Gastro Oesophageal Reflux - help needed

[poolie]

A friend of mine's 4 week old DS has the above - she is going mad as she has a 2year old so cant catch up on any sleep during the day and as she has to keep DS2 upright for 30minutes after feeding - is exhausted!!

Anyone had experience of this or know anything she can do?

Many thanks....

[Nbg]

Has she been given any medication for him?
There are lots of things you can be given for babies with Reflux.

We were given an ongoing prescription to feed our ds on a formula called Enfamil. Its is thicker than normal formula, hence it stays down a bit better. It didnt stop him vomiting altogether but it certainly helped.

She is doing the right thing keeping him upright after a feed, she could also try tilting his mattress or cot/moses basket as this will have the same effect. So if he's going to sleep on his night feed, she could him straight down.
Theres also a thing called an Ambi which I think looks like a miniture hammock but its specially made for babies with reflux and you can also buy wedges for them to sleep on and keep upright.

[witchandchips]

is she breast-feeding?
at that age they like watching the washing machine so cycle of feed puke strip wash did at least amuse baby
is dc distressed or does she just puke a lot

[poolie]

She was going to the doctor today so hopefully he can give her something - she is breast feeding so not sure how she feels about formula but if she's anything like me, I gave up v early on with the second due to lack of sleep & complete exhausion!
Thanks for your help

[Nbg]

If shes BF then the medication might be enough for him.

I couldnt BF as he couldnt even keep that down.

[witchandchips]

if bf feeding then a few hints that worked for us

1. gaviscon works if given before and not after as says on packet. Mix a v. thick paste with expressed milk or boiled water and give with a finger (saves faffing around with syringes or spoons)
   
2. If feeding often, only change breast every 4 hours.
   
3. they suckle for comfort as well but with a toddler maybe a dummy would be help
   
4. often gets better when they start sitting up

[poolie]

That's really great thanks everyone, I have passed your comments on & will let you know what dr. says to her.

Fingers crossed for a quick end to this & more sleep all round - we all know that feeling! Happy Friday!!