Ouch! Reflux in babies is no fun....
If your little one suffered, or is presently suffering from reflux, we know how tough this can be on both mom and baby! Today we’re here to discuss some tips and tricks that worked for our team when their littles were having discomfort. Hopefully you’ll find these to be helpful in easing your baby’s reflux so that both you and baby can feel more at ease!
But first, let’s discuss Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly referred to as just Reflux. The cause of reflux in infants is usually an underdeveloped or immature digestive system. Food aka breast milk or formula enters the mouth and travels to the stomach via the esophagus but with reflux, food aka breast milk or formula gets backed up and reverse course. Symptoms of reflux consist of excessive vomiting, coughing that won’t go away, refusal to eat or trouble eating and crying during or after a feeding.
Elevate after Feedings
If you find your baby to be spitting up often after feedings, this can be a common sign of reflux issues. Whether breast or bottle, elevating baby after a feeding is essential. Even if they get out a good burp, sometimes there are more bubbles lurking in there.
Start elevating baby in increments after feedings and build up time until they are able to keep their tummy settled. Start with about 5-10 minutes upright. In some cases, it can even be helpful to hold them upright for 25+ minutes post feeding! Of course we understand that as a new mom, you’re sometimes feeding baby every 1.5-2 hours as it is and sleep is also essential! Try to set up a routine of tag teaming with your partner so that BOTH of you can get some much needed rest. Sometimes more interventions are needed than simply elevating. We will continue to discuss other options for baby below!
Consider YOUR Diet
If you are breastfeeding or pumping, try to pay close attention to if your baby reacts a specific way after you have ingested certain foods. You may need to start food elimination. The two common issues are diary and gluten. What you nourish your body with has a direct affect on your milk, thus, what you eat affects baby’s tummy!
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments have the ability to remove nervous system interference and facilitate the body’s ability to function at its highest level. Our infant’s spine could be restricted or parts of the spine surrounding the stomach or esophagus could be dislocated, causing stress on those parts of their body. the cause of this could be related to their position in utero and/or birth trauma. Although chiropractic care isn’t a cure for reflux, the treatment can greatly decrease the symptoms.
We have spent years networking with local Chiropractors here in the Twin Cities for our clients, and would love to share the list with all of you as well. Please visit our Resource Directory to find providers who may be able to help you today if your baby is experience reflux.
If you are bottle feeding, these specific bottles have a special patented vent system that mimics breastfeeding, as they suck the air out of the milk or formula to help eliminate colic, gas, and spit up, which can decrease reflux symptoms.
Probiotics can help your baby’s underdeveloped or immature digestive system by balancing beneficial bacteria in the gut which can be the, or one of the causes of acid reflux. Here is my favorite brand.
Visit an IBCLC
If you have tried all five of the suggestions above and still haven’t had any luck, first let me say I am so sorry. I have been in your shoes and it’s not an easy journey to feel like you can’t comfort your baby. Second, let me suggest that the issue may be more complex or maybe not even reflux at all, but rather a different feeding issue altogether. For me personally, my daughter had an undiagnosed tongue tie. Visiting an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant can make a huge difference in your feeding journey.
Medication
However, if your little one is truly experiencing symptoms of reflux and they are not getting enough relief from lifestyle changes, medication may be necessary. I tend to lean on the holistic side, but there are times when medicine is needed, in addition to implementing all of the other suggestions. Pediatricians will evaluate your little one and if reflux is diagnosed, Prilosec or Zantac (Ranitidine) will be prescribed.
We really hope these suggestions help bring relief to your baby. Like I said above, I have experienced this firsthand after the twins were born. I remember being desperate looking for answers and relief for them. I have shared all that we tried, and I hope and pray that these recommendations help you too.
Love,
Medical Disclaimer: All content and information is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not establish any kind of patient-client relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information.
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