Water for hiccups?

Water for hiccups?

For a first time mom, even a simple problem like hiccups can sometimes cause worry and even distress, especially if it does not go away soon. A lot of moms would usually inquire if it would help to give their babies water.
Hiccups is actually triggered when a certain nerve is irritated, causing involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. In adults, it is common that a lump of food may cause this irritation. Thus, it may actually help to push down with water. In babies on the other hand, the cause is usually the distention of the stomach after milk feeding. Thus, giving additional liquid in the form of water may actually make it worse.
So what do we do when babies have hiccups? First of all, do not panic. It would be best to put the baby on burping position so as to let any swallowed air to go up and out. This way, the distention of the stomach is relieved and the hiccup will soon go away too.