spewy Baby

[lisadouglass]

Hi,
I have a 4mth old baby girl who had been very spewy since birth. Most of the time she doesn't seem to be distressed by it but she throws up so much during the day that I worry that she isn't keeping any of my milk down. I need to change her bib about 3 times between each feed just to try and keep her dry. She is starting to get a rash on her neck from being wet all the time. She is exclusivly breast fed at the moment. Is there anything I can give her to help her keep her food down and stop her throwing up so much?

Cheers
Lisa

[RISA]

Hi Lisa

Thanks for your email. Your baby girl sounds like a 'happy chucker' ;-). As described, these babies do bring up their milk a lot, but it doesn't tend to bother them. The advantage of breast feeding is that your baby and your breast work together to make sure she is getting enough. She'll ask for more if she needs it and your body will oblige and increase your supply. Each baby is so different that we can't recommend one simple technique for your baby other than to do what you think is right. If you are feeding her on a schedule and she's had lots of spews since her last feed and seems to want the next feed a bit early, you may want to just break from your routine. If you are demand feeding, you won't be concerned and will just top up as necessary.

There really isn't much you can give her that will help keep her milk down. Mostly gravity and maturity will help. Keep her fairly upright as you feed, sometimes sitting her between your legs and facing you can help. Keep her upright after a feed for 20 - 30 minutes and don't give her too much tummy time right after a feed. As her system matures and also as she gets stronger and able to sit upright on her own, she'll bring up less often. Sometimes starting solids can help add weight to what's in their bellies and she'll bring up less, but starting solids is a big job and not one you want to rush into before she's ready.

If you suspect reflux is causing her discomfort, speak to your gp or paediatrician. You're already doing the right thing by putting bibs on her and changing her regularly so that she's not wet all the time. Ask your pharmacist about a barrier cream to keep her rash at bay. She'll hopefully be through this messy stage soon and you can start the messy solids stage.

All the best,

Julie
for RISA Inc

[lisadouglass]

Thanks so much for the quick reply it is great to have this sort of service to put our minds at ease.