NOTE: The information contained in this section does not replace the care of a health professional. If you are in any doubt about the health or well being of your child seek professional assistance.

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Question: I have taken him to the doctor and was told nothing is wrong

"hi Glenda.
i am a first time mum.sinice my wee man has been born he has been unsettled and vomit through his nose.now at 2 1/2 months he projectile vomits after each fed become a fussy fedder and has a cough. i have taken him 2 the doctor and was told nothing is wrong and i am just a first time mum who is over worried.and some babys are fussy and cry lots.I felt like a real fool.but i think he has reflux do you think i should take him back to the doctor?he crys lots,always hiccups, vomits after each fed,doesnt sleep well and now has become a fussy fedder.I am at my wits end."

Glenda Answers:

Congratulations on the birth of your little man. I am so sorry that you are having such a tough time, and especially since your doctors don’t seem to understand what you are trying to tell them.

This has obviously made your journey all the more difficult, but well done for continuing to believe in yourself, and for trying to find the answers both you and your son need. That is so important, so please don’t give up. Dealing with reflux can be so stressful and overwhelming, and this can be even worse when you don’t feel supported.

So, what can you do from here? I have a couple of suggestions you could try.

1. Take a friend or family member with you to the doctor- someone who can back up what is happening. If you can manage to do that, then the doctor may take your concerns more seriously (if it’s more than the ‘first time mum’ who is saying how difficult it is).
2. Get a video of him feeding perhaps, and show the doctor- or feeding your son in front of the doctor. Sometimes seeing is believing.
3. Keep a written record of what is going on. Write down all the feeds and describe what he does and how well the feed goes; his sleeps and how disturbed they are; when he vomits (and how far they fly if it’s projectile); what his nappies are like; when he hiccups, and any other reflux-type behaviours you can identify. This is a little like ‘seeing’ it too, and can have a big impact on the doctors.
4. Take a look at the information on our website (at www.reflux.org.au) and print off the list of signs to show your doctor so you can talk to them about it. If they still consider it isn’t reflux, then ask them to explain why.
5. Ask for a referral to see a paediatrician or a paediatric gastroenterologist.

There are other conditions that present similarly, so it is important that you do get a diagnosis (and if it isn’t gastro-oesophageal reflux, then what is it). It may also help to know that there seem to be a lot of babies who have sensitivities to food, and cow’s milk is a common food that causes reactions, so that may be something you can talk to your doctor about as well.

I hope that gives you some ideas, and please continue to trust your instincts, and be persistent until you are happy with the answers you get. You are doing a great job.

Glenda

Question: I wondered if teething may be causing the vomiting

"Hi Glenda
I have an 18 week old baby girl who has in the last 3 days been vomitting during and after every feed. She does not seem to be in distress at all, although she has started to make groaning sounds while i am burping her and after she has finished her bottle followed by a vomit and occasionally crying. I have been told that she is teething and wondered if this may cause the vomiting."

Glenda Answers:

That’s a tough one. There could be many reasons for her recent vomiting, and I think it is better to talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Has she ever shown any signs that would make you suspect reflux? Does she hiccup a lot? Fuss with feeds? Seem irritable or have sleep issues? Anything like that? Parents often report teething as causing their child’s reflux to flare, but if you have never had any reason to suspect reflux, or she has never been diagnosed, then it would be best to talk to your doctor.

I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
Glenda

Question: Is this a sign of a food allergy that may be underlying the reflux?

"My little guy has reflux for which he has Gaviscon, which seems to help. The thing I am worried about is often when he feeds he gets a pink blotchy flush on his face (breastfeed only 3mths old). I wonder if this is a sign of a food allergy that may be underlying the reflux or if this is normal for babies?
Thanks"

Glenda Answers:

That is an interesting question. Have you talked to your doctor about your concerns? Have you shown them the pink blotchy flush or taken a photo to show them? If not, then I would recommend you do that.

I cannot tell you whether your baby has a food allergy or not, but it is definitely something I would be talking to your doctor about. Does he seem distressed- with his feeds in particular? Does he seem uncomfortable at all? Even so, this is a question you need to discuss with your doctor. You could talk to your child health nurse too as they may be able to offer you some guidance. Another option perhaps would be to find a dietitian who specialises in food sensitivities.

I hope you are able to find out what is causing it, whether it is from a food sensitivity, whether it is normal, or whether it is something else entirely.

Best wishes,
Glenda