Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux - Vomiting of Feeds
Reflux vomiting may be caused by a defect in the working of the stomach that allows fluids to run back up into the oesophagus of a baby, and can cause a burning feeling as in severe heartburn. When the baby has a chromosome disorder such as trisomy 13 or 18, chronic GO reflux can result in failure to thrive, pneumonia and other complications.
Refluxing may be helped by:
- Placing the baby on a level surface with the head raised slightly at an angle of about 30%.
- Giving smaller and more frequent feeds.
- Thickening agents such as Nestargel and Carobel.
"Nicola was vomiting badly at least twice a week and although she has medicine for her sickness, we still want to control it completely. The SOFT information on refluxing has been very helpful and we are going to discuss it with our pediatrician."
"Feeding was a 24 hour job. Beth would suck 20mls of milk, then fall asleep and wake hungry a couple of hours later. She would vomit several of her feeds, daily; however carefully I fed and winded her. I only managed because I had a very supportive husband who took over when I was too exhausted to wake up at night."