Baby reflux, diagnose, causes and prevention | Baby Dribble the Podcast episode 16

 

Lynda and Lucy here again, and welcome to this week’s podcast! Today, we are very privileged to have a special guest in our studio—The Baby Reflux Lady, Aine Homer.

Aine holds multiple master’s degrees and has also studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, so we are incredibly excited to have her join us on the Baby Dribble podcast. We’ll be covering everything from how to read your baby’s symptoms to the impact reflux can have on both you and your baby’s sleep.

For more information, visit: www.thebabyrefluxlady.co.uk

***Competition closes at midnight on July 31, 2019***

Understanding Baby Reflux

We were fortunate to be joined by Aine Homer on our recent podcast. Known as The Baby Reflux Lady, Aine is on a mission to eradicate baby reflux. After receiving minimal support from medical professionals when her own child suffered from reflux, she became determined to ensure no parent feels as helpless as she once did. To cover as much as possible, we asked Aine some burning reflux-related questions—here’s what she had to say.

What is reflux, and what causes it?

Reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, often containing stomach acid. This acid can burn and irritate the esophagus, causing discomfort. While occasional reflux is normal, persistent reflux is not. In infants, reflux can be caused by various factors, including air buildup in the stomach, genetic predisposition, or immature muscle tone. Since babies are born with weaker lower esophageal sphincters (the muscle that keeps food down), reflux symptoms often improve when they start eating solid foods and sitting upright during meals, such as in a high chair.

What are the symptoms of reflux, and how can parents identify them?

There is no single list of symptoms, as reflux manifests differently in each baby. However, common signs include:

• Arching the back
• Trapped gas or bloating
• Grunting, squirming, and irritability
• Frequent spit-up or vomiting
• Refusal to lie flat

To pinpoint possible triggers, keep a detailed food diary for at least six weeks. Record what your baby eats and any symptoms that follow—this can help identify patterns and potential allergens or intolerances.

What steps can parents take to help their babies?

There are different strategies depending on the baby’s symptoms. Some key actions include:

• Keeping your baby upright after feeding
• Minimizing crying (since excessive crying can introduce more air into the stomach, worsening symptoms)
• Checking for tongue-tie, which can make milk digestion harder and cause more air swallowing—a pediatrician or lactation consultant can assess this

Is medication an option for treating reflux?

Yes, medication can help, but it should not be the first solution. Medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids can reduce stomach acid and protect the esophagus from damage. However, they do not address the root cause of reflux. If your baby is experiencing severe discomfort, speak with your pediatrician to determine whether medication is necessary while you work to find the underlying trigger.

As always, if you’re concerned about your baby’s reflux, consult a pediatrician or medical professional to determine the best course of action.

Baby Reflux Myths: Instagram Poll Results

We asked our Instagram followers about common baby reflux myths—let’s see how well they did!

There is no cure for colic.
61% True | 39% False

This is true—however, if parents can identify the root cause of their baby’s colic symptoms (e.g., food intolerance, trapped gas, or feeding difficulties), they can significantly reduce the symptoms.

Your baby will outgrow reflux.
88% True | 12% False

Yes, this is mostly true. As babies grow and their digestive system matures, their reflux symptoms usually subside. However, some babies may need additional support to manage symptoms early on.

What a mother eats does not transfer into her breast milk.
19% True | 81% False

This is false! What a breastfeeding mother eats *can* transfer into breast milk and potentially cause colic or reflux-related symptoms in sensitive babies. This is why keeping a food diary can help pinpoint trigger foods.

Thank You & Competition Winner Announcement

That’s everything from us today! A big thank you to Aine for sharing her expertise on baby reflux.

Congratulations to our competition winner, Frances Grainger! 🎉
You’ve won a copy of The Baby Reflux Lady’s Survival Guide! We’ll be in touch soon to send you your prize.

Baa for now! 🐑

Also read: What is nesting? Is it a real thing?