Reflux?

[KellyKettle]

DD2 is 5 weeks old. She's been having fussy evenings for about 3-4 weeks. Generally she's fine in the day, maybe a couple of days of fussing which I've put down to growth spurts.

My mum has commented that DD2 seems to have reflux. She does have expertise in this area but with adults not children.

I didn't think it was likely because it mainly happens at night. Wouldn't reflux occur in the day too?

She gets very upset feeding lying down and only settles at night when she's upright on my chest. If she brings up wind she gets quite upset and I can sometimes hear something coming up in her throat when she's mid-crying-fit.

Any ideas? My GP probably won't prescribe anything anyway (tight) but I don't want to ask if it's not really reflux.

Reflux is often worse at night as that's when they often spend time lying down. My ds however bucks the trend and is worse in the am and evenings

It really does sound like reflux to me. GPs are sometimes reluctant to prescribe but if that's the case ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist paed.

In the meantime try propping up the basket/cot if you use one and treating her like an open bottle of liquid - move slowly and avoid lying her flat for 30+ mins after a feed (difficult if your dc poos like clockwork whilst feeding).

Did you have heartburn when pg? this is what reflux is like. If not, imagine acid coming up and into your mouth. It hurts. A lot. This is why she is fussing (if it is reflux). Don't let your gp fob you off until you know it's not reflux.

Hope you get some answers!

Thank you! I wonder if I can get an appointment today.

What do I have to do to treat it? Just a spoonful of medicine? I had occasional heartburn and used to take Gaviscon.

Hello - definitely worth going to your GP and describing all symptoms. I know some babies are put on infant Gaviscon but most people I know found it difficult to administer. My GP preferred Ranitidine. She believes it has virtually no side effects and can be prescribed without an endoscopy to confirm reflux (pretty horrible procedure). Ranitidine took a few days to work but really helpe. We also propped him up a lot (raised basket), sat him in bouncer after feeding etc. And I cut out caffeine aand dairy. Hope your GP takes you seriously - good luck.

I have wondered about caffeine. I have maybe two cups of tea a day and a bit of chocolate. I don't generally drink fizzy drinks but occasionally. Do you think cutting them out will help?

I've just fed her and she lying down on my lap now and is in a settled sleep. Wouldn't it be bothering her now?

Reflux is rarely a constant thing. DS has it badly but on good days I still find myself wondering if he has it despite having it confirmed by 2 paeds and being on fairly hefty drugs!

Gaviscon is difficult to administer if you are bf but can help control the vomiting. Ranitidine will not control the vomiting but will help with the acidity of what is coming back up. Some gps won't prescribe without paed approval.

FWIW, ds is now dairy free. Reflux and cow's milk protein intolerance often go hand in hand (but not always - dd didn;t have it) and even tiny amounts can have an effect through bm. It could be worth eliminating it for a month - but you need to be totally strict or you won't get a true picture.

Good luck! Try coming over to the reflux thread - lots of ideas and help there.

Oh thanks buttonmoon. I'll pop over to the thread now