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Possible reflux, day/night feeding confusion, please help!

3 replies

Unbuffy · 18/03/2011 13:18

I'm not sure whether this should be here, in the breat/bottle feeding section or where - thought I'd try both!

DS is 15 weeks old. He is breastfed and has always fed well - no problems latching, huge weight gain from day one, etc etc.

BUT. He's always brought up a lot in between feeds; I think that he might have reflux - arching back, masses of wind and pain, very hard to deal with. He also only seems to poo every 2 days at the moment. And he's currently refusing feeds during the daytime - arching back or biting me (with gums, no teeth yet) and only feeding when he's very tired and relaxed, so every 4-5 hours. So all night, every 2 hours or so, he's asking for food. But this then gives him a sore tummy and he can't sleep, and it takes hours to settle him.

I also have a 2 year old so I can't just become nocturnal (I would!). I'm at the end of my tether after about an hour's sleep last night, please does anyone have any advice?

I have also got a doctor's appointment booked, so anything I should ask there?

I would be happy just switching day and night feeding times around!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
jesieb · 18/03/2011 21:01

Babies with reflux do two things... avoid food, or eat more. If he does have reflux then hopefully your Dr will prescribe some meds to help him. I would say its a bit unfair on the little man to try and turn his day around until he gets some help.

Here are a few pointers though to try and help him. Which may ease things and help a little.

Positioning After feeding
Keep him upright during and for at least thirty minutes and try to keep him as motionless as possible for at least thirty minutes

Car Seats
Some car seats position baby in such a way that they hunched and slouched over, putting added pressure on their tummies which can increase reflux episodes.

Sleeping Position
As with positioning after feeding, keeping him propped during sleep
is essential. It can help reduce painful reflux episodes and reduce the risk of aspiration.
Front vs Back
On back: propped up to at least 30%, Having said that, many babies with reflux prefer sleeping in the prone position (stomach), also elevated

Carrying
Try carrying him around as much as possible in a baby carrier through out the day. Carried babies tend to cry less and crying will make reflux worse, plus, it keeps him upright.

CLOTHING
Avoid Tight Clothing, particularly clothing that's tight around his tummy, can make reflux worse by increasing pressure Make sure he stays in loose fitting, elastic waists whenever possible.

Thickening
to help weigh the milk down and prevent it coming back up. See Dr for something like Gaviscon

Feeding Time
When and how much a baby is fed can also have an impact on their reflux. Smaller more frequent meals through out the day work much better than larger, less frequent meals. Also, avoid feeding right before bedtime, particularly if the he is already a poor sleeper.

Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, try eliminating the foods that can make reflux worse. Dairy products are a big offender, as is caffeine, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits. If eliminating these things seems to help, you can slowly (about one thing a week) start to introduce one thing at a time back into your diet and watch his reactions. This will help give you an idea of exactly what was making the reflux worse, so that you (hopefully) don't need to give up everything you love, just one or two things.

Burping
Stopping to burp frequently (at least after every ounce) during feedings can help.

Provide a soother (i did not do this one as DS is a thumb sucker)
Sucking on a dummy, can increase saliva production. Saliva is alkaline which can help neutralize some of the acid that may come up.

Infant Massage
Try infant massage, it's been shown to improve digestion and will help relax baby. - I enrolled in classes ran locally by HV's, not sure if they do this in your area.

HTH, and hope your little man gets some help soon, and you get some rest.

matana · 20/03/2011 21:41

I mentioned reflux to my doc as DS really, really struggled when he was younger with what i put down to wind and he still brings up quite a lot between feeds. But the doctor said babies with reflux tend not to thrive, so the biggest indicator is poor weight gain. My DS is very healthy and on the 50th centile for weight gain. Have heard of something called silent reflux - could it be that? Don't be palmed off by so called health professionals. Mine were crap.

Iggly · 21/03/2011 19:30

The failure to thrive thing is for babies who spew up loads. DS had silent reflux and fed a huge amount to soothe the acid coming up. Ranitidine helped a lot. As did cutting out dairy from my diet as DS was (and still is but not as bad) intolerant to cows milk protein and soya.

He also did get better at night once he slept on his front. I tried to make sure he got enough in the day by feeding around naps.

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