What is reflux exactly??

[javalava]

Ok guys im not one to be clueless about baby issues but with this i have no idea.
I think my little girl might have a touch of it but its hardly serious, im just wondering what exactly reflux is? What causes it? How do manage it? Everything!! I just want to be educated if thats what it turns out to be.
Thanks in advance for any input you might have!

[shniks]

My daughter had reflux and I think I can answer this. Nearly all babies spit up and vomit a lot because the valve at the top of their stomachs (that is supposed to keep food in) isnt fully developed yet. Most babies do ok with this and aren't in any pain. But other babies get a lot of pain from it because the acid from the vomiting burns their food pipe, causing them to cry a lot. Some of these babies have feeding issues, they refuse to eat because they know that after they eat they will vomit, and it causes them pain. Some also have sleeping problems, they refuse to lay flat because doing that causes the acid to leak up into the food pipe, which hurts them.

If your child is just vomiting but is happy and settled, then it isnt a problem. You dont need medication because your problem is just that your have a lot of cleaning and washing! But if the baby cries a lot and has feeding issues, then it is more serious and you need to see a doctor.

What you can do to help is not put your baby flat after feeds, keeping them up for 1/2-1 hour after feeds helps a lot. Use a bouncer, jolly jumper, carry them in a sling etc, and time their sleeps at least 1 hour after feeds.

And there is an association with allergies too, a baby will vomit a lot more if they are intolerant or sensitive to a certain food, thats why a lot of reflux babies get put on soy or low allergy formula.

Hope this helps!

[camsma]

Thanks for that explaination!
I too thought that my bubs has a touch of reflux but I can see that now that although he vomits a lot and spits up, he doesnt seem to be in any pain or discomfort - thanks for easing my concerns!:thumbsup: