What is reflux & how do I know if my baby has it?
Infant reflux & colic are common conditions that can affect infants during their first few months of life, but that doesn't mean it's normal.
Other terms you may have heard include gastroesophageal reflux (GER), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), baby acid reflux or silent reflux. Despite having multiple terms for reflux, they are all terms used to describe a similar collection of signs & symptoms that tell us what's going on in their little bodies.
Both reflux & colic can be distressing for infants & those around them. Parents often start searching for answers, asking questions like 'what helps acid reflux' or 'how to relieve acid reflux'. There is so much information available online & differing advice by professionals that it is hard to know where to start.
Some signs your baby may be struggling with reflux or may need more support include:
🌻 Difficulty latching or feeding
🌻 Sleep disturbances or restless at night
🌻 Frequent vomiting or spitting up
🌻 Lots of wind or difficulty passing it
🌻 Clicking sounds
🌻 Painful crying or screaming
🌻 Choking or coughing frequently
🌻 Spilling milk or bubbles around mouth when feeding
🌻 Pain when breastfeeding
🌻 Potential allergies or intolerances
🌻 Failure to thrive or difficulty gaining weight
Did you know?
There are up to 80 common signs & symptoms of baby reflux that together paint a picture. My job is to determine which of these are relevant & what symptoms may be linked - a bit like solving a jigsaw puzzle!
Thankfully, there are strategies & treatments available to help manage these conditions.
You are not alone. I am here to truly listen to you.
How can you tell the difference?
