Part ☝️
Having had a baby with undiagnosed reflux for 18 months, we can empathise it is not an easy journey 😮💨
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER), commonly known as reflux, occurs when your baby’s milk and stomach acid flow back into their esophagus and throat, causing a painful burning sensation. This discomfort can lead to frequent night waking, catnaps, and poor quality of sleep 😣
Reflux starts within the first few weeks of life. Therefore, if your baby has previously been a good sleeper and suddenly starts showing the following symptoms, it is likely not related to reflux.
Symptoms that your baby may have reflux include:
👶🏻 Frequently waking up when placed on their back to sleep, but sleeping well when held in an upright or semi-upright position.
👶🏻 Appear to sleep better on their side or stomach rather than on their back. Please note: As per Red Nose Australia’s safe sleep guidelines, babies should always be placed on their back for sleep.
👶🏻 Crying when laid down on their back (even during their awake time), but are content when sitting upright in a high chair, bouncer, or car seat.
👶🏻 Restlessness and arching their back.
👶🏻 Frequent spit-ups, especially when lying down. Please note: Some babies with reflux do not always spit up.
👶🏻 Frequent bouts of inconsolable crying, particularly during the daytime.
👶🏻 Irregular breathing during sleep, including episodes of paused breathing.
👶🏻 Choking or gagging sounds, as if trying to clear their throat.
👶🏻 Excessive drooling and a sour-smelling breath.
If you feel your baby may have reflux, please consult your healthcare professional for an assessment - you are not alone in this process 🩷💫
In part ✌️, we will explore ways to help your baby sleep BETTER with reflux 🥰