Ask
Our Expert: What's 'Possetting'?
Becoming a parent means learning new jargon. Stools are no longer just
the high seats at the bar. You can cope with breast pads, pelvic floor
exercises, piles and colic. But what's possetting? Family GP, Dr Sue Morrison,
comes to the rescue!
Raisingkids member's problem
Whenever my baby's sick, my mum says
she's 'just possetting'. What on earth does it mean?
Dr Morrison's advice
This just means vomiting back a little
of the previous feed and almost all babies do it to some extent. If it
happens enough to arouse concern, the baby may not quite have developed
the tight muscle needed to close off the oesophagus (food pipe) from the
stomach between feeds. The tone in the gastro-oesophageal sphincter increases
with time. If the baby's weight continues to increase as you and your
health visitor expect, there is nothing to be worried about.
Possetting may respond to simple measures such as keeping the baby upright
after feeds and for winding, and slightly increasing solids if the baby
is old enough. In some babies it's merely the appropriate response to
over-feeding.
If the posseting is associated with poor or no weight gain, medical advice
should be sought. Similarly a baby who is vomiting severely, constantly
or in a projectile manner (shoots across the room!) should be seen by
your health visitor or GP as soon as possible.
Please note:
The medical and health-related information on this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In the event of any physical or mental condition, seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay. Do not postpone medical treatment while awaiting a response from this site.
In an emergency always call 999 (UK only).
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