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Reflux / Silent Reflux

Reflux is where the stomach contents come back up into the gullet or even into the mouth.

What is Reflux? Also known as is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease – occurs in babies when the sphincter action of the diaphragm isn't fully developed. Around half of babies will get some form of reflux but in only a few does this become a real problem. At the age of about 10 months, the number reduces to around one in twenty babies. Reflux is when your baby may regurgitate a small amount of milk ( although it could seem like loads) after a feed or when they have hiccoughs. A bit of coughing after regurgitating the milk usually means that it has gone "down the wrong way", and is entirely normal. As long as your baby is otherwise well, you don't need to worry, but it may be useful to have a muslin cloth handy!

Most babies will grow out of reflux - meaning their digestive system will mature and it WILL get better.

Silent Reflux is where the contents come up but instead of baby opening their mouth and it all coming out, they swallow it again.

Reflux can cause some heartburn for baby and they may not like being laid down on their back. its a bit like if you had heartburn in your pregnancy, lying down was the last thing you want to do because it'll all come back up again. If your baby moves his head from side to side when lying on their back they may be fighting the discomfort of heartburn pain associated with reflux.

Do check with your GP/Health visitor if you suspect your baby has Reflux. Your Gp could prescribe infant gaviscon which thickens the feeds, although this may cause constipation so be prepared for this. The dosage is different for babies under and over 10lbs so make sure you get this from your GP. If you are breastfeeding it could be fed via syringe, cup, supplementer or bottle after the feed. If you are formula feeding you could mix it with the formula in the bottle.

Your baby may be more prone to reflux if: They were born before 40 weeks, has / had jaundice, were breech presentation or c-section delivery.

Complementary therapies that might help: Baby massage, cranial osteopath, breastfeeding counsellor, baby reflexology, cranial sacral therapy, aromatherapy

Natural remedies and support from complementary therapies for Silent Refleux and Reflux in babies

CranioSacral therapy is very gentle and supports the baby's digestive natural rhythm. See our Practitioners list for local to Bucks/Berks
Peadiatric Chiropractors work to alliavate any tension or spinal changes to allow the muscles and sphincter to relax. See our Practitioners list for local to Bucks/Berks.
Peter Walker http://www.thebabyswebsite.com/ has some excellent suggestions in his dvds and books for supporting relaxation in your baby's digestive system: Tailor Pose, introduction to massage, Tiger in the Tree.
Avoid tight clothing, as this can make reflux worse by putting pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter.
Try feeding your baby in a more vertical position and on their left side to aid digestion.
Raise your baby's moses basket to 45 degrees or put a wedge under the matress to raise your baby's head.
Lay your baby on their left side - rather contraversial as you must be aware of 'sudden infant death syndrome' and make up your own mind here.
I slept with my baby (co-sleeping) with my baby's head on my arm to raise her head, it also meant she knew I was close by.
I kept a log - It’s important to know when and how much a baby is fed as this can also have an impact on their reflux.
Check whether you may be overfeeding your baby - are you reading your baby's cues properly? The Baby Whisperer book has some suggestions on your baby's body language and cries and what they might mean.
You could give up or cut down dairy - Avoiding certain foods and liquids can help, such as – wait for it – whole milk, chocolate milk, fried or creamy style vegetables, tomatoes, citrus (oranges, grapefruit or pineapple), anything prepared with whole milk or high-fat, cold cuts, sausage, bacon, fatty meat, chicken fat/skin, all animal or vegetable oils, chocolate, carbonated drinks, chicken, beef, milk, or cream-based soups. Phew. Just as a personal note, my baby had reflux and I lived on dairy - cereal was a quick source of food when she was crying or needed feeding and I was alone in the house so I didn't feel I could give up dairy. I actually found success with baby massage. Happy to help you here.
Time. Time does heal and it WILL get better, we promise you.

I got lots of emails and help when I shouted for help when my baby had reflux - the emails I recieved from other parents are listed in the articles section.

CranioSacral Therapy for babies. For birth trauma