Causes of hiccups in newborns
Hiccups are very common in newborns, especially after feeding. This is because newborns have a relatively short esophagus and a small appetite, which makes them prone to delayed eating and difficulty swallowing. At the same time, the gastrointestinal function of newborns is not perfect enough, which can easily lead to gas accumulation and cause hiccups. In addition, newborns sometimes suffer from hiccups due to intrauterine hypoxia, abnormal fetal position, difficult delivery and other reasons.
How to prevent hiccups in newborns
To prevent hiccups in newborns, we can take the following measures:
1. Try to reduce the amount of gas your baby swallows when feeding. When breastfeeding, slow down the feeding speed to prevent the baby from swallowing too quickly. At the same time, pay attention to the position of the baby\’s head when feeding to ensure that the baby can swallow easily. You can raise the baby\’s head slightly by 20 to 30 degrees, which can make the baby swallow more comfortably.
2. Change the baby’s burping position. You can use a mat or blanket to place your baby in a reclining position, or to help your baby burp.
3. Give your baby a massage. For babies with bloated stomach, gentle massage can be used to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and promote the discharge of gas.
Methods to relieve hiccups in newborns
Once the symptoms of baby hiccups appear, we can use the following methods to relieve them:
1. Back massage. You can gently massage your baby\’s back to promote the discharge of gas. The timing of massage can be about 10 minutes before and after breastfeeding.
2. Touch. You can gently touch your baby\’s back, belly or head with your hands to help your baby feel safe and help them relax.
3. Change body position. Changing a different position, letting the baby stand up straight or lying flat, can sometimes help the baby burp.
Notes
When relieving newborn hiccups, you need to pay attention to the following points:
1. Prevent suffocation. Be gentle when massaging to avoid excessive pressure, which may cause the baby to suffocate.
2. Avoid excessive massage. The massage time should not be too long to avoid triggering reactions such as crying, fatigue, and resistance in the baby.
3. Keep warm. Babies\’ muscles are relatively loose and prone to cold. You should ensure that the baby\’s temperature is appropriate.
In short, hiccups in newborns are a common phenomenon that we need to take the right methods to prevent and alleviate. If your baby\’s hiccups persist or are accompanied by other abnormalities, you should seek medical diagnosis promptly to determine the cause and provide standardized treatment.
