Infant Reflux

Hi moms!  Acid reflux is pretty common for babies to have in their first
year.

I’ve been reading up about the causes of infant reflux and how to treat it.
I also found out the difference between normal infant reflux and GERD.

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

We’ll get into the differences and what the causes are. Also, how to treat
baby’s problem and what foods you can try eliminating from your diet.

Normal Infant Reflux Symptoms

When baby has infant reflux, she may spit up a lot. They may not be
cranky when spitting up. Also, mild feeding problems. Like prolonged or
interrupted feeds.

Causes

Acid in baby’s tummy is backing up.

It is important to know that baby’s digestive system is not fully developed,
and that can lead to some trouble.

The same goes for the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a muscle
that acts when baby swallows food.

This muscle loosens and tightens at the right times to allow the milk
to pass through to the tummy and to keep it there.

When not developed yet, the muscle may loosen at the wrong time.
Then the milk refluxes back in the esophagus.

It can be even more common for formula fed babies, or if you recently
changed formulas. Formula is more difficult to digest than breast milk.

Sometimes, moms don’t take enough time to burp. That causes air in the
baby’s tummy to build up, leading to reflux. Another reason is that babies
spend most of their time in bed.

For that reason, you should place baby in a good position when feeding,
usually in an upright position. Also, for the next 30 minutes after eating.

“Keep your infant upright and calm for 20-30 minutes after each feed;
preferably by holding them.

Avoid placing your infant in a car seat or swing during this time as it may
increase pressure on their belly and cause more symptoms of reflux.

Place your baby on their back during sleep in an infant crib without loose
blankets, pillows, toys, and care supplies. Your infant should always sleep
alone and not in bed with you.”           cincinnatichildrens.org

Another cause can be excess food. In this case, you should avoid feeding
baby an excessive amount of food. You should only use smaller portions
and more frequently.

How To Make A Diagnosis Of Acid Reflux
In Babies?

Usually, infant reflux can be treated by parents, but it is good to see a
doctor to clear any doubts and make sure baby is healthy.

The doctor carries out a series of physical tests, and depending on the
result may perform more, like blood and urine tests.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is more serious. It may be
diagnosed if baby has a series of symptoms more than spitting up. 

They include breathing problems, constant vomiting, lack of appetite,
not enough weight gain, and irritability.

See Your Baby Doctor If Baby:

“Isn’t gaining weight

Consistently spits up forcefully, causing stomach contents to shoot out of
his or her mouth (projectile vomiting)

Spits up green or yellow fluid

Spits up blood or a material that looks like coffee grounds

Refuses food

Has blood in his or her stool

Has difficulty breathing or a chronic cough

Begins spitting up at age 6 months or older

Is unusually irritable after eating”       mayoclinic.org

Silent Reflux

There’s also a condition known as silent reflux. The difference is with
silent reflux, baby may not spit up, but still have other symptoms:   

Breathing problems

gagging

nasal congestion

chronic coughing

bronchitis

ear infection

asthma

feeding difficulty

not gaining weight

You also may notice baby has a hoarse voice. Your baby doctor will
recommend treatment.

Treatment For Regular Reflux

Avoid giving baby any medication or substance without a doctor’s review
and diagnosis.

Change the food used to feed your baby or change the formula. Check
which are the foods that cause the most reflux and avoid them.

Check the size of the nipple of the bottle, cause many times baby can
swallow more air. Always lay baby on his back to sleep.

In more severe cases, it may be that the child requires medication or
even surgery (if the situation is more dangerous). But this should only
be done with the doctor recommending it.

Try changing your diet if you’re breastfeeding. Some foods you eat
may cause gas in baby. Gas can come from:

” It comes from two sources: harmless bacteria breaking down
undigested sugars in the large intestine, and swallowing air during
crying and feeding.

Some breastfed babies may produce excessive gas when their mothers
eat gas-forming vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage,
brussels sprouts, beans, and onions.

(If you’re eating these foods and notice your baby is gassy, you may
want to limit them in your diet.)”        parents.com

Some say eliminating coffee and dairy might help too. (See video below)

Gripe Water?

Some moms give baby whats called gripe water. Gripe water is made up
of a lot of herbs. Like ginger, peppermint, fennel and others.

You should only use proven remedies that are safe, though.

“The World Health Organization says that giving anything other than
breast milk to infants younger than 6 months may increase the risk of
bacterial infection, serious allergies, and stomach irritation.

If given regularly, gripe water can also create significant problems with
an infant’s blood chemistry.”    healthline.com

Symptoms Usually End

Reflux symptoms typically start when baby is around 2 weeks old. It
usually is over within the first year.

Sometimes a little longer, but we will usually get better as our tummy
muscles mature. Then we outgrow it.

Mom says my sister and I just had the normal reflux our first year. Our
little brother Ricky still has it and has to be fed smaller amounts. He’s
fed more often, though. So he can grow normally.

OK moms. I hope your little one only has the basic reflux, if any at all. If
so, just be patient.

Like mom says…“this too shall pass.”  Have a great day!

                                                        courtesy Holly Homebody@youtube.com

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