Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Bringing up milk in babies

Many babies bring up small amounts of milk after feeds and grow normally. Forceful, green or bloody vomiting, drowsiness, dehydration, a swollen abdomen or poor growth are warning signs.

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Many babies bring up small amounts of milk after feeds and grow normally. Forceful, green or bloody vomiting, drowsiness, dehydration, a swollen abdomen or poor growth are warning signs.

  • With ordinary reflux, small amounts of milk flow back after feeds.
  • Crying, arching the back, coughing or being unsettled around feeds can have several causes.
  • Feed calmly, watch for hunger cues and do not force the baby to finish a bottle.
  • Hold the baby upright during and shortly after feeds while you stay awake and supervise.
  • Call the same day for repeated forceful vomiting, poor feeding, fewer wet nappies, fever or poor growth.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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