Treating Acid Reflux in Newborns

Posted: Jan 12 in Medical Treatment by Staff

Most newborns suffer from a mild amount of acid reflux, the reverse flow of stomach acid and digestive juices. This condition results from babies’ lower esophageal sphincters being weak. Most babies will outgrow the condition. However, acid reflux can irritate a baby’s esophagus. This causes discomfort and vomiting that can interfere with feeding and weight gain.
If your baby frequently spits up milk, gags, or is irritable during feedings, then acid reflux might be to blame. Prior to beginning any sort of home treatment methods for heartburn in Georgia, it is important that you consult your child’s physician.
Here are a few things that you physician may recommend for you to offer your infant to relieve heartburn and acid reflux:

• There are a number of ways to thicken formula, which could help your child’s meal to stay down easier. Rice cereal is one way to do this, but it is important to make sure that your child is healthy enough to be eating rice cereal, so make sure to consult your physician first.
• When adults suffer from acid reflux, one of the biggest pieces of advice they are offered is to sit up straight during meals and to not lie down directly after eating—the same goes for infants. You can help reduce acid reflux by holding your baby upright during feedings. This will use gravity to the baby’s advantage.
• Occasionally, it can also be helpful to give your baby smaller amounts of milk per serving. Of course, you’ll need to increase your overall number of feedings to make up for the smaller portion sizes.