Does your baby have SILENT reflux?

[MilkOnTap]

I only read about what it actually is this morning and now I'm 99% sure that this is what is upsetting Jedd so much. It would explain everything! The sleeplessness, the minimal weight gain, the fussing at the breast, the back arching and the painful screams...

I called the ABA tonight to find out how I should feed him etc and they gave me a few tips - I'm just wondering what other tips you lovely ladies can offer.

Even if it isn't reflux, I figure natural things like changing feeding position, burping more often etc cant hurt.

[ikis84]

Posture feeding might help... you attach them and then lean/lay back so they aren't getting a really fast flow.

[Nowhere]

I found some info for you on silent reflux, kenzee suffers from mainly silent reflux now since her surgery and its just as nasty as the out ward type

Silent GER refers to GER or GERD without any outward or typical symptoms. This could mean that a child isn't vomiting or appearing uncomfortable but is having reflux (http://amazon.com/gp/product/B0007ZLUFM?ie=UTF8&tag=thefaceofinfa-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B0007ZLUFM&adid=01f4130e-4dfd-4c09-9f09-a5f48699b0f7) episodes. Some children may swallow the refluxed material (refluxate) back down instead of throwing it up, in some kids it may not come up enough to actually come out the mouth. This can be much more difficult to diagnose, since the most common symptoms are not present.



It can also be more damaging as the refluxate burns the esophagus on the way up and again on the way down. Whether or not the silent reflux needs to be treated depends on the complications (http://amazon.com/gp/product/B0008IISZI?ie=UTF8&tag=thefaceofinfa-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B0008IISZI&adid=1ac1845d-ce72-42d5-84fc-a85bd3865bd8) that are arising from it.
Some symptoms that can indicate silent reflux are:

irritability and pain
poor sleep habits typically with frequent waking*
arching their necks and back during or after eating*
frequent hiccups*
frequent ear infections
refusing food or accepting only a few bites despite being hungry* or the exact opposite requiring constant small meals or liquid
food/oral aversions
anemia
excessive drooling
running nose (http://amazon.com/gp/product/B0002V2C6M?ie=UTF8&tag=thefaceofinfa-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B0002V2C6M&adid=b91ad286-3e91-493f-81a0-e78c04a58ff6), sinus infections
sinus congestion
swallowing problems, gagging, choking
chronic hoarse voice
frequent red, sore throat without infection present
apnea
respiratory problems—pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing, asthma, night-time cough, aspiration
gagging themselves with their fingers or fist (sign of esophagitis)
poor weight gain, weight loss, failure to thrive*
erosion of dental enamel
neck arching (Sandifer's Syndrome)
bad breath (http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000NO7G6Y?ie=UTF8&tag=thefaceofinfa-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B000NO7G6Y&adid=50ab14ef-d27a-40a6-8770-37a89f377371)

[Nowhere]

This is just some info onreducing reflux, may help may not but worth a try

POSITIONING STEPS for reducing infant reflux

Positioning During and After Feeds
Keeping the child upright during and for at least thirty minutes after feeds can help to reduce reflux by allowing gravity to work at holding the food in their tummies. As well, after feeding, try to keep them as motionless as possible for at least thirty minutes after feeding. Formula fed babies may require longer periods since formula is digested slower than breastmilk.

Car Seats
Some car seats position baby in such a way that they hunched and slouched over, putting added pressure on their tummies which can increase reflux (http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000HWYYM6?ie=UTF8&tag=thefaceofinfa-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B000HWYYM6&adid=f29f00c5-0a1a-46c2-8a60-caacce553d03) episodes. Look for a car seat that allows baby to be reclined enough that they aren't slouched yet, inclined enough that they are fairly upright.
Sleeping Position
As with positioning after feeding, keeping baby propped during sleep is essential when they have reflux. It can help reduce painful reflux episodes and reduce the risk of aspiration. For more info on propping baby, see the article on propping (http://www.infantrefluxdisease.com/propping.php).
Prone vs. Supine (Front vs Back)
The American Academy of Pediatrics (http://amazon.com/gp/product/1581100639?ie=UTF8&tag=thefaceofinfa-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=1581100639&adid=7b2e3a06-9979-4001-b1b4-ca3921cc466b) recommends all babies sleep in the supine position (on their backs) because it has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. This is fine for babies with reflux as long as the baby is safely propped up to at least 30%, we found the higher baby is propped the better. Having said that, many babies with reflux prefer sleeping in the prone position (stomach), also elevated of course, and may have less reflux episodes in this position. Discuss this with your doctor and he can help decide if it's okay, and how to safely manage allowing baby to sleep in the prone position. It's very important to discuss this with the doctor before trying it as babies with reflux are already at an increased risk of SIDS.
Carrying
Try carrying baby around as much as possible in a baby carrier through out the day. Carried babies tend to cry less and crying will make reflux worse, plus, it keeps baby upright
Avoid Tight Clothing
Tight clothing, particularly clothing that's tight around baby's tummy, can make reflux worse by increasing pressure on the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). Make sure baby stays in loose fitting, elastic waists whenever possible.
Thickening
Some babies with reflux will respond well to thickening their feeds with cereal. Thickening formula can help for a few reasons. The added weight of the cereal in the food helps to keep the food from splashing around in the baby's belly and can help keep it down. Babies who are having difficulty gaining weight may also benefit from the added calories. Generally, it's recommended that about one tablespoon of cereal should be added for every ounce of formula. If the formula isn't thick enough, it won't work. Also, some babies may react poorly to rice cereal which is generally the first tried, so adding oatmeal instead may work better for some babies. As always discuss this with your pediatrician before trying it.
Feeding Time
When and how much a baby is fed can also have an impact on their reflux. Smaller more frequent meals through out the day work much better than larger, less frequent meals. Also, avoid feeding baby right before bedtime, particularly if the baby is already a poor sleeper.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, try eliminating the foods (http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000P695TQ?ie=UTF8&tag=thefaceofinfa-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B000P695TQ&adid=e7cb8ffc-6d95-4865-8b18-7731da14a6f3) that can make reflux worse. Dairy products are a big offender, as is caffeine, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits. If eliminating these things seems to help, you can slowly (about one thing a week) start to introduce one thing at a time back into your diet and watch baby's reactions. This will help give you an idea of exactly what was making the reflux worse, so that you (hopefully) don't need to give up everything you love, just one or two things.
Burping
Stopping to burp baby frequently (at least after every ounce) during feedings can help.
Provide a Pacifier
Sucking on a pacifier or dummy, can increase saliva production. Saliva is alkaline which can help neutralize some of the acid that may come up.
Infant Massage
Try infant massage, it's been shown to improve digestion and will help relax baby.
Avoid Certain Foods and Liquids
More so for older children and babies, there are certain foods that are known to make reflux worse. If you breastfeeding, as mentioned above avoid these foods in your own diet. The complete list, as put forth by PAGER is below:
Vegetables (due to high acid or belching)

Broccoli
Green Peppers
Cabbage
Brussel Sprouts
Cauliflower
Tomato
Tomato Juice
Corn
Cucumber
Onions
Garlic
Turnips
Rhubarb
Kale Fruits (due to high acid or lots of fiber and seeds)

Apple (especially peels)
Bananas (can cause constipation)
Citrus fruits
Figs
Coconut Beverages

Milk (lactose intolerance can provoke reflux in some people)
Coffee (even decaffeinated)
Tea
Carbonated Beverages
Caffeinated Beverages Starches

Beans (gas producing)
Oats (rolled oats OK)
Tofu (avoid large quantities)
Barley ( OK if perled barley is cooked 10-15 min) Miscellaneous

Fatty or Fried Foods (fats take longer to digest)
Meat with connective tissue/gristle (take longer to digest)
Chili Powder (http://amazon.com/gp/product/B0009IEA9U?ie=UTF8&tag=thefaceofinfa-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B0009IEA9U&adid=ad8b426d-2350-4236-9971-d0fd2dc31bcf)
Vinegars
Chocolate
Molasses
Peppermint/Spearmint (Wintergreen is unrelated)
Honey
Caffeine
Foods with "air" such as fluffy baked goods, Meringues.
Swallowing air by sucking on hard candies or drinking from straws
Rye Seeds
Meat Extracts
Black Pepper (http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000N36U2G?ie=UTF8&tag=thefaceofinfa-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B000N36U2G&adid=037c4891-bc78-4c76-92fc-9f8b606b402c) (White pepper is OK)
Creamy Foods/Gravies (High fat content)
Gooey Pastries (High fat content)
Simple Sugar Foods
Excessive Fiber (increase very gradually as tolerated)
Pectin
High Energy Foods (digest slowly)
MCT Oil (http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000GG1UM0?ie=UTF8&tag=thefaceofinfa-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B000GG1UM0&adid=b996145c-ee62-4c38-913c-acc4de1a6989) (medium chain triglycerides, digest slowly)
Guargum (thickener, digests slowly
This isnt stuff i made up myself i got the info of another reflux site thought it might help you

[reAllytee]

Boof only had it mild whereas Squeak has full blown reflux ... I obviously make really good children :rolleyes:

Mikenzees mum has given you all the info i would have as we are implementing all strategies possible atm to help Squeak. He keeps losing weight as well as dehydrating which is doing my head in big time.

Take Jedd to your g.p & have him checked out so you can work out an action plan if he does have it.

Good luck hun :hugs:

[Mrs Little]

Mylanta can also be helpful.

You give it to them after a feed. I used to give DS about 3 mls for his night time feeds only- as he would be lying down directly after a feed. It stops the pain from the milk refluxing.

Often DR.s will recommend using mylanta to determine if the baby has reflux or not. If they got reliefe from the mylanta, then it was pretty safe to say they had reflux. Then give the necessary medications for reflux from there.

You could speak with your GP about that too. Mylanta shouldn't be used long term though, due to it's high aluminium levels.

Mikenzee's mum made some great suggestions to try also. Thickner, infant gaviscon can also be used when breastfeeding too. I never administered this, but you could look into what you can give a BF baby to either thicken the milk once in their tummy or to line the top of the milk contents in the tummy to stop it from relfuxing. Hope that makes sense.

Goodluck though. :hugs: Reflux is just awful...and Silent Reflux is often worse coz it's harder to diagnose.

Mrs Little & Sons.