poor growth and may lead to a feeding aversion if not treated. Or, as in
Caleb’s case above, pain and inconsolable crying accompanied by
excessive spitting up was present although his weight gain was excellent.
Caleb proved that both scenarios are possible. Nonetheless, GERD
requires medical attention usually in the form of medication to decrease
gastric-acid production. In extreme situations it may require surgical
repair.
The parent-directed feeding (PDF) philosophy has an established
normative and predictable pattern of feeding behaviors. While every baby
is different, there is a range of normalcy that allows medical
professionals to assess if a child is progressing in a way consistent with
expected healthy outcomes. Dr. Bucknam gives serious consideration to
the mother who expresses concern with her baby’s excessive spitting up
(several times a day), often an hour or more after a meal, along with
distress symptoms of inconsolable crying and pain. These symptoms
suggest that the baby could have GERD. The encouraging news is this
condition is a highly manageable making it possible to relieve your
baby’s distress.
What do we know about Reflux and GERD?
There are approximately two and one-half million babies born every day
around the world, and many will experience some minor degree of reflux.
This reflux tends to naturally decrease as the digestive system matures. It
is estimated that in the United States, 3% to 5% of all newborns have
mild to severe reflux symptoms for the first few months of life. Reflux is
usually due to an immature esophagus sphincter valve. This is the valve
between the stomach and the esophagus. When working properly, it opens
to allow us to swallow, burp, or vomit, then closes immediately
afterward. Reflux occurs when the sphincter either stays relaxed or
relaxes periodically, allowing food mixed with stomach acid to back up
into the esophagus and throat, causing reoccurring pain. The condition is
what is referred to in the adult world as heartburn.
Reflux usually presents itself in the first few weeks of life. If it goes