Gastroesophageal Reflux in babies

This info is for mothers whose babies have symptoms of spitting up milk after feeding. I had this issue with my baby and have found the info quite useful. Hope it helps the others too.

The medical term for "spitting up" is gastroesophageal reflux. It is the spitting up of milk after feeding. It is not the same as vomiting, which is the forceful expulsion of food from the stomach. Spitting up is common and occurs frequently during infancy. Spitting up does not indicate a problem unless the baby is choking on the food, is spitting up excessively large amounts of milk or there is failure to gain weight.

It happens when milk or solid food in the stomach comes back up into the oesophagus. The oesophagus is the tube from the mouth to the stomach.In older children and adults, an elastic-like muscle at the entry of the oesophagus to the stomach closes like a valve to prevent liquids from being pushed back up. In babies, however, this valve or sphincter isn't fully effective until between 6 and 12 months of age. Since it is not fully developed yet, the valve is easily pushed back by the contents of the stomach - resulting in regurgitation or spitting up. Regurgitation often occurs after overfeeding, or with burping. Consequently, breastfed babies tend to spit up less than bottle-fed babies, because they usually take in only as much milk as they need, and because they tend to swallow less air. Regurgitation is not caused by allergy or food intolerance, and should not be confused with vomiting.

Tips to reduce spitting:-

•Burp your baby several times during and after feeding by sitting him upright (with your hand supporting his head). This allows air bubbles to rise to the top of his stomach and bending at the waist encourages burping of the air.
•Avoid pressure on the full abdomen, which often occurs when holding your baby over your shoulder. This "standard" procedure causes more expulsion of stomach contents rather than just expelling gas or air.
•Avoid excessive movements during and immediately after feeding.
•Avoid feeding large amounts. Instead, feed smaller amounts more frequently.
•Lay your baby down on his right side with the head of his crib slightly elevated.
•Check for dribbling during sleep. The constant moisture in the corners of the mouth, chin, and neck can result in skin irritations.
•Be sure he is getting adequate fluids by checking for dehydration.

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