Is it reflux?

[flib]

We've really noticed that our third baby brings up a lot more milk than our other two children did as babies.

She's now 5.5 months old and has always been at a good weight. However she does seem to vomit a lot - not huge volumes but often. Sometimes straight after a feed, sometimes around an hour later. Often projectile. She also wants to feed all the time and often has a hoarse sounding cry.

She's a good feeder but sometimes pulls off and cries and returns to the breast and pulls off and cries again. She seems generally unsettled (like most babies) and will only sleep for an hour at a time during the day.

I need to change her clothes several time a day and sometimes mine too.

Do I need to take her to my Doctor or is this just in the normal range of things and not reflux?

Thanks

Flib

[RISA]

Hi,
Thanks for contacting our organisation, and congratulations on your newest family member :)

From what you are describing, it does sound very possible it could be reflux. No matter what is going on though, I think it is very important you do go and talk to the doctors. You are concerned about her vomiting, and also about her behaviour/feeds/sleeps and that in itself warrants a doctors check up. There are also lots of things that can present very similarly to reflux, so while that is perhaps the most likely diagnosis, it's important to ensure there is nothing else going on (even things like urinary tract infections can present similarly).

Reflux can be a problem in a lot of instances, and it makes no difference if her weight is good or not- refluxers who are comfort feeders (who want to feed frequently) often don't have issues with their weight, but they can still have quite severe reflux. she sounds quite uncomfortable and that is perhaps the biggest concern.

Please follow your instincts, and have her checked. Are you concerned that the doctor won't take your concerns seriously? If you have problems, there may be a few things you can try, such as take a friend with you, to back up what you say; video any behaviours you want to show the doctors; and/or keep a diary for several days.

I hope that answers your question, and I hope you get some response. If you need any other information, please dont hesitate to ask,

Glenda

[flib]

Thanks for your reply Glenda.

My MIL put me off going to the Dr as she is a maternal and child health nurse and said not to worry. (I should have learnt by now not to take her advice 100%!)

I'll take my daughter to the Dr!

Thank you

Flib

[RISA]

Hi,
It can be so hard to just trust your own instincts, especially in that kind of situation, but a mum is usually right. It is so common to hear that reflux is just not taken very seriously, and that means the child and the family often have to struggle on alone; coping without a lot of support or understanding from family, friends or at times medical staff. People just don't seem to understand how much pain a baby can be in, or how much the family suffers! It can make it all the more difficult than it needs to be.

I hope you get some answers, and bub can feel more comfortable,

Glenda