reflux vs. big spit-ups

[liamandfinnleymommy]

Hi everyone. I'm new at this so please bear with me...

My DS#2 is 4 months, 1 week old. He's a pretty good eater, averaging 30-36 oz/day. My problem is that he spits up ALL the time. During feeds, after feeds, as he's trying to fall asleep for his nap..... Sometimes it's only small amounts, sometimes it looks like half his meal. Usually it doesn't bother him, but sometimes he does cry after. He's been like this since day one, but I was hoping by now it would be over or at least lessening (DS#1 NEVER spit up. Literally. So I have no reference point on this). Can anyone tell me how to tell if this may be something more serious (ie refux) or is he just a big spitter upper??

[Lolly]

It's only serious if it is effecting his weight gain or it's distressing him - otherwise it's only serious for the washing machine .

Most babies have reflux to a degree, but for most they are what we call "happy spitters" - it doesn't bother them or effect their weight gain or sleep. My two aren't/ weren't happy about the spitting up, were distressed feeding, lying down etc so their reflux needs/ needed treatment. Weight gain was never an issue, although that does go against them as many Drs are reluctant to do anything if they are gaining weight they seem to ignore feeding to sooth throats and the fact they are in pain .

Is he gaining weight well? If there are no concerns about weight gain then the chances are there is enough staying in his tummy. If you think he is distressed by it or are worried then I would see your Dr. There are basic things like giving infant gaviscon (more common in the UK) to thicken feeds that most GPs will do and do work  for many babies. If he is on a normal formula there are reflux formulas available which thicken in the stomach to stop it being refluxed up (but check with a health worker before switching fomula) and may be an idea for your LO.

Uncomplicated reflux does tend to start improving around the 6 months mark when the are more upright and are having solids which stay down better. Have a look here for some more ways you can help! http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=654.0

HTH!

Laura

[liamandfinnleymommy]

Thanks Laura! I really appreciate your input! I checked out the reflux 101 link and having read all the symptoms, I really don't think its reflux. Finnley is gaining weight well (he's over 16lbs now) and sleeps relatively well, too. I'd heard somewhere that spitting up should improve around four months, so that's why I was concerned and wondering what was going on.

Thanks again