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.
5 comments:
I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of babies. I think it's extremely difficult to give cares to one. But witnessing my best friends delivering a baby and how they have so much love in nurturing, gosh. Mother's love is indeed amazing... It warms the heart :)
Go away reflux! everything will be okay. Hugs Enzo. Anaiah was not much of a sleeper also because he was always uncomfortable then because of his CMPA. They said babies overcome CMPA by 1yr-3yrs. Thankfully, by 1, Anaiah no longer had CMPA. :)
Oh! I remember all those nights worrying too. Hope the reflux goes away! Poor little guy - get well soon! :)
Just seen your comment on my blog. I'm sorry to hear that, hope baby Renzo's feeling better:)
Are you eating enough calories Joy?Breast feeding is EXCELLENT but PHYSICALLY, it's physically demanding!
I would suggest you focus on nutrient-dense foods such as Kale, hemp seeds and coconut to really get the calories in to maintain breastfeeding(Tip: Kale / Cavelo Nero and bananas is lovely, really delicious combo and so balanced too). Eat frequent regular meals / snacks every 3 hours or so.
Drink fennel, nettle and dills teas(These herbs are said to increase milk production:)
Shatavari Herb Is Very Effective for Low Milk Supply
Shatavari. A very popular galactagogue in India and China, this herb has only recently received attention in North America. Shatavari is generally used to improve women’s reproductive health, but it has been shown to increase lactation as well sometimes with extraordinary results. Most herbal galactagogues can be used simultaneously with prescription galactagogues like Reglan (metoclopramide) and Domperidone (motillium), however it is not recommended that shatavari be used in conjunction with these medications.
Whatever you do don't give up as you know yourself Mama's milk gives Renzo the best start in life!
Hope this helps!
Enjoy every precious moment of new-born baby Renzo:)
xoxoxo
I suggest looking into Acidophilus supplements. It's a natural probiotic that is sometimes added to dairy products (I'm sure you've heard of Activia?). I don't know if this works for an infant, but I do know several adults who have solved years-old reflux problems after my mom suggested Acidophilus. For adults, it takes about a month of daily capsules. But again, research whether this is efficient/safe for infants before trying!
Ahh, this was a long-winded way to explain my point, but anyway I hope it helps! I hope the little one's indigestion goes away soon!
Post a Comment