Reflux in babies

Reflux is common in babies. It often occurs because the ring of muscle between the oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach is not fully developed.

When considering the diagnosis of reflux, we always look out for the following:

• Spitting up milk during or after feeds (more than a teaspoon)

• Hiccups.

• Being mildly unsettled, crying, pulling legs up to chest.

Nearly more than 1/2 of new borns will have reflux. They are normally better by the time they're 12 months old.

However, silent reflux different. This is when babies don’t spit out what comes up, but swallow it instead. It also includes:

-Crying.

-Unsettledness after feeds.

-Having a cough or hoarse voice.

-Arching their back after a feed.

So, with all this in mind, how can you help your baby?

-Try to avoid over feeding.

-Keep baby upright for 20 mins after feeding.

-Burp your baby after feeding.

-Keep baby in loose clothing.

-If there is poor weight gain- speak to your health visitor or GP.

Reflux is sometimes confused with posseting- which is when babies bring up a small amount of milk (usually a teaspoonful) without seeming to mind. Posseting is common in babies under six months old.

As Osteopaths, we can use gentle techniques to help reduce stress and imbalance in the body. Often, this occurs due to a difficult birth. Treatment consists of gently moving baby's body into a position of ease, promoting blood flow to important areas, manipulating fascia (connective tissue) to reduce tension, and promoting function through the gastrointestinal system- all of which helps to reduce the symptoms of reflux.