Is Regurgitation Of Milk By An Infant A Cause Of Concern?

Posted on Sun, 11 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 Sep 2016 Answered on

Sat, 1 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi doctor.. my 7 week old baby is combination fed.. due to inadequate milk supply, he breastfeeds for half an hour, and then has about 60 ml (on a average.. ranges from 40-90)Nan Pro 1.. we burrp him in between and after feed.. there is a lil regurgitation at times with burrps.. spite of that, baby squirms and screams in pain and spits up again.. if he takes in less, spitup is very little.. increases with the quantity he takes.. amount he spits up is less every time, but it happens multiple times.. he seems to get relief in an upright position and sleeps off if kept that way.. he spits up in his sleep too at times.. if not, he demands more feed when in pain.. please advise on how we can help him.. it's painful to see him struggle after feeds. Motion is regular.. He has leafy green stools of pasty consistency mostly with seedy mustard stools at times.. most times its a mix.. urine output is very good.. weight gain is steady.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This is regurgitation - if weight gain is normal don't worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi... I understand your concern. If weight gain is normal then do not worry. Here are some tips which you can do, to relieve his distress.

Suggestions -

1. This happens commonly when the baby is over fed. So I suggest that you feed him slightly lesser quantities in each feed. This will definitely decrease the regurgitation and so will be less painful because the stomach will definitely accommodate all the feed which you have given without the chance of regurgitation.

2. Prolong the time of burping.

3. While making him sleep I suggest that you put him to sleep in 45 degrees reclining position. The best way to do this will be to make him sleep in a baby car seat, which is available in the market as a safety device in car.

4. Green coloured motion is not a problem. This is physiological. Unless the baby is having blood in the motion or vomiting is green in colour or urine output is decreased, you need not worry.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Thank you doctor for your reply and suggestions.. the baby asks for more feed at times, so we end up giving it.. he definitely seems more comfortable when he drinks lesser

Do you advise a Vit D supplement for the baby? We weren't prescribed one by his consulting paediatrician but everyone seems to be giving supplements to their babies from birth

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vitamin D supplements are needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi.... Greetings from XXXXXXX

I agree with you completely. Vitamin D supplements are needed and I suggest giving 400IU per day as per international standards.

It is available as JUSDEE 400 drops (strength 400IU/ml)... You can administer 1ml per day for 3 months. But this is a prescription drug and you will need one for it.

As you yourself have observed and as what I have suggested, try feeding him smaller aloquots but more frequently.

I wish your kid a bright future. If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help. You can approach me at the following link.

Once the page opens there will be an option below my image as – ASK ME A QUESTION – click on it.

In this way even in health care magic you can follow up always with a single doctor who knows the history of your kid completely. Please find the link below -

www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-sumanth-amperayani/67696

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar