May 17, 2006

Acid Reflux

It seems my poor daughter has followed in her mother's footsteps. I had horrible acid reflux throughout my pregnancy, and now Olivia has it too. I hear that it is fairly common for babies to develop this during the first few months, but she is miserable at times. The doctor said that if she isn't losing weight, then she doesn't need medicine, but we are losing some major sleep. She sputters and gags when she's on her back and every time she spits up (more like throws up), she cries because it burns. It only happens at night, and not every night, but I hate that she is hurting. The doctor says that it's not bad enough for Prevecid, and I agree. The spit up isn't bile colored, which is another sign she'd need it. Babies have always had this (often referred to as colic), and I don't think strong medication is the answer for such a young baby.

I am looking for things in my diet that might be responsible, but I think because this is so common, we just have to deal with it. Can anyone offer any advice? My SIL recommended peppermint infused into a bit of water, but I always heard peppermint makes it worse. Any advice is appreciated. I can't stand for my baby to be uncomfortable.

Posted by Hannah at May 17, 2006 12:48 PM
Comments

Poor little Olivia! I think Chas mentioned her baby had it (Sugar and Ice) and I've heard it's pretty common. Do you visit any mommy message boards? They talk about it pretty often on mine (http://boards.thenest.com/boards/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=247)

Posted by: girl from florida at May 17, 2006 01:32 PM

I haven't heard of acid reflux being part of colic (except maybe as a crying jag being so intense that it leads to throwing up). But if Olivia is indeed colicky, I recommend gripe water. We used Baby's Bliss for MrMan's gas/colic and it worked wonders.

Posted by: shokufeh at May 17, 2006 03:55 PM

Lila does have acid reflux, but our doctor also said that medicine wasn't necessary since she isn't losing weight. It is very hard to watch her go through it though. I had it some during pregnancy, but my husband is who she gets it from; he is on medication for it himself. Lila doesn't spit up too much, but she gulps constantly and it makes her cry. I'm considering getting some of the gripe water and see how it works.

Posted by: Chas at May 17, 2006 04:43 PM

Gripe water, if it's similar to colic. I have only had a baby with colic and that seemed to help. That and simethicone drops (ovol is what we have around here). That breaks up the gas fast. I know it worked well with my oldest daughter. Also keeping baby upright after feeds with little stimulation may help too. I hope poor little Olivia feels better soon, it's awful to see them uncomfortable. :(

Posted by: Emmakirst at May 17, 2006 04:57 PM

yes, gripewater will help. i have a coworker here whose little baby boy spits up after a feeding...let me know if you need to find some and I'll get some for you to try out.

Posted by: stef at May 18, 2006 12:36 AM

Do you have Milk of Magnesium there? That helps for acid reflux.

Posted by: Melany at May 18, 2006 09:52 AM

The Bubby had 'reflux' and our paediatrician said to use infant gaviscon, since it was just a powder I felt confident to slowly lower the dosage (in his bottles) until he was getting almost none. I think that in some strange way, because I 'knew' he had something in his bottle to help him, my mood was calmer and I think he picked up on that as well - hence the power of the infant gaviscon and my calmness both these things must have helped him, because the recovery was rapid.

Posted by: Valkyrie at May 18, 2006 11:28 AM