Jan Gambino
Careful Eating for Babies with Reflux
I believe children with reflux are careful eaters-eating a little here, a nibble there in an effort to control the reflux. Some call a child with reflux a picky eater but I believe a child with reflux is careful about eating so she can avoid discomfort and reflux trigger foods.
Many babies with reflux are careful eaters too. Some babies with reflux are comfort eaters, eating a lot and gaining weight More >
Ask the Reflux Mom: Autism and GERD Treatment Challenges
Dear Reflux Mom,
I’m desperately seeking help for my 12 year old son with autism. My son was normally calm and quiet until the past few months when he became very restless, screaming and having severe tantrums, self injury behaviors and endless sleepless nights. We brought him to many doctors, including a recent visit to an out of state children’s hospital to find out why his behavior has changed and if it is related More >
I am a Mama Lion-Not a Tiger Mother
There has been a great deal of talk about Tiger Mothers, moms who set high educational and achievement standards for their children. I expect a lot of my children but I am not a Tiger Mom. Rather, I am a Mama Lion- fiercely protective of my cubs, ready to pounce if needed to keep them safe. You know the saying, “Don’t mess with the Mama Lion”. Well, that applies to me when it comes to the health and well being of my children.
Cleft Lip/Palate and Infant Reflux
Cleft lip and palate are common birth defects in infants, often occurring together. The upper lip and roof (palate) of the mouth doesn’t close forming a gap that may be very small or very large, affecting the entire lip and palate. Cleft lip and palate may cause difficulties with feeding and speech. In addition, cleft lip and palate may occur with gastroesophageal reflux, making feeding even more challenging.
Constipation and Infant Reflux
Constipation and infant gastroesophageal reflux sometimes occur together, effectively doubling the misery since both constipation and reflux may cause fussiness and digestive discomfort.
Constipation is defined as hard, dry bowel movements. A constipated infant may cry out, strain, pull up her legs or have blood in the stool. Infant constipation may be caused by diet, medication or dehydration.
The Asthma-Reflux Connection
My daughter started wheezing in early infancy and she was sick almost continuously with a respiratory illness, ear infection or pneumonia. She was on all kinds of medications from antibiotics, breathing treatments and steroids. The signs of asthma were frequent and obvious: wheezing and coughing with every illness or exposure to smoke and other irritants. It took a long time to figure out that gastroesophageal reflux disease was driving More >
Sleep Feeding Survey
Sleep Feeding Survey:
Does your baby fuss and cry when you present the bottle or breast? Only drink if she is drowsy or asleep?
Please fill out a survey to help parents and doctors understand this condition.
Link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/sleepfeeding-infants
Source: http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/96/125003/feeding-survey
Is Reflux “Functional”?
Last time, I discussed the communication problems that might arise when a baby has worrisome digestive symptoms such as Gastroesophageal Reflux. The baby, the parent (often the mother) and the doctor may see things from different points of view resulting in a breakdown of communication. After evaluating the baby, the doctor may tell the mother that the baby is “healthy” and the tests were “normal”. The doctor has More >
One Baby-Three Points of View
So let’s say there is a little baby with Gastroesophageal reflux. She is sweet and beautiful but every time she drinks her bottle, she cries and turns away. As soon as the bottle goes away, she smiles and grabs her toys or her mom’s glasses.
Baby’s Point of View:
“I don’t like to drink my bottle.”
“It tastes yucky and makes me feel gassy and uncomfortable. More >