Reflux
MEG: Reflux is such a hassle. I have recently had a flood of questions about reflux and last weekend I was at my sister’s wedding and her sister in law and I got chatting about reflux. What is it about these babies? They seem to be so much more difficult to settle for so much longer. Their sleep is disrupted for longer than other babies and in general they are so much more emotionally labile. Now you know know Emily my third was a reflux baby and really could have been a serious challenge. Of my three kids she was the one who took the longest to sleep through and to this day her moods can swing. She is senstive and can be irritable. So the question in my mind is - what comes first - the chicken or the egg?
Scenario 1- These babies are simply more sensitive on a sensory level than other babies. They notice pain quicker and become overstimulated at the drop of the hat. Since they become overstimulated, they get hiccups and regurgitate more easily. Regurgitation that would not irritate another baby becomes a major thing for these babies because they have a lower threshold for pain and discomfort. So they over react to relfux and sleep becomes a mission for them. The fact that their moods swing is because they are sensitve and easily over whelmed.
Scenrio 2 - Reflux is the primary issue. They have a weak valaue at the toip of their tummy and the regurgitated milk curds burn their oesophagus. This is painful and they live in a constant condition of pain and irritation. This concistent pain in the early days wires their brain to be sensitive and irritable.
I don’t have the reasons why, but I know what we see. Reflux is a difficult thing. It is over diagnosed and not many babies have true reflux, but for those who do, the road is long and not that easy.
So to all those moms - hang in there. You are part of a sisterhood who have been there.
ANTOINETTE:
Hi Meg
Reflux is often the topic of questions sent into Baby Sense. Here are a few of the questions we recently recieved and the advice that you and Ann have given. Perhaps anyone with a refluxy baby would be interested.
http://www.mybabysense.co.uk/happy-days/q-and-as/problem-with-reflux
http://www.mybabysense.co.uk/happy-days/q-and-as/reflux-causing-sleep-problems-in-12-week-old
Hi there,
As to reflux i would like to inform any mom’s battling with this:
The only things i found that really works:
1. Bennetts Colic Mixture - this helps with the cramps and heart burn and allow baby to sleep comfortably for at least 4 hours at a time. It is safe and can be given at every 2nd feed.
2. I used to put nestum cereal (maize as it is finer) in the milk as this thicken it and it then stays down, causing less cramps as well as heartburn.
3. Ellavate babies bed so that he is never sleeping flat.
I hope this helps any mommy out there who is battling, this is a very trying period for any parent!
Kind regards,
Angelique Jonker