Feeding time with Renzo has always been a very serene moment. He would eagerly suck milk and I will burp him afterwards. There are times that he would spit-up a bit of milk, but he was generally alright. Still the contented, happy baby that he is. That's up until a couple of weeks ago when we noticed that he's spitting up more often than usual. He would cry, cough and arch his back while making some grunting sounds "ugh, ugh, ugh" he would go... We couldn't even put him to sleep flat cause he's very uncomfortable. Poor baby has Infant Reflux.
"Reflux" as it is commonly known is a condition wherein stomach contents backwash into the esophagus. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is very weak or, more commonly, when it inappropriately relaxes. It is often manifested as regurgitation (spitting up or vomiting) in infants and not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if it gets worst, Pediatricians recommend to place child on medication. Renzo's doctor had said that about him. Although, right now there's no need to that, he's gaining weight and healthy. A sign that he's feeding well inspite of the reflux, thankfully!
According to Dr. Kim (Renzo's Pediatrician), infants unlike adults have smaller feeding tube which is the main cause. Hence, Reflux typically resolves on his own at 12-18months of age. For a mom like me, that is definitely a long wait. All I can do now is to always make sure he gets burped after feeding and to hold him upright 15-20 minutes before putting him down. Renzo now sleeps on a newborn chair and alternately a wedge that inclines to 30 degrees. If he lies flat, he wouldn't sleep well or he would spit up.
I do hope that this Reflux of his does not get worst and would be gone soon. Until then, this mommy will always worry yet with Dr. Kim's help and assurance, I know my little bud will be alright.
