Reflux In Babies

WHAT IS INFANTILE REFUX DISORDER

Infantile reflux in babies very common in the first year of their life Although it can be quite distressing for parents it is often normal in an otherwise healthy baby. The medical term for reflux is gastro- oesophageal reflux or GOR. Reflux is when the contents the stomach is regurgitated back into the food pipe or into the mouth. Most reflux is swallowed back into the stomach, but it may be project out of the mouth, referred to as posseting. Regurgitation involves no straining, being almost effortless just like a hiccup.

In some baby’s reflux can lead to complications such as inflammation of the oesophagus and this is called gastro- oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

WHAT CAUSES INFANTILE REFLUX DISORDER?

Infantile reflux is very common in the first year of life as the digestive system is still developing. Most commonly it occurs because the muscle at the top of the stomach is under-developed, causing it to be loose. This allows milk and stomach acids to flow back up the food pipe out of their mouth.

HOW DOES IT FEEL?

Your baby is likely suffering from reflux if your baby is regurgitating 2 or more times a day for 3 days or more but has no other obvious signs of illness such as fever, blood in stools, vomiting. 

If your baby has reflux, they may regurgitate milk, especially after feeds. Some signs that indicate your baby is suffering from GOR may include:

• Frequent wet burps, hiccups, irritable, excessive crying or screaming and very difficult to settle.

• Your baby is arching their backs, pulling up their legs, stiffening their body during and after feeds

• Appearing to be in pain and discomfort in their chest or upper abdomen

• Have disrupted sleep and/or hard to settle back to sleep

• Show poor weight gain

• Have breathing and swallowing difficulties such as gagging, choking, coughing, wheezing.

• Needs to be upright to be settled after feeding.

WHAT IS THE LIKELY PROGRESSION?

GOR usually occurs between 3 weeks and 12 months of age, often peaking around 4-6months. As your baby grows older, the muscles at the top of the stomach becomes stronger. For most baby's infantile reflux resolves by the time they are one year old.

WHAT CAN WE DO TOGETHER?

There are a number of areas where restriction in the body may be affecting the function of the food pipe and digestive system. The thoracic diaphragm (breathing muscle), rib cage, upper back and the vagus nerve (the nerve supply to the digestive system) as it exits base of the skull. Tension, irritation or compression in any of in these structures can cause reflux. Your Osteopath will identify and treat any areas of restriction that may be causing or contributing to reflux in your baby

Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle form of treatment and is particularly suited to babies. Gentle pressure is applied to different parts of your baby’s body to release strain patterns and restore balance to their whole system. Treatment is very gentle and relaxing for your baby. Your Osteopath will also be able to assist you if referral is necessary if your baby has GORD.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME?

• Hold your baby in a more upright position during and after feeds (for about 20 mins after their feed is recommended).

• Try placing your baby on their tummy (instead of on their back) between feeds, but only do this if they can be supervised by you or another adult.

• Speak to your doctor about suitable specialist formulas for the dietary management of reflux and regurgitation. Specialise formulas are pre- thickened and thicken further in the stomach to help reduce reflux.

• Avoiding overfeeding, rather try smaller feeds more often.

• Avoid tight fitting clothing.

• Burp your baby before, during and after feeding

• If your baby is bottle fed, check that the teat hole is not too large and causing your baby to gulp their feed down too quickly.

If you would like to speak to me about your concerns, I am here to help. You can call me on 0409177159 or alternatively book an appointment.