Diagnosing reflux
Medical treatments for reflux
Natural therapies for reflux
Support strategies for reflux
'Reflux' is known medically as 'Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux' (or 'GOR'). Reflux is the regurgitation of stomach contents back up into the baby's oesophagus, usually leading to vomiting. The oesophagus is a long, muscular tube that connects the top part of the baby's stomach to their mouth (it is also known as the 'gullet'). Reflux happens in babies because of an immature relaxation of their muscle valve (or 'sphincter') that separates the top of their stomach from their oesophagus. This muscle valve remains loosely open (instead of being closed tightly after letting food or liquids through, as it is supposed to). This relaxed opened muscle can then allow partially digested milk (and sometimes burning stomach acids) to come back up from the baby's stomach, usually within an hour of them feeding. A delay in the emptying of milk from the baby's stomach into their bowel can also contribute to reflux.
Reflux is a normal physical process for most babies. Many will vomit easily and often, bringing up small (or quite substantial) amounts of milk, not appearing bothered by it and seeming quite content before and after vomiting. However, about 8% of newborn babies (with premature babies being more likely), can have excessive vomiting leading to health conditions and/or painful 'silent reflux', where the baby may not physically vomit, but the stomach acid comes part of the way back up the oesophagus, causing a burning discomfort, similar to heartburn or indigestion. This is because the oesophagus (or gullet) does not have an acid-protective lining like the stomach, causing irritation and inflammation. If you have experienced heartburn yourself then you can appreciate the discomfort and pain that your baby may feel.