Colic and Reflux

In the early weeks, it is NORMAL for a baby to “spit-up” and around half of all newborns do, at least once a day.  As a baby’s digestive system matures, this usually decreases and for most mothers it is a short-term inconvenience. Some helpful statistics:

• Spitting up usually occurs right after baby eats, but it may also occur 1-2 hours after a feeding.
• Half of all 0-3 month old babies spit up at least once per day.
• Spitting up usually peaks at 2-4 months.
• Many babies outgrow spitting up by 7-8 months.
• Most babies have stopped spitting up by 12 months.

If your baby is a ‘Happy Spitter’ – gaining weight well, spitting up without discomfort and content most of the time — spitting up is a laundry & social problem rather than a medical issue and medication is not usually recommended in most cases.  Check out this article Spitting Up & Reflux in the Breastfed Baby – KellyMom.com and further along this page for self-help tips.

However, in some babies the valve between the stomach and oesophagus does not close properly. The stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus and can cause vomiting. There are several reasons a baby may vomit and a doctor will need to rule out other causes, but one possible diagnosis is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), also referred to as GOR (gastro-oesophageal reflux).  More information here  plus helpful info on why introducing solids earlier or switching to formula is probably not the answer and can make matters worse.

• Helpful videos – How to achieve a deep and effective latch and also How to recognise when a baby is drinking well
• Nipple shields – please discuss with your Health Visitor or NCT peer supporter
• Reflux and breastfeeding
• Anya.  The 24/7 pregnancy, parenting and baby feeding support app which has many features including webinars – join today for FREE access to the premium features
• NCT infant feeding peer support offer home visits and face to face groups

• Responsive bottle feeding can help alleviate colic and reflux symptoms – see video for tips
• NHS Start 4 life Guide to safe bottle feeding – ensure that formula fed infants’ milk is being made up correctly to Department of Health guidelines – i.e. fresh water in kettle, at least 70 degrees C, making up feeds as you need them, etc. This will reduce the risk of the gut being overrun by illness-causing bacteria.
• First Steps Nutrition’s Infant Milks Guide

• Baby Massage – NCT tips and benefits can be found here.  Also many local Children’s centres offer free sessions – contact your local centre for more info
• Wearing baby in a sling can meet many of baby’s needs, whilst allowing you to get other things done around the house or see to older children.  There may be a sling library near you where trained supporters can guide you in selecting the right one for you to hire.  It can also allow an ideal opportunity for a Dad or partner to bond with Baby.  Ask your Health Visitor,  or NCT peer support service for details of your local service or see our webpage for links.  Remember – When wearing a sling follow the TICKS acronym for safety.
• Technique for calming the unsettled baby by Shel Banks IBCLC
• Wonky winding technique by Shel Banks IBCLC
• ‘The Hold’ by Dr Robert Hamilton can help soothe an unsettled baby
• Shel Banks IBCLC specialises in the unsettled baby – she has many recorded Q&A sessions available to access free on her Facebook page where colic, reflux and CMPA is often covered.

• Facebook groups can be a vital source of peer support to know that you’re not alone going through this – search Facebook for helpful groups.
• Chat with your Health Visitor – 0300 2470040 or view our webinar on this topic 

If you are feeling overwhelmed, contact the Cry-sis Service or visit ICON  

View our recorded webinar on Colic and Reflux for lots of tips and helpful information here.