Hello!

Hi MoM, I would love to hear from other mums and what their experiences might be. My son seems to bring up a fair amount of milk after every milk feed (he is breastfed but sometimes this is from a bottle) and it probably just looks to be more than it really is but I would like to know if I should take him to a doctor? Does my 8 month old have reflux? Thanks

Posted by Emily 17/06/2013

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  • This is a complex question. Firstly is bubs gaining weight and pooing and weeing normally? If so it could mean bubs is drinking a bit too much too quickly while breast or bottle feeding and it is just a little too much for him to take in, so up the excess comes. Sometimes bubs can get too much milk too quickly. I know with my last bub no 4 I had so much milk at one stage I used to lay on my back and get bubs to suck up hill to slow down the milk flow! On the other hand if when bubs brings up the excess milk it is forceful and projectile in nature then I would seek medical advice as it could be some medical condition. When in doubt or you are worried about bubs going to the dr will often put your worries or concerns to rest. Hope this helps. All the best. kindest regards. Robyn


  • Hope it has all passed and that he is no longer spilling


  • I am sure it has all worked out now he is older.


  • Hope your son get better now.


  • This really is a question for your doctor or health nurse, by 8 months babies should have overcome a weak esophageal sphincter but each child is different, my 8 month old will still have a little vom is people pick her up too soon after a feed.


  • how did it go? :)


  • Thankfully our bub never had reflux but if you are worried it is always good to ask a health nurse or doctor


  • Did you find out if it was reflux?


  • It could be – speak to your pediatrician.


  • It could well be a bit of reflux, especially if it is happening with breast milk.


  • Did you end up finding whether it was reflux or not?


  • If you’re really worried talk to your doctor, but it could just be a bit of wind from guzzling too fast. That’s what happened with my son, it eventually stopped when he learnt to slow down


  • Maybe it’s jus not the right formula. Doesn’t agree with him


  • Hope that helped :-)


  • What is reflux?
    Reflux is what happens when your baby’s stomach contents come back up into his food pipe (oesophagus) or even into his mouth. The long name for reflux is gastro-oesophageal reflux.

    If your baby also has pain, poor growth or gets chest infections caused by him breathing the contents of his stomach into his lungs, he may have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

    Babies get reflux because the muscular valve at the end of the food pipe, which acts to keep food in the tummy, hasn’t developed properly yet. This means that when your baby’s tummy is full, food and acid can come back up. This can cause him to bring up small amounts of milk (possetting) or even vomit.

    During the first year of your baby’s life, the muscular valve gradually gets stronger and better at keeping food down, so his chance of having reflux decreases. About half of babies will get some reflux during their first three months, but it’s only a real problem for a small percentage of these. By 10 months only about five per cent of babies have reflux.
    How will I know if my baby has reflux?
    Your baby may bring up a little milk after a feed or have hiccups. He may occasionally cough after bringing up milk if a little has gone “down the wrong way”.

    This is normal and as long as your baby is otherwise well, you don’t need to worry. Just make sure you always have a tissue or wash cloth to hand. Both formula-fed and breastfed babies can have reflux.
    Should I take my baby to see a doctor?
    Bringing up a little milk after feeds is nothing to worry about. But speak to your child health nurse or doctor if you notice any of the following:
    your baby’s reflux is happening so often that his weight gain is affected by it.
    your baby cries excessively after feeds, as if he is in pain
    your baby coughs a lot after feeds

    Are there any treatments for reflux?
    If your baby’s reflux is mild, and he’s still feeding well and isn’t too upset by it, then the following may help:
    hold your baby upright for up to 20 minutes after each feed
    try giving your baby smaller but more frequent feeds
    if you bottle feed your baby, burp him every two or three minutes during feeds
    If your baby’s reflux is more severe, see your doctor, who may advise these treatments:
    Adding feed thickener to expressed breastmilk or formula for two weeks, or using a pre-thickened formula. They are available on prescription from your doctor, and you will be able to buy these milks from your pharmacy. Only use them on the advice of your child health nurse or doctor.

    An antacid such as infant Gaviscon. If you are breastfeeding, you can add it to expressed breastmilk or cooled boiled water, or it can be mixed in with your baby’s formula. If you’re unsure about how much to give your baby, check the packet or ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Other medications such as ranitidine or omeprazole may be prescribed by your doctor, which reduce the acidity in your baby’s stomach to reduce the pain of reflux
    The symptoms of reflux can be very similar to the symptoms of a cow’s milk allergy or intolerance. If you breastfeed your baby, you may need to stop drinking cow’s milk or having food or drinks containing cow’s milk. Or if your baby is formula-fed ask your doctor about prescribing him a hypoallergenic formula for a couple of weeks to see if it helps.

    If there is doubt about the diagnosis of reflux, then your doctor may refer your baby to a paediatrician.

    Your baby may also be referred to a paediatrician if:
    there is blood in your baby’s vomit
    your baby becomes anaemic (he doesn’t produce enough red blood cells)
    your baby has persistent coughing or frequent chest infections
    your baby doesn’t gain enough weight or begins to refuse feeds
    your baby is having difficulty swallowing
    These symptoms are rare but indicate GORD and you should see your doctor if you are worried about any of them. Remember that most babies will bring up a little milk after feeding, and without complications. Reassure yourself that things will get better as your baby grows.


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