Reflux in babies
Milk-spitting isn't the same as reflux
Many newborns may spit out or dribble a mouthful of milk after they've been fed. They can drink more than they can handle, and some of it comes right back up.
This little bit of returned is normal, so don't worry about it. As long as your little one has plenty of milk inside him, and the vomiting isn't giving him any issues, you don't need to take any action. The volume of returned milk gradually decreases as he grows older, and should stop anywhere between six and twelve months.
Reflux characteristics
Some babies give much more milk back after feeding than a few mouthfuls. Sometimes in the form of projectile vomiting, with some real pressure behind it. Other babies seem to keep it down but then give a little back even after a couple of hours. They may find it difficult to sleep whilst waiting for some milk to come back out, because it's causing them discomfort.
If baby vomits out milk every day, he may be suffering from reflux. Some of the feed, whatever it may be, flows back into the esophagus from the stomach. This can cause a burning sensation, because it's already mixed with stomach acid, and can be painful just like heartburn is for adults.
Measures to help with reflux
Baby's pain can be reduced by a few simple measures.
- Change baby's diaper before feeding, and not during or after. Lifting his legs with milk in his tummy can force milk back "upwards"
- Keep him well supported during feeding, preferably completely upright.
- Try to keep her awake for half an hour after feeding, so that she doesn't want to lay down immediately.
- Raise the head end of the bed 30-40° higher than the feet end, gravity will help the milk stay down.
- Don't experiment with changing milk intake or food composition or give anti-reflux medication. Only take any of these measures after proper consultation with your GP.
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