Why Breastfeeding Volume Needs Adjustment After Infant Vomiting
Dear parents, seeing your baby vomit can cause anxiety and worry. Vomiting is relatively common in infancy, often due to temporary discomfort caused by immature stomach development or feeding practices. Promptly adjusting the feeding volume can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further discomfort. As a parenting expert, I will explain the reasons and provide practical care methods based on WHO and AAP post-2020 guidelines to help you care for your baby with greater confidence.
Possible Causes
- Overfeeding: An infant's stomach capacity is small (approximately 90-150 ml). Overfeeding easily leads to stomach overload and vomiting.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux: Underdeveloped stomach sphincters in infants make food prone to reflux, especially if laid flat immediately after feeding.
- Temporary Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Minor infections or improper feeding positions can cause stomach sensitivity and vomiting.
Home Care Recommendations
- Pause feeding for 30-60 minutes to let the stomach rest, then restart with smaller amounts.
- Reduce each feeding volume by 10-20 ml and increase feeding frequency (e.g., every 2 hours) to lessen stomach burden.
- Keep the baby upright for 15-20 minutes after feeding, using burping techniques to help expel stomach gas.
When to Seek Medical Care
- ⚠️ Persistent vomiting for over 24 hours or increased vomiting frequency
- ⚠️ Signs of dehydration, such as significantly reduced urine output, dry mouth, or sunken fontanelle
- ⚠️ Vomit contains blood, green bile, or is accompanied by fever or lethargy
Conclusion
Adjusting feeding volume is an effective care strategy in most cases, helping restore the baby's stomach comfort. Remember, every parent is learning; your attentive observation and patience are your baby's strongest support. If facing challenges, trust professional medical support—you're doing a great job!
The information provided in this article is for reference only and cannot substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment advice. If your child exhibits any health issues or the warning signs mentioned, consult a qualified healthcare professional immediately.