Reflux Baby

name: Tash

date entered: 27/03/08

country: South Australia

story:

Hi Tania, I really feel for you and understand what you are going through. I have a 7 month old son who has an extreme case of reflux. He was born 5 weeks early and only weighed 3 pound. Not only was it a long struggle with the birth and complications thereafter, now he has reflux.

It took a while to diagnose but our paediatrician recommended a scan at the hospital which confirmed he had extreme reflux. He was chucking up all the time and screaming in pain. The doctor started him on Losec but this didn't seem to help. I was breastfeeding up until 2 days ago and giving him formula overnight. I have tried that many formulas it's not funny and now that I thought I had found "the one" he has gone backwards and the chucking is very bad, will not sleep for more than 2 hours overnight, 40 mins in total during the day.

I am physically and mentally exhausted. I hate seeing my baby so tired, yet unable to stay asleep because of the throwing up, pain etc. He is a very happy baby during the day but by the time night comes he is that exhausted from no sleep that he is miserable. I also have him on Gaviscon for the reflux. I used to always think of reflux as just a chucky baby but now I realise it is a major problem and affects your whole lifestyle and the household. Not only are you extremely tired, you are a 24 hours Laundromat as the baby throws up on everything, all day. During the day, if you can try sitting the baby up while feeding her and once finished keep her upright for as long as possible.

The reflux seems to be worse when you lay them flat. I also found that you shouldn't try and put them down for a nap straight after a feed. I had bought a wedge which basically keeps the baby in a confined space in the crib and turned him on his side. Also put a blanket or something under the crib mattress to elevate their head as this seems to help also. All of this seemed to work better when he was younger but now that he is more active and able to roll around etc it's much harder to control. Hope this helps a little! If anybody has advice please let us new mums know.

Administrators note: Reflux is indeed very taxing on everyone.  If you haven't already, you can visit www.reflux.org.au and the discussion board on www.bubhub.com.au has a reflux advice section by a professional.  In South Australia, there is also the Gastroenterology Nurse at the Women's and Children's Hospital: 8161 700

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