A baby who regularly gives back milk can cause a lot of anxiety. Maybe your baby chokes while drinking, cries after feeding or you notice that he/she burps wet frequently. Reflux baby is a common term among young parents. But what exactly does it mean? Why do babies spit up so much? And when is it something to get seriously looked at?
At The Family Chiropractor, we understand how helpless it can feel when you are baby discomfort. We are happy to take you through what reflux is, where it comes from and how you can support your baby gently and naturally.
What is reflux in a baby?
Reflux literally means the backflow of food from the stomach into the oesophagus. In babies, this is common because the sphincter muscle between the oesophagus and stomach is not yet fully developed. This allows milk to flow back more easily.
Many parents notice when babies spit up after feeding. In most cases, this is harmless and part of development. The body is still maturing and usually grows past this on its own.
When reflux is accompanied by pain, lots of crying, poor sleep or poor drinking, it can have more of an impact. Sometimes other factors also come into play, such as a short tongue that makes drinking difficult. This is when we sometimes speak of reflux symptoms that deserve extra attention.
Why do babies spit up so much?
The fact that babies spit up is not strange in itself. There are several reasons why this happens:
- A baby's stomach is small and quickly filled.
- Babies drink lying down, which makes reflux easier.
- The sphincter between stomach and oesophagus is still weak.
- Air is often swallowed while drinking.
In addition, tension in the body can play a role. When a baby has experienced a lot of pressure during labour or develops a preferred posture, for example, tension can arise in neck, diaphragm or spine. This can affect nerve control and digestion.
It is important to see a baby's system as a whole, rather than a body made up of separate parts. Tension in one place can manifest itself in other functions, including the gastrointestinal system.
When is reflux more than "just some spitting up"?
The difference is often in your baby's behaviour. Spitting up without discomfort is usually harmless. But watch for signs such as:
- Crying a lot during or after feeding
- Overstretching of the body
- Sleeping badly
- Restless drinking
- Little weight gain
If you notice your baby has obvious discomfort, it is wise to have this assessed. Together, we look at the overall picture.
What can a chiropractor do for reflux baby?
At The Family Chiropractor, we work with a gentle, specific approach fully adapted to babies. We do not use harsh manipulations, but subtle corrections with minimal pressure. Did you know that the maximum pressure a chiropractor uses on a baby is the same as using your fingers to test an avocado to see if it is ripe?
We examine whether there are movement restrictions in the neck, upper back or the diaphragm area. These areas play an important role in the nerve communication of the digestive system. When tension or reduced mobility is present there, it can affect the coordination of swallowing, gastric emptying and sphincter function.
By allowing the nervous system to function better and reducing tension, the body gets a chance to regulate itself better. Many parents find that their baby drinks more calmly, spits up less and sleeps better.
We always collaborate with other healthcare providers when necessary. Your baby's health and safety are paramount.
What can you do yourself with a reflux baby?
Besides chiropractic care, there is practical advice that can help:
- Hold your baby upright for a while after feeding
- Let your baby drink calmly and intermittently
- Ensure sufficient burping moments
- Avoid pressure on the tummy immediately after feeding
Every baby is different. What works in one baby may not automatically have the same effect in another.
Confidence in your baby's ability to recover
A baby's body has a strong healing ability. Sometimes it just needs a little support to function optimally. If you notice that reflux symptoms persist or your baby is experiencing obvious discomfort, it may be valuable to look wider than just feeding.
Are you in doubt whether your baby is suffering from more than normal spitting up? We are happy to think along with you. Together we look at what your baby needs to drink relaxed, sleep better and develop comfortably.
