Why does my baby have reflux?
Reflux is where milk escapes from the stomach and flows up through the oesophagus (or food pipe) and back into your baby’s mouth, often bringing stomach acids with it. This is common in babies as they have an immature or weak valve between their stomach and oesophagus.5 This allows the stomach contents to leak back up. Reflux usually happens following a feed.
As the valve linking the stomach and oesophagus matures, the signs of reflux lessen. By the time your baby is 12-15 months of age, symptoms have usually resolved altogether.
Is my baby in pain?
Some babies with reflux do not seem upset by it. Enough milk is usually kept down so that your baby is not hungry and grows normally. It may simply be a messy business where you feel there is no end to washing clothes – baby’s and yours! However, the stomach contents are acidic and their escape into the oesophagus can cause pain and irritation in some babies.
What can I do to help my baby?
Breastfeeding is the most compatible nutrition for babies and you should continue feeding as normal. If you are already bottle feeding and your baby has a simple case of reflux, ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist for advice about feeding options.
Some practical measures that may ease the irritation of reflux include avoiding clothing and nappies that are too tight, placing your baby in an upright position after feeding and burping baby if possible. Giving smaller more frequent feeds may also help.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Breast milk is best for babies. Professional advice should be followed before using an Infant Formula. Introducing partial bottle feeding could negatively affect breastfeeding. Good maternal nutrition is important for breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breast feed may be difficult. Infant Formula should be used as directed. Proper use of an Infant Formula is important to the health of the infant. Social and financial implications such as preparation requirements and the cost of providing formula up to the age of 12 months should be considered when selecting a method of feeding. |
|
