Breastfeeding while you have hiccups

Hiccups are repeated involuntary contractions of the breathing muscle followed by closure of the voice box. Eating quickly, swallowing air, a full stomach, sudden temperature changes and irritation around the diaphragm can trigger them. Reflux may irritate the food pipe and make hiccups more noticeable; gastritis can also cause upper abdominal discomfort with hiccups.

Hiccups alone do not usually change the safety of breast milk or require you to stop a feed. The key questions are whether you can breathe comfortably, drink enough and feed without repeated choking or vomiting.

Pause briefly, sit upright and breathe calmly. Take smaller sips of water and avoid rushing meals. If hiccups interrupt a feed, resume when comfortable rather than forcing the feed. Keep the baby upright during and after feeds if the baby also has frequent spit-up, and ask a clinician to review positioning or latch.

Do not use frightening startle techniques or hold your breath for a long time. If episodes recur with burning pain or regurgitation, ask about [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) and whether [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/) is appropriate.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, blue lips, collapse, severe chest or abdominal pain, repeated choking or inability to swallow. Arrange medical assessment when hiccups persist, repeatedly disturb sleep or eating, or occur with ongoing vomiting, weight loss, fever or severe upper-abdominal pain.

Could reflux, gastritis or a medicine be triggering these episodes? How should I adjust feeding position or meal timing? Which treatments are suitable while breastfeeding?