One of the sweetest things about being a mom is the opportunity to care for our children most especially to our newborn babies.
However, it may be quite challenging especially for new mommies out there who are still learning new skills.
Newborn acid reflux is common to babies, on the other hand, we often cannot tell if they are in pain, except when they cry so much.
There are a lot of causative factors for newborn baby reflux.
The fact that newborn's digestive system is not yet properly established, moms who are not cautious enough in feeding their babies might encounter symptoms of an acid reflux problem.
Anatomically speaking, humans, including babies have a valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus called LES or lower esophageal sphincter.
This muscular tissue acts as a barrier that opens and closes as food passes through the stomach.
Once the food gets in, the LES make sure that it properly shut down into the stomach preventing the occurrence of a reflux.
Aside from the sensitivity of a baby's stomach as well as the LES valve, a reflux is aggravated especially when babies are lying mostly on their back.
As a result, not enough gravity is there to push the feedings down to the stomach.
Thus, this is the main reason why babies are spitting up their milk.
So clearly, insufficiency of a newborn's digestive system and gravity are the obvious reasons for this condition but it doesn't stop there.
The occurrence of the acid reflux condition can also be blamed for poor diet, weight of the baby, food allergies and some other factors.
As responsible parents, it is important to be sensitive to your baby's wordless languages.
While crying may mean that they are hungry, a constant and loud cry may be unusual and is a symptom which can be attributed to this certain condition.
Other symptoms include the following: - Interrupted sleep - Coughing - Poor weight gain - Poor feeding - Spitting up frequently If your baby is showing one or two of the symptoms, it would be better to consult your pediatrician for possible treatment.
Before putting your baby to early medication, remember that all medicines are passed through the liver and once again your babies' vital organs are not yet fully established so it would be best to treat the condition first naturally.
- Postural therapy ( keeping baby upright after feeding) - Carry the baby in your arms after feeding to allow the baby to burp (it releases air from the stomach) - Stick to breast milk as much as possible; if you must choose formula milk make sure it is hypoallergenic.
- Use reflux wedge pillows for babies when supine to allow gravity prevent to prevent regurgitation.
- Warm feeding - Keep an eye on your baby at all times.