Why does my baby always have hiccups and pass stool after feeding?

(Video uploaded 04/2013)

Transcript

Why does my newborn baby always have hiccups?

It is common for babies to have hiccups after feeding in the first few months after birth. It is due to the stimulation of the nerves that cause involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. This is not harmful to the baby. You do not need to be worried, as it will stop by itself with time. If you want to help your baby stop the hiccups more quickly, you can try burping him. Allow him to suckle for a while longer if he is on breastfeeding. You can give sips of warm water to your baby if he is on formula feed.

My newborn baby passes stools every time after feeding, is he having diarrhoea?

In the first 2 days after birth, baby will pass dark greenish stool called meconium. Afterwards, if he is on breastfeeding, he may pass yellowish loose stools every time after feeding. For a formula fed baby, he may pass stools 2 to 3 times a day. The stools will look soft, and the color can be yellow or green. This is normal if the baby has no feeding problem and the stools are soft and wet. However, if the baby is passing frequent watery stools, it can be diarrhoea. If your baby is having diarrhoea, passing stools with mucus or blood streaks, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. You better save and bring the nappies for the doctor to inspect.