Addressing Infant Feeding Concerns: Milk Intake and Digestive Issues

Q: Addressing Infant Feeding Concerns: Milk Intake and Digestive Issues

Hello： 1. <br>OPV stands for Oral Polio Vaccine. <br>2. <br>At nearly four months old, weighing over 7.1 kg, the feeding amount is still 150 cc per meal (every 3-4 hours, with 8 hours of sleep at night without feeding), totaling about 750-900 cc per day. <br>The feeding standard

Baby's milk intake issue?

Hello, Doctor.

1.
I previously inquired about rotavirus, and in the attachment you provided, it mentioned that it should be administered two weeks apart from OPV.
What is OPV?
2.
My baby was born on April 19, 2007.
After one month, he drank 150cc every 3-4 hours and weighed 5kg.
Now, almost four months later, he weighs over 7.1kg and still drinks 150cc every 3-4 hours (with 8 hours of sleep at night without feeding).
Is this milk intake sufficient? How can I increase his milk intake? Should I supplement with other nutritional products?
3.
Recently, I've noticed that my baby is eager to drink milk in the morning after not feeding for 8 hours, but during feeding, he seems to be in a hurry to drink yet struggles to take it in.
He also frequently burps or chokes.
Could this indicate a digestive issue? How can I improve this situation? Thank you.

Qì'é māmā, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/08/09

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello: 1.
OPV stands for Oral Polio Vaccine.
2.
At nearly four months old, weighing over 7.1 kg, the feeding amount is still 150 cc per meal (every 3-4 hours, with 8 hours of sleep at night without feeding), totaling about 750-900 cc per day.
The feeding standard is 100-150 cc per kilogram of body weight daily, which seems to be acceptable.
3.
At nearly four months old and weighing over 7.1 kg, this corresponds to the 60th to 80th percentile, indicating a healthy weight, so there is no need for excessive concern.
4.
According to the health manual's recommendations, solid foods can be introduced at six months of age.
5.
If the baby drinks too quickly, it may lead to choking due to consuming too much at once or swallowing a lot of air.
You can reduce the amount during the first feeding and maintain an upright position with the head elevated and feet lower while feeding to minimize spitting up.
6.
If discomfort persists, you can consult a pediatric gastroenterologist for assistance! Sincerely, Dr.
Pei Ren-Sheng, Chief of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2007/08/09

More Info

Dear Parent,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your infant's feeding and digestive issues. I understand that navigating these early stages of parenthood can be challenging, and I am here to provide you with the information you need.

1. Understanding OPV: OPV stands for Oral Polio Vaccine. It is a vaccine used to protect against poliomyelitis, a viral disease that can cause paralysis. The recommendation to space the administration of OPV and the rotavirus vaccine by two weeks is to ensure that the immune response to each vaccine is optimal.

2. Milk Intake and Weight Gain: Your baby, born on April 19, 2007, is now approaching four months old and has gained weight from 5 kg to over 7.1 kg, which is a positive sign of growth. At this age, it is typical for infants to consume about 150 cc of formula or breast milk every 3 to 4 hours. The amount you mentioned seems adequate, especially since your baby is gaining weight appropriately. However, if you are looking to increase his milk intake, consider the following strategies:
- Feeding Environment: Ensure that the feeding environment is calm and free from distractions. This can help your baby focus on feeding.

- Feeding Technique: If you are bottle-feeding, try different nipple sizes to see if a faster flow encourages him to drink more. Sometimes, babies may prefer a specific type of nipple or bottle.

- Responsive Feeding: Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues. If he seems hungry, offer the bottle, but if he shows signs of fullness, respect that.

- Gradual Increase: If your baby is consistently finishing his bottles and still seems hungry, you can gradually increase the amount per feeding.

3. Digestive Concerns: It is not uncommon for infants to experience some difficulty with feeding, especially after a long stretch without milk. The fact that your baby is eager to drink after waking up but seems to struggle could be due to several factors:
- Hunger and Overexcitement: After a long sleep, babies can be very hungry and may gulp their milk too quickly, leading to gagging or spitting up. Try to pace the feeding by allowing breaks for burping and letting him calm down before continuing.

- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER): Some infants experience reflux, which can cause discomfort during feeding. If you notice frequent spit-up or signs of discomfort, it may be worth discussing with your pediatrician.

- Positioning: Ensure that your baby is in a comfortable position while feeding. Holding him at a slight incline can help reduce the risk of choking and improve digestion.

If your baby continues to show signs of distress during feeding or if you have concerns about his growth or digestive health, I recommend consulting your pediatrician for a thorough evaluation. They may suggest dietary adjustments or further assessments to ensure your baby is thriving.

In conclusion, it sounds like your baby is on a good growth trajectory, and with some adjustments to feeding practices, you may be able to enhance his milk intake and overall comfort. Remember, every baby is unique, and it’s essential to find what works best for your little one.

Best wishes for you and your baby’s health!
Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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