Acid Reflux Infant Toddler

8/19/2019 Acid Reflux Infant Toddler

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The Infant, Toddler &Pregnancy Guide to Healing

Acid Reflux

In this report, you will learn exactly how to cure heartburn and acid reflux for babies,toddlers and pregnant women, using natural and easy home remedies.

Our goal is for you to be 100% satisfied and 100% cured of your heartburn and refluxsymptoms, without using any more drugs. Many of our customers have successfullycured their ailments using our natural remedies, and we are very excited to hear all thenumerous success stories that flood our email every week.

Sometimes we receive emails from people who tried our remedies without any success.If you try these remedies and do not successfully achieve better health, we certainly willrefund your purchase price promptly. Simply send an email [email protected] and let us know.

Disclaimer:The material in this report is provided for educational and informational purposes only,and is not intended to be a substitute for a health care provider's consultation.

Please consult your physician or appropriate health care provider about the applicabilityof any opinions or recommendations with respect to your own symptoms or medicalconditions.

Barton Publishing Inc., the web site and author shall have neither liability norresponsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, sickness or injury

caused or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained inthis web site or this report.

The Infant, Toddler & Pregnancy Guide to Healing Acid Reflux 2


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Table Of Contents

............................................................ Acid Reflux Kit: Babies and Infants 4

_____________________________________The Facts About Your Baby 4

____________________________________________ What Can I Expect 4

__________________________________________Signs and Symptoms 5

____________________________________________________Causes 5

____________________________________ When to Seek Medical Advice 5

_______________________________________Screening and Diagnosis 6

_______________________________________________Complications 7

__________________________________________________Treatment 7

.................................................T he Natural Remedies: Babies and Infants 9

______________________________________________Chamomile Tea 9

_________________________________________________Keep Calm 9 _____________________________________________________Sit Up 9

____________________________________________Feeding Schedule 10

___________________________________________Take Time to Burp 10

____________________________________________Check the Nipple 10

_________________________________________Thicken the Formula 10

______________________________________Raise the Head of the Crib 10

........................................................................ Acid Reflux Kit: Pregnancy 11

_____________________________________________First Trimester 11

_____________________________________________Third Trimester 11

___________________________________________During Pregnancy 12

_______________________________________ What this Means To You 12

__________________________ Acid Reflux Symptoms Before Pregnancy? 13

............................................................T he Natural Remedies: Pregnancy 14

____________________________________________________Ginger 14

____________________________________________Lifestyle Changes 14

_____________________________________Steps to Reduce Symptoms 15

_______________________________________Over-The-Counter Drugs 17

_______________________________Recommended Products and Books 18

_________________________________________________Resources 18



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Acid Reflux Kit: Babies and Infants

Acid reflux and heartburn are common among babies. But, there are natural and holistic

methods to help your baby cope with this painful and common problem.

The Facts About Your Baby

The fact is obvious, “Your baby spits up!” A LOT! Grab

your burp cloth and join the world of parenthood!

Infant acid reflux, more accurately known as

gastroesophageal reflux, is a common problem. In

fact, more than half of all babies will experience reflux

during the first few months of life.

Although infant acid reflux is most likely after a feeding, it can happen anytime your

baby coughs, cries or strains. Like it or not, it is going to be tougher on you than on your

baby. Mentally, of course! Even through all this fussing, crying and spitting up, your

baby is going to be very happy and healthy.

Infant acid reflux is a totally different issue from adults. Infants normally have a relaxed

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), so most infants have reflux. Some infants will spit

up a large amount after every feeding, while others have none at all. This, by itself, can

be normal and is not a problem. It only becomes a problem if the child is not gaining

weight or is constantly uncomfortable.

What Can I Expect

The good news is that infant acid reflux will typically resolve itself by the time your baby

reaches 12 to 18 months of age. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do keep

infant acid reflux under control.



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For starters, feeding in smaller amounts and more frequently, changing position, or

interrupting feeding to burp can greatly help you and your baby relax. In some cases

your doctor my recommend medication or other treatments.

Signs and Symptoms

Spitting up is the classic sign of infant acid reflux. Irritability during feedings and poor

feedings also are signs of infant acid reflux.

Causes

Normally, the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach relaxes and opens

only when you swallow. Otherwise, it is tightly closed and keeping stomach contents

where they belong. However, until this muscle matures, stomach contents mayoccasionally flow up the esophagus, out of your baby's mouth, and all over you and your

baby. Another cause is air bubbles in the esophagus. These may push liquid out of your

baby's mouth. It may also be due to that fact that your baby drank too much, too fast.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Normal infant acid reflux does not interfere with a baby's health, growth, happiness or

well being. But, you should contact your baby's doctor if your baby:

• Is not gaining the typical weight during that period of time

• Spits up forcefully, causing stomach contents to shoot out of his or her mouth

• Spits up more than a tablespoon or two of fluid at a time

• Spits up green or brown fluid

• Resists feedings

• Seems hungry between feedings

• Has fewer wet diapers than normal

• Appears lethargic

• Has other signs of illness, such as fever, diarrhea or difficulty breathing



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• Has a chronically hoarse voice

Some of these signs and symptoms may indicate more serious conditions, such as

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or pyloric stenosis.

•

GERD is a severe version of reflux that often causes pain, vomiting, and poor

weight gain.

• Pyloric stenosis is a rare condition in which a narrowed valve between the

stomach and the small intestine prevents stomach contents from emptying into

the small intestine. It usually develops between 2 weeks and 2 months of age and

can cause dehydration.

Screening and Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of infant acid reflux is typically based on your baby's symptoms and a

physical exam. Diagnostic tests are needed only if your baby's doctor suspects a

more serious condition, such as GERD. In these cases, diagnostic tests may

include:

o Lab tests. Your baby's doctor may do various blood and urine tests to

identify or rule out possible causes of recurring vomiting and poor weight

gain. Make sure to also get a test for allergies to milk and other allergens. Milk

allergies can lead to acid reflux and heartburn, as can other allergies.

o Esophageal pH monitoring. To determine if irritability, sleep

disturbances, or other symptoms are associated with reflux, it may be helpful

to measure the acidity in your baby's esophagus. The doctor will insert a thin

tube through your baby's nose or mouth into the esophagus. The tube is

attached to a device that monitors acidity. Your baby may need to remain in

the hospital for the monitoring, which often lasts 24 hours.



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o Upper GI series. If the doctor suspects a gastrointestinal obstruction, he or

she may recommend a series of X-rays known as an upper gastrointestinal

(GI) series. Before the X-rays, your baby may drink a white, chalky liquid

(barium). The barium coats the stomach, which helps any abnormalities to

show up more clearly on the X-rays.

o Upper endoscopy. Your baby's doctor may use this procedure to identify or

rule out problems in the esophagus, such as narrowing (stricture) or

inflammation (esophagitis). The doctor will insert a special tube, equipped

with a camera lens and light, through your baby's mouth into the esophagus,

stomach, and first part of the small intestine. Samples of any suspicious areas

may be taken for analysis. For infants and children, endoscopy is usually done

under general anesthesia.

Complications

In rare cases, infant acid reflux has lead to poor growth, breathing problems, or blood

loss from stomach acid irritating the esophagus. Some research indicates that people

who develop GERD as infants or children may also experience the condition during

adulthood. In very rare cases surgery may be needed.

Treatment

Most cases of infant acid reflux clear up on their own once the baby’s body matures a

little. Treatment is typically limited to simple changes in your feeding technique, such as

using smaller, more frequent feedings, interrupting feedings to burp, or holding your

baby upright during feedings.

If you are breast-feeding, your baby's doctor may suggest that you avoid cow's milk or

certain other foods. If you feed your baby formula, sometimes switching brands helps.

This is because cows milk is sometimes not easily digested, so changing to an elemental

formula may make a difference. But, of course, breast-feeding is always best.



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For babies with severe reflux or GERD, more aggressive treatment may be needed.

• Medication. If your baby is uncomfortable, the doctor may prescribe infant

doses of medications commonly used to treat heartburn in adults. Choices may

include H-2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac), or

proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole (Nexium) or omeprazole

(Prilosec). Although these medications are considered safe for use in infants and

children with GERD, a 2006 study noted an increased risk of intestinal and

respiratory infections in otherwise healthy children taking these medications. In

fact, any medication is not 100% safe, so always consult your baby’s doctor.

• Typically a teaspoon of Mylanta will give instant relief. If it does not, look for

another cause of the discomfort.

• Alternative feeding methods. If your baby is not growing well, higher calorie

feedings or a feeding tube may be recommended.

• Surgery. Rarely, the muscle that relaxes to let food into the stomach (the lower

esophageal sphincter) must be surgically tightened so that less acid is likely to

flow back into the esophagus. The procedure, known as fundoplication, is usually

reserved for the few babies who have reflux severe enough to interfere with

breathing or growth. Although surgery can reduce GERD symptoms, the

complications are potentially serious — including persistent gagging during

feedings.



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The Natural Remedies: Babies and Infants

Infant acid reflux is a totally different issue from adults. Infants normally have a relaxed

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), so most infants have reflux. Some infants will spit

up a large amount after every feeding. Others will have none at all. This, by itself, can be

normal and is not necessarily a problem. It only becomes a problem if the child is not

gaining weight or is constantly uncomfortable.

It is a good idea to spill an ounce of formula or milk on the counter and see what an

ounce of reflux would be. This can help with estimating amounts.

Like the old saying, “Reflux Happens…” Well, not exactly…but you get the idea. Here is

what you can do to minimize the mess:

Chamomile Tea

Sometimes small amounts of chamomile tea (1-3 tablespoons per bottle) can be very

effective. Enzymes and probiotics can also be useful, even in breast-fed infants.

Keep Calm

Make each feeding peaceful and relaxed. Feed your baby before he or she becomes

frantic, and do not rush it.

Sit Up

Feed your baby in an upright position. Follow each feeding with 15 to 30 minutes in a

sitting position. Try a front pack, backpack or infant seat. Gravity can help stomach

contents stay where they belong. Be careful not to jostle or jiggle your baby while the

food is settling. There are many great feeding products such as wedges, seats for

posture, and bottles that can help reduce the stress on you and your baby while keeping

them in an upright position.



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Feeding Schedule

Try smaller, more frequent feedings. Feed your baby an ounce less than usual or limit

nursing sessions to just one breast.

Take Time to BurpTake time to burp. Frequent burps during and after each feeding can keep air from

building up in your baby's stomach. Sit your baby upright, supporting his or her head

with your hand. Avoid burping your baby over your shoulder, which may put pressure

on your baby's abdomen.

Check the Nipple

If you are using a bottle, make sure the hole in the nipple is the right size. If it is too

large, the milk will flow too fast. If it is too small,

your baby may get frustrated and gulp air. A nipple

that is the right size will allow a few drops of milk to

fall out when you hold the bottle upside down. Try

Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Bottles.

Thicken the FormulaIf your baby's doctor approves, add a small amount of rice cereal to your baby's formula.

You may need to enlarge the hole in the nipple to make sure your baby can drink the

thickened formula.

Raise the Head of the Crib

Lying flat may aggravate reflux. Place your baby to sleep on his or her back, but elevate

the head of your baby's crib 30 degrees. You can also try wedges and motion beds. You

can find all of these items at your local baby store. Of course, consult your baby’s doctor

before trying any of these methods.

Remember, reflux is usually little cause for concern for your baby’s health. It is going to



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be mores stressful for you; so be relaxed, but well informed. Keep plenty of burp cloths

handy as you ride it out.

Acid Reflux Kit: Pregnancy

Almost every pregnant woman experiences indigestion and heartburn at some point

during their pregnancy. This will occur even for those women who have never

experienced it before. Heartburn and acid reflux can occur for a number of reasons.

• Increased levels of hormones

• Pressure on the stomach from the growing fetus

• Weight gain from the pregnancy

• Problems with acid reflux prior to pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract, so food tends to

move more slowly and digestion is sluggish. This causes many pregnant women to feel

bloated and uncomfortable.

It is estimated that as many as 80% of pregnant women have GERD (gastroesophageal

reflux disease) or acid reflux symptoms. These symptoms will vary from mild to very

severe. It is rarely serious among pregnant women, and is limited to the length of the

pregnancy.

First Trimester

Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester, mainly due to the rising level of

the female hormone, estrogen and progesterone circulating in the blood stream. Acid

reflux symptoms are more common in the third trimester when there is more strain on

the stomach, which forces food back up the esophagus.

Third Trimester

In the third trimester, the uterus is larger and has pushed up into the upper abdomen,

causing distortion among the organs in the abdomen. During this stage of pregnancy,



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the stomach will push up against the diaphragm. This can affect the competence of the

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and cause acid reflux and heartburn. It can also

force part of the stomach up through the diaphragmatic hiatus. This is called hiatus

hernia and can result in acid reflux.

In addition, weight gain during pregnancy (especially in the apple shape) will settle

around the waist. This weight will press on the abdomen and increase the intra-

abdominal pressure. This pressure on the LES may force food back up into the

esophagus, causing discomfort and resulting in acid reflux.

During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels need to be high to maintain the

pregnancy. The ovaries produce these two female hormones until the placenta takes

over. These hormones relax smooth muscles of the uterus and are necessary to allow the

uterus to stretch to accommodate the developing pregnancy.

Unfortunately, this muscle relaxation is not confined to the uterus. The muscles of the

gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) are also affected. In the large bowel, reduced strength of

peristaltic contraction leads to the slower movement of food and waste, and will likely

lead to constipation. In the esophagus, it reduces the tone of the Lower Esophageal

Sphincter (LES), allowing reflux and slowing down peristalsis (the smooth muscle

contractions that propel food through the esophagus).

What this Means To You

The food that you swallow is moved slower and the LES is lax, or not strict enough to

move the food effectively through the esophagus, increasing the chances of acid reflux

and heartburn symptoms. A double burden on you and your acid reflux pain.



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Acid Reflux Symptoms Before Pregnancy?

Patients who have had GERD or acid reflux symptoms before getting pregnant tend to

have severe GERD during pregnancy. Sometimes in pregnancy GERD can be so severe

that hospitalization is necessary.

Also, vomiting can be so severe that weight loss is inevitable. In pregnancy, regular

weight gain is expected. Weight loss suggests a referral to a gastroenterologist—

especially if the weight is below the pre-pregnancy weight.

Severe GERD can lead also lead to malnutrition. This can be harmful to both the mother

and fetus. This time of development is especially important for the fetus because it is the

time of vital development and growth.



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The Natural Remedies: Pregnancy

There are many natural remedies for treating Acid Reflux, GERD, hiatal hernia and

heartburn during pregnancy. The most important thing during the treatment is that you

and your baby are staying healthy, and that your doctor is aware of your symptoms, as

well as the remedies you are taking.

Ginger

Ginger is a good safe treatment of GERD in pregnancy. You really only need a small

amount for it to be effective. Ginger is good because it can stimulate saliva production.

Saliva is a natural antacid, because it helps neutralize the stomach acids. Ginger helps

relieve nausea and vomiting, as well as gas.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle change is important. If still smoking and drinking alcohol, it is time to stop—

not only for yourself, but also due to the dangers these will add to your baby’s health.

Elevating the head of the bed is beneficial. Lying on the left side is best. In this position

the stomach is lower than the esophagus.

Avoid, or reduce your intake, of fats, coffee, tea, chocolate, certain

citrus fruits, certain spices, tomatoes and garlic. When exercising,

avoid bouncing up and down and exercises that involve bending

forward.

Stick to exercises that keep you upright. Stretching exercises and

walking are unlikely to aggravate GERD and acid reflux

symptoms.



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Steps to Reduce Symptoms

Though you may not be able to completely eliminate heartburn, there are many steps

you can take to reduce symptoms during your pregnancy.

• Do not eat foods that are known heartburn triggers. These include

chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato-based products, mustard,

vinegar, mint products, as well as spicy, highly-seasoned, fried, and fatty foods.

For a complete list of foods to avoid, and those safe to eat, check out Acid Reflux

Cookbook: Foods to eat and avoid. (Comes with the Reflux Remedy System.)

• Avoid drinks containing caffeine (coffee, tea, cola’s) because these can relax

the LES and allow acid to reflux back into the esophagus.

• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol relaxes the LES and allows reflux back into the

esophagus. (Should also avoid alcohol because of the pregnancy complications it

will have).

• Do not eat big meals. Eat several smaller meals throughout the day instead.

• Do not rush through your meals. Take your time eating, and chew

thoroughly.

• Wait at least three hours after your last meal before going to bed.

• It is important to drink plenty of water during pregnancy (8-10 glasses

daily) along with other fluids, but do not drink these only at mealtimes.

Sometimes, avoiding water during meals will help reduce the likelihood of acid

reflux symptoms after meals. Large quantities of fluids can distend your stomach,

putting more pressure on the LES and forcing it to open inappropriately. Drink

your fluids in between meals and throughout the day in small quantities.



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• Sleep with your head and shoulders propped up with a wedge pillow, or

elevate the head of your bed six to eight inches. This will allow gravity to work for

you and help keep your stomach acids where they should be—in your stomach

and not in your esophagus.

• Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Any tightness around your waist

and stomach will aggravate symptoms of acid reflux.

• Bend at the knees instead of at the waist. Bending at the waist puts more

pressure on your stomach.

• Sit upright in a comfortable chair rather than slouching.

• Gain a sensible amount of weight and stay within the guidelines your doctor

suggests. Too much weight gain, and obesity, puts more pressure on your

stomach, and can force stomach contents through the LES back into your

esophagus.

• Do not smoke. While your doctor may urge you break the habit because you are

pregnant, smoking can also increase your odds of experiencing acid reflux.

• Over-the-counter drugs. You should always check with your doctor before

taking any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs while pregnant. Many of the OTC drugs

can be dangerous to your health, as well as the health of your baby. However,

there are a few choices you have that can help eliminate heartburn. Some

heartburn relievers may prove helpful, such as:

• Tums

• Maalox

• Mylanta

• Rolaids

• Gaviscon



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Again, it is important that you check with your doctor before taking any of these

remedies.

Over-The-Counter Drugs

Antacids can be safe to take during pregnancy because they do not cross the placenta

into the baby's circulation.

However, antacids contain many toxic and dangerous ingredients, so be wary. One

ingredient is sodium (sodium bicarbonate), which can cause fluid retention. Aluminum

can prevent absorption of minerals critical to a healthy calcium metabolism, as well as

make constipation during pregnancy worse. Magnesium can slow down labor.

The few antacids listed above are in Category A. The categories were laid down by the

FDA in 1979 and are related to safety profile and potential harm to the fetus. Category A

is safe in pregnancy.

The H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are in Category B, except

omeprazole (Prilosec), which is in Category C. These drugs cross the placenta, and trial

results are not adequate to consider them safe during pregnancy.

Your doctor will be able to tell you the safe OTC drugs to take during pregnancy, but

make sure you discuss natural remedies as well. They typically have far less negative

impact on the health of your baby.


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Recommended Products and Books

Products

• Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottles

• The Pollywog Wedge

• Baby Motion Bed

• Swaddling blankets

Books

• "Colic Solved", written by Dr. Bryan Vartabedian. (2007) *(Don’t let the name

fool you. It is about Infant Acid Reflux.)

• "Making Life Better for a Baby with Acid Reflux", written by Tracy Davenport and

Mike Davenport, Ed.D. (2004)

Resources

For a list of FDA approved drugs and approved ages, you can check out the FDA site

below:

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/TipsforParents/default.htm

The Infant Toddler & Pregnancy Guide to Healing Acid Reflux 18
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/TipsforParents/default.htmhttp://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/TipsforParents/default.htmhttp://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/TipsforParents/default.htm

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