General Reflux Question

Hi Glenda,
Firstly, I just wanted to say thank you for all your support and advice that you give to the mums and dads of reflux babies. I came across your forum when my DD was 3 months old and it changed our lives for the better. Olivia had been showing all the reflux signs, bottle refusal, arching back, crying etc.. and I was going out of my mind with worry. When I mentioned her signs to various health professionals it was always the same advice .. change the teat!!! Once I had identified (through your RSIA website and this forum) that Olivia had reflux I was then able to go to my paed and get a prescribtion for Zantac which has led to a happier baby and a happier mummy!

I just have a couple of questions for you.

1. Olivia is now starting to fuss/not swallow her milk again so I know that I should increase her Zantac. How do you calculate what the dosage should be?

2. My paed has suggested that I start Olivia on solids (she is now 5 months). What is your advice / what solids do you suggest a reflux baby should start with.

Thanks again

Sonya

Hi Sonya,

Thank you so much for the feedback. It is fantastic to hear that we have been able to help you so much, and also that the Zantac made such a big difference too. I will pass your lovely words onto the others in the organisation- I'm sure they will appreciate them as well.

With your question on Zantac, I'm sorry, but please talk to your doctor about that- there would be many factors involved in deciding what dose is appropriate for her, and that is a job for a doctor. As reflux parents ourselves, we aren't qualified to answer that, sorry.

It may not be necessary to have the Zantac increased at the moment, if you are going to start solids as well. Sometimes it can be very confusing if you make more than one change at the same time, as you may not know which one is responsible for helping (or hindering). It can be very confusing as you try to figure it out, so increasing Zantac or introducing solids may be better done separately. Of course, you do need to do what your instincts tell you to do, but you also need to talk to your doctor about the Zantac anyway, so it may help to talk to them about solids as well.

When you do start solids, either now or later, it would be best to introduce something bland, like rice cereal. It's important too, to remember why they are being introduced, and if they are given early, it isn't for nutrition, but for reflux management. Don’t be in a hurry to introduce other solids in that situation, until age appropriate to do so, and even then do so very gradually.

I hope that information helps, and thanks once again for your kind words.

Glenda