Those Pesky Newborn Hiccups – why do they happen and what to do about them
I used to feel my little one hiccupping in my womb. It was a sensation that I couldn't quite describe - a distinct, rhythmic movement that made me wonder what was going on inside. Little did I know that these tiny hiccups would become a part of our lives even after she was born.
As a newborn, my precious baby would have hiccup often, sometimes multiple times a day. At first, they made me worry. They seemed to make her upset, hard to settle and sleep. I tried everything to soothe her, but those hiccups persisted, stubbornly interrupting her peace.
Seeking answers, I googled, I asked other mums, and I talked to our GP. I was reassured that these hiccups were completely normal, even if hiccups are not completely understood by scientists yet. A natural part of her development, hiccups almost never indicate a problem in newborns or infants.
Through this journey of understanding, I discovered valuable insights that not only helped put my worries to rest but also many of the parents we serve.
Some of the things I learnt about Hiccups include:
Hiccups in newborns and infants are completely normal.
These involuntary spasms of the diaphragm are a natural part of a baby's development, and their increased frequency compared to adults could be due to the fact that their digestive system and connected body parts are not yet completely developed.
Newborn hiccups can be linked to overfeeding, eating too quickly (which can’t always be helped if you have a fast let down and the baby is still little and learning to catch up with it) or swallowing a lot of air. They can cause some temporary tummy bloating, which can press up against the diaphragm and send a signal to spasm (which is what a hiccup is)
Strategies for prevention and soothing:
Firstly, maintaining a calm environment can be beneficial. Softly speaking or singing to your little one in a calm manner might help them if they are upset by them
If your bottle feeding, try to use ‘Paced bottle feeding’ techniques instead. If breastfeeding, if they want to, allow them to come off during the height of your let down before offering support to re-latch
Some babies, if already using one, can be helped by sucking on their dummy.
Some babies, if awake and not distressed by them, benefit from a comforting massage.
There are mixed results when it comes to burping. If the hiccups are being caused by baby swelling to much air, burping can help, but at other times, burping can set the hiccups off.
The advice of our MPS professionals:
As worrisome as hiccups may be for parents, it's essential to remember that they usually resolve on their own without intervention. If they do worry you, it’s more than ok to bring it up with your own GP. Just like my little girl, your baby's diaphragm will strengthen and regulate, reducing the frequency and intensity of hiccups. Trusting in your baby's natural development and allowing their body to adjust can help alleviate unnecessary stress.
Navigating parenthood can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with unfamiliar experiences like baby hiccups. Finding a support system and connecting with other parents who have gone through similar situations can provide immense comfort and reassurance. Its hard to know sometimes what is normal and doesn’t need to be stressed about, vs what is something not to take lightly and get support with. Which is why, either way, you are encouraged to share your concerns, seek advice, and connect in with your village.
How our story continued:
With this newfound knowledge, I started to embrace the hiccups. I would gently rub her tiny back, whispering words of comfort as she hiccupped away. It became a bonding moment for us, a way to reassure her that her mumma was right there, always.
Over time, as she hiccupped, her little body would relax. The tension would melt away, and she would drift off into a peaceful slumber. Sometimes it seemed as if the hiccups were her way of releasing the day's excitement, helping her settle down and find peaceful rest.
As the months passed, the hiccups became less frequent. They became a distant memory, replaced by new milestones and adventures. Yet, every now and then, I like to remember how it felt when she hiccupped inside my big pregnant belly, and how later they became a part of our journey of trusting one another.