Ways to reduce reflux symptoms in babies
Precautions taken by parents are very important in reducing reflux symptoms, which are very common in babies. Stating that it is very important for mothers to be aware of issues such as correct breastfeeding and reclining positions and healthy nutrition, Anadolu Health Center Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Kemal Akpınar said, “It is natural for your baby to vomit a little after breastfeeding. In order not to confuse this condition, which is defined as physiological reflux, with reflux disease, the symptoms in the baby must be observed very carefully. “If your baby vomits frequently, refuses to feed, cannot gain weight, is restless and sleepless, consult your doctor as soon as possible.” Dr. Kemal Akpınar gave important information about the reflux problem in babies… Complaints that worry mothers: “My baby refuses to breastfeed, does not gain weight, does not sleep, is very restless…” can be strong harbingers of reflux. In fact, every baby may vomit a little after breastfeeding. It is involuntary that the air swallowed by the baby during breastfeeding comes out along with some food (in the form of water, milk or milk curds, overflowing from the corners of the mouth within 30 minutes after sucking), and this is defined as physiological reflux. It can usually be due to reasons such as breastfeeding in the wrong position or excessive breastfeeding. However, when the frequency of vomiting increases, the baby refuses to eat, does not gain weight, cannot sleep and becomes restless, then we can talk about reflux, which we define as a disease…
Reflux is more common in premature babies
Although reflux is not seen in every baby as a disease, it is seen in 70 percent of newborn babies, especially one-month-old babies. It is more common especially in babies with developmental disorders, babies born prematurely or those with a genetic predisposition. Some infections, such as urinary tract infection, may also predispose to reflux. After the age of two, the frequency of reflux drops to 5 percent.
It is important to apply the correct breastfeeding technique first in the treatment.
In reflux that has turned into a disease; Complaints such as frequent vomiting, refusal to feed, inability to gain weight, growth retardation, and bad breath are observed. In children over the age of two, additional complaints such as bloating, burning sensation and constipation in the stomach are observed. The most important criteria for early diagnosis are detailed history and physical examination. Further tests may be performed for a definitive diagnosis. During the treatment phase, firstly, approaches such as correct breastfeeding technique, mother’s nutrition style, and anti-reflux formulas are recommended to the mother to improve her lifestyle. In medical treatments, first mucosal protectors and then stomach acid suppressants, esophagus and stomach motility regulators, and stomach content thickeners may be given. If these treatments do not provide benefit, surgical treatment may be considered.
The most natural cure for reflux is breast milk
The frequency of reflux is less in breastfed babies due to reasons such as the ratio of nutrients in its content, ease of digestion and faster passage into the intestines. Dr. Kemal Akpınar made the following suggestions to reduce the usual vomiting seen after breastfeeding or bottle feeding in non-diseased physiological reflux:
10 tips to reduce baby vomiting
- Make sure to breastfeed your baby in a vertical position.
- Make sure your baby latches not only on the nipple but also on the brown area of the breast. This will reduce air swallowing and vomiting.
- After sucking it, burp it by placing it on your shoulder in a suitable position and massaging its back. During this time, avoid sudden and harsh movements and compressions that will increase intra-abdominal pressure.
- If you are feeding your baby with a bottle, do not feed at night. In babies who vomit frequently, the last feeding of the day should be made 1-2 hours before sleep.
- Feed by holding the bottle at an angle close to vertical.
- Stop feeding as soon as your baby refuses to nurse or bottle feed at least twice. Remember; In order to feel hungry again, the stomach contents must descend into the intestines. When this does not happen, the baby will feel full. If you insist on feeding, vomiting will increase.
- Avoid foods and diets that will upset your stomach and cause bloating, burning and gas. Especially if you are breastfeeding, any food that bothers you will also bother your baby.
- After breastfeeding or bottle feeding, it is beneficial to keep the part of your baby’s head in the bed at a height of 10-20 degrees.
- Make him sleep by turning his head to the left. According to research, the frequency of reflux is lower when babies sleep with their heads turned to the left.
- Make sure your baby’s clothes are loose-fitting. Especially do not tighten the diaper too much.
