DOES MY BABY HAVE SILENT REFLUX? - SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Summary

In this video, Sarah shares her experience as a mom dealing with her son's silent reflux. She details the difficult symptoms she noticed in her baby, Lachlan, including irritability, feeding issues, and sleep problems, which were hard to identify initially. Sarah offers insights on how silent reflux affects babies, such as excessive crying, back arching, and difficulty settling. She highlights the emotional toll it takes on parents and emphasizes the importance of seeking proper diagnosis and help. The video aims to guide and support parents facing similar challenges with silent reflux.

Takeaways

• 😀 Silent reflux is a condition where stomach acid rises into the esophagus, often without visible vomiting, making it harder to diagnose.
• 😀 Babies with silent reflux can appear irritable, fussy, and in pain, with episodes of intense crying that may last for extended periods.
• 😀 Feeding problems are common with silent reflux, as babies may pull away from the breast or bottle, struggle to latch, and seem uncomfortable during feedings.
• 😀 Babies with silent reflux often prefer a very quiet, calm environment to feed, sometimes needing complete silence or a darkened room.
• 😀 Silent reflux babies have trouble sleeping on their backs, often preferring to sleep upright due to the discomfort caused by acid reflux.
• 😀 Physical symptoms of silent reflux include arching the back, stiffening of the body, and pulling knees toward the chest, all signs of pain and discomfort.
• 😀 Babies with silent reflux can be sensitive to noise and easily upset, which may cause them to appear more demanding or high-maintenance.
• 😀 Digestive issues such as gassiness, explosive stools, and a noisy tummy are also common in babies with silent reflux.
• 😀 The emotional toll on parents is significant, with sleep deprivation and helplessness being common struggles during the silent reflux phase.
• 😀 It’s crucial for parents to trust their instincts and continue advocating for their baby if they suspect silent reflux, even if some doctors are dismissive.
• 😀 Silent reflux can be difficult to manage, but with the right support and treatment, parents can find relief and help their baby feel more comfortable.

Q & A

What is silent reflux, and how is it different from regular reflux?

Silent reflux is a condition where stomach acid rises into the esophagus without causing vomiting, which is typically seen in regular reflux. It's called 'silent' because it doesn't have the usual telltale sign of spitting up, but can lead to significant discomfort, including irritability, feeding issues, and trouble sleeping.

How did Sarah realize that Lachlan might have silent reflux?

Sarah first noticed something wasn't right with Lachlan around four months old when he became very irritable, sensitive, and seemed to be in a lot of pain. It was only after someone mentioned silent reflux on one of her videos that she researched the symptoms and found they matched what Lachlan was experiencing.

What are some of the key symptoms of silent reflux in babies?

The main symptoms of silent reflux include irritability, frequent crying or fussiness, difficulty settling, discomfort during or after feeding, trouble sleeping (especially lying flat), and an overall sense of stress or pain. Babies may also arch their backs, pull their knees up, and have a stiff tummy due to pain.

How can silent reflux affect a baby's feeding habits?

Babies with silent reflux may pull off the breast or bottle frequently, seem to gulp down too much milk, and may struggle with latch or feeding comfort. They might also need a very quiet or darkened environment to feed or may experience gagging, spluttering, and excessive discomfort while feeding.

What challenges did Sarah face with Lachlan's sleep due to silent reflux?

Lachlan had great difficulty sleeping, especially on his back, due to the discomfort of acid rising in his esophagus. He needed to sleep upright, and Sarah often had to hold him to help him sleep. He also struggled to settle into deep sleep, with very short naps and frequent waking.

What did Sarah do to try to help Lachlan sleep more comfortably?

Sarah tried various methods, including wedges, bedside cribs, and sleep positioners, but nothing seemed to help. Lachlan only felt more comfortable sleeping upright, often requiring Sarah to hold him, and he was unsettled in a flat position like a crib or Moses basket.

Can silent reflux be confused with colic in babies?

Yes, silent reflux can often be mistaken for colic. Both conditions involve excessive crying and discomfort, but colic typically occurs at specific times of the day and lasts for a few hours, while silent reflux can cause discomfort all day long, with brief moments of calm.

How does silent reflux affect a baby's emotional state?

Babies with silent reflux may appear very sensitive, crying often, and being easily upset. They may need constant attention and comfort, and are sometimes mischaracterized as 'demanding' or 'fussy' if the condition is not diagnosed. The emotional toll can be hard for both the baby and the parents.

What is the relationship between silent reflux and feeding schedules?

Babies with silent reflux may require frequent feeding, sometimes to comfort themselves, as feeding can help keep the acid down. In some cases, comfort feeding can become a way to manage discomfort, but it also becomes a cycle that can be hard to break without medical intervention.

What advice does Sarah give to parents who suspect their baby has silent reflux?

Sarah advises parents to trust their instincts and continue seeking help if they suspect their baby has silent reflux. She emphasizes the importance of persistent advocacy, as some doctors may dismiss the condition. She recommends speaking to health professionals who are more open to the possibility of silent reflux.