We can all clearly picture when our little one is resting peacefully – and suddenly their whole body starts to twitch slightly. The hiccups are back! And as a new parent, it’s common to feel a twinge of concern. But take a deep breath, Mama. There’s nothing to worry about! Allow us to explain.
Even though newborn hiccups seem dramatic, they’re quite similar to the adult version. And here's the good news: they're not painful for your little one!
Curious about why these cute interruptions happen and how you can help? In today's blog post, we'll discuss why newborns get them and share some gentle, effective ways to help your baby find relief.
Why Do Babies Get Hiccups?
Hiccups in newborns occur when their diaphragm (below the lungs) contracts. As the diaphragm flattens, it opens up the chest area, allowing the lungs to fill with air. This forces air out of the closed vocal cords – creating that famous sound!
The good news? Even though your bundle of joy might look uncomfortable, the hiccups will pass on their own. And they're not harmful in any way (unless caused by an underlying disorder).
Because we know most parents worry about that 1% chance of an underlying disorder, here's when you should take your baby to get their hiccups checked out by a professional:
Having hiccups for an extended period of time.
Signs of pain – such as fussiness, arching their back, or trouble feeding.
If they seem to be making it hard for them to sleep or behave normally.
How to Control Hiccups in Newborn
One common way to manage newborn hiccups is to encourage sucking! Do this by offering a pacifier. The rhythmic sucking motion can help relax the diaphragm and stop hiccups.
Other widely used techniques include burping them or offering a feeding. A few sips of milk may help soothe hiccups. (Just ensure they're in an upright position to prevent choking.) Try nursing if not bottle feeding, as it can be very soothing for newborn hiccups. (Essentially, skin-to-skin contact helps regulate their breathing and feeding.)
Infant Consultations in Dallas
Caring for a newborn can feel like learning a whole new language! (Trust us, we’ve been there too.) It's a lot to handle, from managing hiccups to decoding cries and finding a rest. However, our night nurses, daytime doulas, and infant consultations are here to help.Our newborn consultations answer all your burning baby questions with ongoing expert advice on care, sleep, and feeding. And our night nurses provide overnight care so you can rest, while our daytime doulas offer postpartum support and baby care education during three 3-hour visits.
We customize all Newborn Nightingale services to fit your family's unique needs. Whether you're looking for tips on handling baby hiccups or comprehensive newborn care, we're here to support you. Simply fill out our quick website form or contact our team to get started.
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