Is it reflux??

[Devvers]

Hi everyone,

I would be grateful for some advice re my 8 week old DS. Since about two weeks old he has been quite a sickie baby, however over the last few weeks it seems to get quite bad sometimes. Its odd because some days there can be very little sick, other days it seems like he must be bringing up half what he's taking at every feed and it can get very frustrating when you end up covered in it time and again! There have also been ocassions when he seems to be quite uncomfortable/fretful just before he's sick. This may be too much info but the sick itself can be quite milky, watery consistency or can also be cottage cheese like - partly digested. The GP suggested he may have a bit of reflux (I hadn't realised you could have 'a bit of reflux' I thought you either had it or not) and prescribed infant gaviscon which I haven't yet given him as I'm not convinced that's what it is. Other than these symptoms he seems to be a very happy, healthy baby and is putting on loads of weight (I mention weight as I know reflux is often associated with poor weight gain which he doesn't suffer from).

He does also seem to be a bit colicky from time to time, draws knees up and shouts a lot before passing wind or doing a poo.

I know there is a lot of experience out there and would be interested to hear if you think this is reflux, if so should I go with the Gaviscon (am breastfeeding so any tips on how to administer would be great), and also if anyone has had any luck with homeopathic/herbal remedies for colic type symptoms?

I realise this is loads of questions but have just thought of another, I had read that dairy products can aggravate refluxy symptoms and so have started to try and cut down on dairy - any experience on this topic? and does this mean that the baby will be allergic/intolerant to dairy later on?

Thanks so much for your help!!

Hi, my dd1 had colic and was a "sicky" baby. She did much as your ds is doing. It was very messy and we did a lot of washing but no great harm was done. My dd2 had reflux. It was diagnosed when she was 11 wks old and had been hospitalised. She had not yet smiled or made eye contact, and she was screaming/crying almost all the time and was losing weight. We thought she might have brain damage and she was obviously a sick chilc. Her poo was also green and runny all the time. The two were very different. I wasn't told about the dairy, so didn't do that so can't help you there - sorry. I think reflux can vary in severity so I don't know if your baby has or hasn't got it, but some babies are just "sicky" but happy and healthy! My dd1 got over the colic by 4 mths although she kept up the sick bit until she was sitting up more. I hope this helps a little, and I hope your baby settles.