Any way to prevent or minimise the effects of reflux

[sparkleymum]

My Daughter had reflux. She couldn't sleep lying down, vomited all the time, I tried every bottle from Avent to Dr.Browns and anything claiming to be colic preventers. I tried the drops in the bottle, gaviscon, losec, thickened fluids etc. Her symptoms were a little better with the thicken fluids but nothing really worked and gave her relief.

I am pregnant now with my second baby and am worried that we are going to go through all of this again. Is there anything I can do or start off with that could help?

[RISA]

Hi,
congrats on your pregnancy and I'll keep my fingers crossed this next bub is reflux free. I sooo wish I could answer yes, there is something you can do to avoid reflux in your next bub. To be honest though, I'm not sure if there is anything you can do to even minimise it, though I know some mums have tried a few different things out of desperation (like avoiding cows milk and soy in the last few months of pregnancy; taking probiotics and that kind of thing). (I have no idea if any of it does help or not and if you do want to consider doing something like that, please please seek medical advice). I certainly wouldn't try it without talking to your doctor; especially as you're already pregnant.

Of course, it may also help to know that just because your first bub was a refluxer, it doesn't always follow your next bub will have it. (We have had some families where the first child had very severe reflux and the second child not at all, so there is hope) It may be worthwhile expecting it though, and looking out for it so that you aren't disappointed if it does raise its ugly head and also so that you pick up on it really early. Does it run in your families?

It can be a lot easier second time round- you have a lot more knowledge this time, that you probably didn't start off with last time; you have that experience; and drs are more likely to believe you and pay attention when you have already had a refluxer.

Keep in mind too that a large percentage of refluxers are allergic or intolerant to cows milk protein (and some to soy protein too), so if you do find this bub has reflux, that may be something to consider early on.

I really wish there was something that you could do that would guarantee no reflux (or something I knew that would definitely help). I'll just hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly, as does your labour, and your bub is reflux free, happy and healthy.

Glenda