Maternity Network

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, we promisse you.

Do check with your GP/Health visitor if you suspect your baby has Reflux. Your Gp could prescribe infant gaviscon which thickens the feeds. 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. Do be ware that infant gaviscon can cause constipation.
Your baby may be more prone to reflux if: They were born before 40weeks, has/had jaundice, were breech presentation.

Reflux can sometimes be a result of overfeeding, if our baby is feeding for lengthy periods and very often make sure you have their hunger cues understood correctly.

Suggestions from The Maternity Network and experienced parents:

• 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 allivate 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 suggestins on your baby's body language and cries and what they might mean.
• I gave up cows milk and it made a huge difference - 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.
• Time. Time does heal and it WILL get better, we promise you.

If you have any suggestions or are happy to tell your story, please email us.