REFLUX Q&A – 8pm on Wed 1 December

im worried by LO (11 weeks) is not getting enough goodness as she is puking up so much every feed. How do I know if she’s getting enough??

dd doesn't bring up much milk after a (breast)feed, but she does often seem a bit uncomfortable.... I've heard babies can get 'silent reflux', where the milk comes up and bothers them, but doesn't actually get as far as their mouth? How can I tell if that's what's bothering dd?

Can weaning help with reflux?

Hello Lucy

This is a good question and one that may parents to worry about. You can be confident your LO is thriving even though they may have reflux by looking for very simple things.

If your baby has plenty of wet and dirty nappies this is a very good sign that your baby is drinking plenty and managing to digest enough milk despite the reflux symptoms. This means your LO is not dehydrated and absorbing nutrients from their milk too, allowing them to thrive.

You can also keep an eye on their weight which is always a reliable way to see if their growth remains on target. Keeping in touch with your HV for their support with this is possible, or you could also choose to self weigh your LO at home.

If your LO is happy, sleeping and developing well also suggests their appetite is satisfied which are all things remember.

I hope this helps,

Best wishes

Tracey HV

Hello Lucy

You are right to want to explore this more, as sometimes babies may have signs of reflux but will not bring up their milk or be sick. As you know this is known as silent reflux.

As you are breastfeeding, a good way to try to initially decide if this maybe is reflux is to ask for support to complete a breast feeding assessment. Having this completed may allow a few minor suggestions to be made to help your baby settle into a feed with more comfort and remain so after they have finished. Your HV maybe able to do this for you, or suggest another person with appropriate expertise to help.

If after this session despite a breastfeeding assessment your LO continues to show distress it would be worth having a chat with your GP to explore whether a trial of medication could be considered to see if it offers any improvement to her well being.

Best wishes

Tracey HV

If my first baby had reflux is my 2nd likely too as well? not sure i can cope again lol

Hello Sarah

It is true there are suggestions that early weaning can improve the symptoms of reflux. The reasons behind this thought is that as food is 'thicker' than milk and maybe able to stay in the tummy for longer, unlike the liquid milk can.

This theory does seem to make sense, but it should always be approached with caution. Any child who appears to suffer with reflux would need to be reviewed by a Medical Professional first to see if there was a cause for the reflux that may need further support.

Many babies do wean early but this should only be after a review and on the advice of their GP or Paediatrician.

Best wishes

Tracey HV

Hello Billy

There have been many studies into this possibility, and some have found that there could be a link to reflux running in families.

Please don't panic though, as this is not 100% certain and does not mean that your 2nd baby will suffer the same!

If you have had a difficult experience with your first born I would have a chat with your GP prior to the arrival of your second and let them know how you are feeling and that you are concerned. This way your GP will be forewarned and prepared to help if things seem to be going the same way.

Best wishes

Tracey HV