux

  1. bringing up milk or being sick during or shortly after feeding.
  2. coughing or hiccupping when feeding.
  3. being unsettled during feeding.
  4. swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding.
  5. crying and not settling.
  6. not gaining weight as they’re not keeping enough food down.

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.

How much spit up is OK for a newborn?

Usually, it’s just 1 or 2 tablespoons at a time. If your baby spits up more than this—or if their spitting up is the effect of respiratory events like choking, coughing, or wheezing—ask your pediatrician if there is a reason to be concerned.

Is newborn 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.

Is a newborn full if they spit up?

A baby with a full tummy is usually a happy baby, which probably explains why infants doze off after most feedings. And when their tummy is full of breast milk or formula, it’s perfectly normal for a baby to spit up a little bit of it.

Do I need to feed my baby again after spit up?

Vomiting and spit-up are common in healthy babies. In most cases, you can milk feed shortly after your baby vomits. This helps to prevent your baby from getting dehydrated. In some cases it’s best to wait a little while before trying to feed your baby again.

Can babies still be hungry after they spit up?

Despite vomiting, a baby with pyloric stenosis is usually hungry again soon after vomiting and will want to eat. It’s important to know that even with the vomiting, the baby might not seem to be in great pain or at first look very ill.

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 spit up mean overfeeding newborn?

Some of the more common reasons for excessive spit-up are overfeeding and swallowing too much air during feeding. The following tips may help reduce spit-up and make your baby more comfortable: Feed your baby before they get very hungry.

Does spit 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.

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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