Hiccups are a common occurrence in newborns. They happen when the diaphragm, a muscle that helps in breathing, contracts involuntarily. This contraction causes a quick closure of the vocal cords, which produces the characteristic “hic” sound. While hiccups are often a source of concern for new parents, they are generally harmless and can happen multiple times a day.
Understanding Newborn Hiccups
Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups?
There are several reasons why newborns might experience hiccups:
Feeding too quickly: When a baby feeds too quickly, it can cause the stomach to expand rapidly. This rapid expansion can irritate the diaphragm, leading to hiccups.
Overfeeding: Similar to feeding too quickly, overfeeding can cause the stomach to stretch more than usual, triggering the diaphragm to contract.
Air swallowing: Newborns often swallow air while feeding, especially if they are bottle-fed or if they are not latched on properly during breastfeeding. The air bubbles can lead to hiccups.
Immature diaphragm: In newborns, the diaphragm is still developing. This immaturity can make it more prone to involuntary contractions.
Hiccups are typically more frequent in newborns than in older infants and children due to these factors.
Is It Safe to Feed a Newborn During Hiccups?
Hiccups Do Not Cause Harm
Hiccups are not dangerous for newborns. They do not cause discomfort, pain, or any long-term effects. Most babies are not bothered by hiccups and will continue to feed, play, or sleep without any issues. Because hiccups are harmless, it is generally safe to feed a baby during hiccups.
Feeding During Hiccups: What to Consider
Comfort: Some babies may become fussy when they have hiccups. In such cases, they might refuse to feed. If your baby seems uncomfortable, it might be best to wait until the hiccups subside before resuming feeding.
Positioning: Ensure that the baby is in an upright position while feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This position can help reduce the likelihood of swallowing air and can also help the hiccups go away faster.
Pacing the Feed: Feeding slowly and taking breaks can help prevent the stomach from becoming too full too quickly, which may help reduce the chances of triggering hiccups during feeding.
Hiccups as a Sign to Stop Feeding?
Some parents worry that hiccups are a signal that the baby is full and that feeding should stop. While it’s true that some babies may develop hiccups when they are full, hiccups are not a reliable indicator of satiety. If your baby is still showing signs of hunger, it is generally okay to continue feeding, even if hiccups occur.
Potential Benefits of Feeding During Hiccups
Interestingly, continuing to feed during hiccups may actually help stop the hiccups. The swallowing motion can help reset the diaphragm’s rhythm, potentially ending the hiccups sooner.
How to Manage Hiccups in Newborns
Burping the Baby
One of the most effective ways to manage hiccups is to burp the baby. Burping helps release any trapped air in the stomach that might be causing the diaphragm to contract. Here’s how to burp a newborn:
After Feeding: Burp the baby after every feed. If the baby is bottle-fed, you might want to burp them halfway through the feed as well.
Positioning: Hold the baby upright with their head resting on your shoulder. Gently pat or rub their back until they burp. This can help reduce the chances of hiccups occurring post-feeding.
Pacifier Use
Sometimes, offering a pacifier can help relieve hiccups. Sucking on a pacifier can help relax the diaphragm, which might stop the hiccups.
Changing Feeding Techniques
If hiccups occur frequently during or after feeding, it might be worth revisiting your feeding techniques. For example:
Smaller, More Frequent Feeds: Instead of offering large amounts of milk in one sitting, try feeding smaller quantities more frequently. This can help prevent the stomach from becoming overly full and reduce the likelihood of hiccups.
Slow-Flow Nipples: If bottle-feeding, use a slow-flow nipple to control the pace of the feed. This can help reduce the amount of air the baby swallows and the likelihood of hiccups.
Avoiding Overstimulation
Sometimes, hiccups can be triggered by overstimulation. Newborns have immature nervous systems, and too much excitement, noise, or activity can sometimes cause hiccups. Keeping the environment calm and quiet during feeding times might help reduce hiccup episodes.
SEE ALSO: What Can Trigger Hiccups?
When Should You Be Concerned About Hiccups?
Hiccups Lasting Too Long
While hiccups are usually harmless, if they last for more than a few hours or happen very frequently throughout the day, it might be worth discussing with your pediatrician. Prolonged or frequent hiccups could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Signs of Discomfort
If your baby seems to be in discomfort or pain during hiccups, or if hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical advice. These could be signs of a more serious condition.
Preventing Hiccups in Newborns
Feeding in an Upright Position
Feeding your baby in an upright position can help reduce the likelihood of hiccups. Gravity helps keep the milk in the stomach and minimizes the chances of air getting trapped.
Proper Latching
If you’re breastfeeding, ensure that your baby is latched on properly. A proper latch reduces the amount of air swallowed during feeding, which can help prevent hiccups.
Paced Bottle Feeding
For bottle-fed babies, consider paced bottle feeding. This technique mimics breastfeeding by allowing the baby to control the flow of milk, reducing the chances of swallowing air and developing hiccups.
Regular Burping
As mentioned earlier, burping your baby regularly during and after feeding can help prevent hiccups by releasing trapped air.
Avoiding Overfeeding
Be mindful of your baby’s hunger cues and try not to overfeed them. Overfeeding can lead to a distended stomach, which can trigger hiccups.
Home Remedies for Newborn Hiccups: What Works and What Doesn’t
Remedies That May Help
Sugar Water: Some parents give their baby a small amount of sugar water to stop hiccups. The sweetness can sometimes relax the diaphragm. However, this should only be done with pediatrician approval, as sugar water is not recommended for newborns in general.
Gentle Tummy Rubs: Gently massaging your baby’s tummy can sometimes help relieve hiccups by relaxing the diaphragm.
What to Avoid
Pulling the Baby’s Tongue: Some traditional remedies suggest pulling the baby’s tongue or blowing in their face. These methods are not only ineffective but can also be harmful to the baby. It’s best to avoid them.
Feeding Water: Newborns should not be given water, especially in an attempt to cure hiccups. Their digestive systems are not mature enough to handle water, and it can lead to water intoxication.
When to Avoid Feeding During Hiccups
While feeding during hiccups is generally safe, there are instances where it might be best to wait until the hiccups stop:
Baby Seems Distressed: If your baby appears uncomfortable, fussy, or distressed by the hiccups, it might be better to wait until they subside before continuing to feed.
Frequent Spitting Up: If your baby tends to spit up frequently during hiccups, you might want to pause feeding to prevent excessive spitting up, which can be distressing for both the baby and the parent.
Conclusion
Hiccups are a normal part of newborn life and are usually nothing to worry about. In most cases, it is safe to continue feeding your baby during hiccups. By understanding the causes and learning a few management techniques, you can ensure that hiccups do not disrupt your baby’s feeding routine. However, if you ever have concerns about your baby’s hiccups, especially if they seem prolonged or frequent, it’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician.
