Hi Mom! Breastfeeding is a moment full of love between you and your little one. However, sometimes this happiness is slightly disrupted when the baby vomits after nursing. Well, it is very important to distinguish between spit-up (gumoh) and vomiting that requires more serious attention.

Spit-up is a condition where a small amount of milk comes out of the baby's mouth, usually without any other symptoms. This is normal because the baby's digestive system is still in the process of development. On the other hand, vomiting is the expulsion of stomach contents with more pressure, often accompanied by other symptoms such as fussiness or crying.

By understanding the following guide, Mom can be calmer and know what to do if the little one vomits. Proper handling is very important for the comfort and health of your little one. Babies who vomit frequently can feel uncomfortable and are even at risk of health problems such as dehydration or weight loss. Let's understand more!

What Causes Babies to Vomit After Nursing?

Vomiting in babies can be caused by several things that Mom needs to watch out for as follows:

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)

One of the most common causes is Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER). This happens when milk that has entered the stomach rises back into the esophagus. Some GER symptoms that Mom can notice include the baby appearing restless after nursing, repeated vomiting, and sometimes even accompanied by coughing.

2. Overfeeding

Overfeeding or giving too much milk can also be a cause of a baby vomiting. As Mom knows, babies have a small stomach capacity. So if they drink too much milk, some of the milk will be expelled back by vomiting. To prevent the baby from vomiting after nursing, Mom needs to pay attention to signs that the little one is full, such as stopping nursing or refusing the nipple.

3. Food Allergy

An allergy to cow's milk protein is one of the causes of baby vomiting, especially for babies who consume formula milk. This type of allergy can be accompanied by other symptoms such as skin rashes, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing.

4. Infection

Babies can also vomit due to infection, especially gastrointestinal infections. Symptoms of this infection can include fever, diarrhea, and fussiness. If the little one shows these signs, immediately consult a doctor.

5. Digestive Tract Obstruction

Although rare, digestive tract obstruction can be a serious cause of baby vomiting. If the vomit is green or contains blood, Mom needs to seek medical help immediately.

Effective Tips for Handling Baby Vomiting After Nursing

Now, it's time to discuss some practical tips that Mom can try to handle vomiting after nursing. Hopefully, these tips can help Mom and the little one feel more comfortable.

1. Proper Breastfeeding Position

Mom, the breastfeeding position is very influential so that the baby can nurse comfortably. Try nursing your little one in an upright or semi-sitting position to reduce the risk of the baby swallowing excess air. The correct position also helps facilitate milk digestion.

2. Burping the Baby

Source: Freepik

Burping the baby after nursing is very important to do to release the air that was swallowed during nursing. Here are some ways that Mom can try to burp your little one:

No.	Burping Method	Description
1	Upright hold	Place the baby's head on your shoulder, then gently rub their back.
2	Sitting on lap	Sit the baby on your lap, then support the chest and rub their back.
3	Prone on lap	Lay the baby face down on your lap while slowly rubbing their back.

Try the position variations above, Mom, and see which one is most comfortable for your little one.

3. Controlling Milk Amount

Pay attention to the amount of milk given to your baby. Every baby has different needs. Providing the right amount of milk according to your little one's needs can help reduce the risk of overfeeding. To prevent the baby from vomiting, watch for signs of a full baby, such as stopping nursing or falling asleep.

4. Changing Formula Milk (If Needed)

If Mom suspects that the little one has an allergy to formula milk made from cow's milk protein, consult a doctor regarding alternative formulas. There are several hypoallergenic milk options that might be more suitable for babies with allergies.

5. Watching Maternal Diet (If Breastfeeding)

If Mom is breastfeeding, pay attention to the food consumed as well. Sometimes, the little one can be sensitive to certain foods that Mom consumes, such as dairy products, nuts, or spicy food. Record the food that Mom consumes and see if there is a connection with the baby's vomiting.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Source: Freepik

Of course, Mom does not need to worry every time the little one vomits. However, there are several signs that need to be watched out for.

1. Prolonged or Severe Vomiting

If your baby continues to vomit with forceful vomiting (projectile vomiting) or green vomit, immediately contact a doctor. This could be a sign of a more serious problem.

2. Dehydration

Babies who vomit frequently are at risk of dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, sunken eyes, or reduced frequency of wet diapers. If these signs appear, seek medical help immediately.

3. Weight Loss

Babies who vomit continuously may not be getting enough nutrition. If the little one experiences weight loss or is not gaining weight as expected, immediately consult a doctor.

4. Other Worrying Symptoms

If the little one shows other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, excessive fussiness, or behavior changes, immediately take the little one to the doctor. This could be a sign of a condition that requires further attention.

If the vomiting in the little one does not improve or is accompanied by other symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a doctor, Mom. The doctor will help Mom ensure the little one remains healthy and comfortable.

Read also: Why Do Babies Vomit after Breastfeeding? Here are 6 Causes

A baby vomiting after nursing often makes Mom worried, but with the right understanding, Mom can handle it more calmly. Some common causes of vomiting include reflux, overfeeding, allergies, infections, and obstructions. Don't forget to apply practical tips such as the correct breastfeeding position, burping the baby, and paying attention to the amount of milk given.

Dealing with a vomiting little one is not easy, but Mom is not alone. Stay calm, learn from every experience, and believe that Mom is doing the best for the little one!

Hegen Teat Bottle with Anti-Colic Feature, Prevents Baby Vomiting

Source: Hegen

As Mom knows, one of the causes of a baby vomiting after drinking breast milk is air that is swallowed when the baby nurses directly or drinks from a milk bottle. An important tip that Mom needs to pay attention to is choosing a milk bottle with an anti-colic feature to avoid the little one swallowing air while nursing.

We recommend Hegen Feeding Bottle, a milk bottle that is equipped with the Smart Built-In Anti-Colic Air Vent System. Then, what are the advantages of the anti-colic feature owned by Hegen? Here is the explanation:

1. Ventilation System The anti-colic feature on the Hegen Feeding Bottle is equipped with a ventilation system or a special valve designed to reduce air entering the bottle. This helps prevent the formation of air bubbles that can cause colic in babies.
2. Stable Milk Flow The anti-colic feature on the Hegen Feeding Bottle also keeps the milk flow smooth and consistent during feeding. Thus, the risk of the baby swallowing air is reduced, which can help prevent colic.
3. Reducing Baby Discomfort By reducing the likelihood of colic occurring, the anti-colic feature on the Hegen Feeding Bottle provides more comfort for the baby, so the little one can nurse calmly and comfortably.

Hegen Feeding Bottle tersedia dalam 4 ukuran yang dapat Bunda pilih sesuai dengan kebutuhan dan usia si kecil, mulai dari usia newborn (0 bulan), 1-3 bulan, 3-6 bulan, dan 6-9 bulan. Klik sekarang di sini untuk mendapatkan botol susu dengan dot anti kolik terbaik dari Hegen!.

Sumber

1. 7 Penyebab Bayi Muntah Gumoh Setelah Makan dan Menyusu
   https://www.cussonsbaby.co.id/artikel/penyebab-bayi-muntah-setelah-menyusu-dan-tips-mengatasinya/
2. Penyebab Bayi Muntah dan Cara Mengatasinya
   https://www.honestdocs.id/penyebab-bayi-muntah-dan-cara-mengatasinya