Reflux commonly occurs between 8 weeks and 6 months, but can present earlier and later than this. Reflux is when milk travels back up out of the stomach and into the oesophagus. There are many reasons for this, and up to 70% of healthy babies will spill regularly, with a peak at around 4 months of age because the digestive system isn't fully developed. However, as long as the baby is growing normally, this isn't too much of a concern. But if it is more severe and causing discomfort, a baby may be diagnosed with GORD, which stands for Gastro-oesophogal Reflux Disease.

Some of these symptoms can be seen in an unwell, or overtired baby and might not necessarily be gastric reflux:

• Poor weight gains

• Refusal to feed, arching back, pulling away from the breast or bottle

• Severe Restlessness or unsettledness

• Not sleeping between feeds

• Chronic, small cough

• Gagging

• Deep swallowing

• Over feeding or comfort feeding

• Frequent hiccups

• Frequent spilling or gulping

• Facial expressions indicating a bad taste in the mouth

• Pulling off breast/bottle regularly

• Self-limiting feed volumes

It is sometimes caused by:

• An allergic reaction or immune response to cows milk protein

• Oesophagitis - an inflammation of the oesophagus due to stomach acid, or build up of white blood cells due to an allergic reaction to cows milk protein

• Immature digestive system

Things that you can do

There are many other symptoms of Gastric Reflux which are listed on   www.cryingoverspiltmilk.co.nz

If you are unsure, please get in touch with us.