IT ALL COMES UP AGAIN

I think my baby (4 months) might have reflux. She spits up a lot, practically after every feed, and often cries when it happens. How much is normal? I am breastfeeding exclusively. So far her weight gain is normal.

DR KARBANEE ANSWERS:

Bringing up milk after feeds is extremely common and is known as reflux. This is due mostly to the milk not staying in the tummy because the sphincter muscle of the stomach is not yet strong enough to close fully after feeds. As Baby is gaining weight normally, the spitting up does not require treatment.

Baby will outgrow this over the next few months. Positioning the baby semi upright after feeds often helps. Letting baby sleep in this position after feeds, in a rocker for example, will reduce the amount of reflux. Occasionally, other treatment is necessary. This includes thickening the feeds, and sometimes medication to reduce stomach acid. This type of treatment is necessary when the bringing up of milk is excessive, baby is not gaining weight, or if baby’s chest is affected by the reflux. Introduction of solids around 6 months also helps reduce the amount of reflux.

The vast majority of babies who have reflux outgrow this fully in the first year.