Reflux / lower stomach pains

I currently nanny a 11 week old boy with reflux (in Australia). He is on Zantac for the reflux which seems to help (compared the distress and pain he was in before he started) to add to his settling challenges approx. 20 mins or so after a feed (breast fed) he seems to start cramping in the stomach .. he pulls his legs up towards his chest (he is usually still upright over our shoulders due to the reflux) I/his mother can often hear his stomach 'gurgling' and feel his lower tummy vibrating although he is not overly distressed he is certainly in some pain… (ITS NOT CHOLIC) Other than massage which we do often can anyone else make any suggestions???? Thanks!

Jo Frost says:

Reflux is more common than what we think. Tepid boiled water may help to disperse the air bubbles.

Being aware of what you eat may help the reflux as the baby is being breast fed – stay away from spicy and acidic foods.

As we all know that projective vomiting is quite scary when it comes from no-where. Having the child at an angle and slightly raised when sleeping will help (rather than flat) – this is like when adults have heart-burn. The esophagus maneuvers food to the stomach by a series of muscle contractions. Once it’s in the stomach it’s mixed with acid to start digestion. The muscles at the lower end of the esophagus then become tight. If there is under development of these muscles, between the stomach and the esophagus, these muscles will not be as tight as they should be which would then result in the fluid or food to come back up. Repetition of this would then cause irritation and discomfort.

I used to look after a little girl that was very colicky up until about 8 weeks old, and then she developed reflux. I used to give her bottle feeds, which were little but often, her food take was little but often, her clothes changing was plenty and often – and whenever she was distressed, she’d look at my face for reassurance, to know everything was OK.

So alongside with all the things you are doing medically – just persevere as it will pass. And the end of the story, the little girl grew out of it at about 7 months. I’d also just say here, to second Jill (DJ’s mum) on advising cranial osteopath – as I think it’s a wonderful practice which I highly recommend for babies.

Best wishes Jo.