Has bubs reflux returned?

[monkeytoes]

Our GP refered my bub to a Paediatrician to investigate FTT. The Paed diagnosed her as having reflux. She has always been a very chucky baby but happy not distressed, never appears to be in pain. He prescribed Losec which we gave her for a few weeks. I stopped giving it to her because it didn't seem to make any difference. I was BF at the time, but she started refusing the breast, so I switched her to formula. She was drinking 4 x 180ml bottles per day and started putting on weight. We started her on solids, although she is not that interested. She is currently 8 months and only eats 1 meal per day (dinner). I offer lunch and breakfast but she will eat only 2 or 3 mouthfuls then clamps her mouth shut.
The number of 'spit-ups' per day is drastically less now and she is still very happy and alert, but she is rejecting her bottles now. She will drink maybe 120/150mls then plays with the bottle. This is happening for all 4 bottles.

Do you think this is reflux again? Should I start her on Losec again? I don't like to medicate her if it is not necessary, but she is only a little bub and I don't want her weight to slip again. Is it possible for a reflux bub to be happy and not show obvious signs of pain?

[RISA]

Hi,
Thanks for contacting our organisation. Babies with reflux can present in a wide variety of ways and it is possible for reflux babies to not show any signs of pain. It is also possible that they have feeding issues such as food refusal.

Trying the Losec again is one possibility however with her issues with weight gain I think it is important that you talk to your doctor about what your next step should be. It is also important that they are aware of the issues you are having. I did want to mention too - the issue of medication is not always easy, but it may also help for you to talk to the doctor about the consequences of not medicating, rather than worrying about medicating your baby. It's just another angle for you to think about.

There could be many reasons why she is refusing her food/bottles. Since food sensitivities are very common in reflux babies, that may be another angle you could consider. Cow's milk protein is the most common food that causes problems but there are other foods that can also be involved and it is a complicated area. It may be worth keeping a record of everything that she is eating (including amounts), even though she doesn't eat very much and her diet may not change a lot. If you do that, also record any reflux behaviours or food refusal, and keep in mind that any reactions to food can sometimes be delayed for several days. With a written record it can be easier to spot any patterns and this method can be quite helpful. It can also help the doctors to see what is happening.

You may also want to talk to a dietitian who may have other ideas for you, and or a speech therapist who specialises in feeding and swallowing issues.

Just as an aside, it is quite common for refluxers to not want to eat in the morning, and to have their best meal at night. This may not be a factor for your daughter but I thought it was worth mentioning all the same.

I hope that information helps and I hope you can find the answers she needs.

Glenda
RISA Inc