52
answers
J.D.
asks from
Eureka, CA
on
March 21, 2008
Spit up Crazy!
I am a new mom of a wonderful 6 week-old girl who happens to spit-up tremendous amounts throughout the day. She is breastfed, healthy and gaining weight at a normal to rapid pace so I am not worried that she is not getting enough milk. However a few other moms have commented on the amount that she spits up making me think it may be abnormal or that there may be something I can do about this. It comes up and spills out frequently and in large amounts. Needless to say we are both changing our clothes several times throughout the day or just throwing up our hands and calling it our new perfume! Not sure if she may be overeating, reflux, or positioning perhaps? This happens if I sit her up to burp or let her rest, though it seems less common in the middle of the night when she stays in one position during and after feeding. I still have a few weeks until her next checkup so I'm hoping other moms out there can either relate or give suggestions? Until then, I'm thinking of buying head to toe burp cloths for me and baby to stay clean and dry!
So What Happened?™
Its been quite a while since I posted my question and received so many helpful and reassuring responses. So thank you to all who took your time to write about your own experiences. My daughter eventually just grew out of the spitting up without the aid of medication or any major diet changes on my part. I did try reducing milk in my diet some but was never quite sure if it was helping or not. In any case, she is now two and quite healthy, definitely another phase we lived through but at the time was worrisome... I guess that's par for the course being a parent, and especially a new one. Thanks again mamas!
Featured Answers
M.B.
answers from
San Francisco
on
April 03, 2008
Both my kids spit up quite a bit. With my daughter (now 8), she was gaining weight fine so we didn't do anything and she eventually out grew it. It seemed to help to hold her in an up right position for 20-30 minutes after she ate. With my son (now 5), the spitting up was more extreme and his weight gain slowed down at about 6 months. We had him tested and he had bad reflux. With some medicine, the problem was solved. And he only took the medicine for about 6 months or so. Hope this helps!
M.
L.M.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 24, 2008
The same thing happened to me and my son...he eventually grew out of it! The Pedi suggested not to let him continue to lie down after being breastfed, and to sit him up, or lie him on my chest up-right for a while until the milk was settled in his tummy...this seemed to help a lot!
S.S.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 23, 2008
As long as she's putting on weight, I don't think you have anything to worry about-- except all that extra laundry. My son was the same way when he was an infant, but he was quite healthy. One of the last times he spit up, he was about 5 or 6 months old. I had just told his grandma that he hardly ever spit up anymore, and handed him to her, whereupon he spat up on the fancy silk dress she was wearing to attend my cousin's wedding. We got through that too!
More Answers
T.S.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
Boy do I remember those days. My son spit up so much (both frequency and quantity) that I was afraid to let anyone hold him without giving them a towel first. Everything constantly smelled like sour milk. He was breastfed, also, although I don't know if that had anything to do with it. He also gained weight, so our pedi wasn't concerned. Just hang in there and keep lots of burp cloths (I used cloth diapers) handy in every room and a change of clothes (for both of you) when you go out. We also had a huge collection of bibs, and he was never without one unless he was sleeping. For my son this stopped by 5 months. That may seem like an eternity now, but trust me, it will go by so fast!
Good luck!
T.
C.K.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
My second child spit up like crazy. We finally decided it was because I had a fast let- down and the milk came so fast that she couldn't swallow without getting lots of bubbles. She gained weight just fine and did not ever have projectile vomiting. If that should happen please call your pediatrician immediately.
I remember going to buy small hand towels for burp rags because she spit us such a large volume of milk.
Once your milk supply is more regulated to her demand it shouldn't be so bad.
I'm sure other mothers will have some suggestions--La Leche League ladies are very knowledgeable about breast feeding so you may want to call them for advise as well.
Blessings to you and your baby girl!
C.
S.L.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 24, 2008
don't worry, as long as she is putting on weight she will be ok. My son spit up all the time in massive amounts. I always smelled like spit up, but he was the fatest little baby ever. Sometimes the valve that keeps the food in the stomach is just not really mature and somtimes they just have had enough. Best of luck.
K.J.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
first off congrats!! i also have a 6 week old girl (exactly 6 wks today!) i also have a 27 month old boy and a hubby who is sometimes the third child ;)
does she seem irritated, in pain or upset when she spits up? Cause if not, i know it may look like a HUGE amount, but it can be totally normal. if she seem in pain or uncomfortable, she very well could have some reflux issues.
i have fast let-down and overproduction with breastfeeding, so my little ones both had the experience of getting too much milk too fast and still wanting to suck (so they'd end up overeating at some mealtimes) so that's also a possibility for you (that maybe your milk just comes out fast and she fills up quickly but keep eating).
if she doesn't seem in pain i think it's totally okay to wait for your next check up...if she IS though, i'd definitely call and go in sooner. reflux can be so painful to the little ones. (i used to care for preemie twins who had it and were on 2 diff meds for it...helped SO much!)
Good luck and enjoy every single minute. it seriously goes by way too fast!!!
~K.
J.H.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 25, 2008
I wouldn't worry about it. My son did the same thing. I think he just had a very sensitive gag reflex. My husband and I never went any where without a burp cloth. We put beach towels on the back of the sofa as he sometimes was projectile! And we had that lovely baby smell. He outgrew it eventually. He is mow 16 and doing great. My 2nd child did this too, only not quite as much. My third not at all! They're all different. As long as she is gaining weight, don't worry.
R.D.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
If she's happy, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Though here's my experience with that: I have twins who were exclusively breast fed. One of my daughters spit up a "normal amount" and the other spit up a lot more frequently with a lot more volume. She was also mildly less happy after eating. I talked to the doctor and she suggested I feed the spitter less (no more than 10 minute nursings) and make sure to keep her upright for a while afterwards. That really did the trick for us. The one who spit up a lot just had a much more effective suck and must have been gobbling milk down, plus she just loves to suck for comfort (she still does at 15 months) so she wouldn't pull off when she was full. But that was advice for us based on our growth curves, so I wouldn't presume to suggest limiting feedings without a professionals input!
R.L.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 22, 2008
I went through the same thing with my son, around the same time (he's now 17 months). They diagnosed him with reflux, but luckily he was still gaining weight, even though he was CONSTANTLY vomiting. Breastfed too, but it seems that was all we were doing! They put him on Zantac, and Reglan, and they actually did help. It was completely frustrating, and got to the point where I avoided going out because it was so bad, and he was constantly in bibs! I would definitely get it checked out though, because the acid reflux is not good on the esophagus, and it's usually caused by the sphincter not closing sufficiently. I didn't believe he ever would, but he did grow out of it, probably around 10-11 months. Not on medication anymore either :) Once they do start on solids, that does help, like cereals because it has more weight to keep it down! Baby foods had to be thickened with rice cereal for us, otherwise that would come back up, yuck! Good luck!!
S.S.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 23, 2008
As long as she's putting on weight, I don't think you have anything to worry about-- except all that extra laundry. My son was the same way when he was an infant, but he was quite healthy. One of the last times he spit up, he was about 5 or 6 months old. I had just told his grandma that he hardly ever spit up anymore, and handed him to her, whereupon he spat up on the fancy silk dress she was wearing to attend my cousin's wedding. We got through that too!
C.B.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
As long as she is gaining weight, then she is fine. You will have a pukey baby.
You might want to mention it to the dr. My friends kids had reflux. One of her children had to be put on prevacid to make her vomit not so acidic. They were worried that it would, eventually, cause issues with her asophagus.
T.A.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 22, 2008
That can be a little starling, I know. My 4-year-old was pretty minimal to average with her spit up, however, my little 15-month-old was a little barfy guy until just about 2-3 months ago. You can definitely try another formula but give her little tummy time to see if it works and don't switch around too much because that my little guy stayed in the upright position for at least 30 minutes after his feedings and we would burp him about 3 times during his feeding (when he would be patient enough and let us) :) My other suggestion is just what you said: good burp cloths!!! My tried and true faves that are SUPER absorbent are Gerber Flannel Burp Cloths. I think they come in a 4-pack for about $9, usually at Target or Babies R Us. They are SOOOOOOO worth it! Good Luck!
H.H.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 22, 2008
My baby was a spitter, too. Now at 21 months he is very healthy. I remember a few instances where it seemed like he spit up his entire meal. He was also breastfed and I was working with a wonderful lactation consultant. It could be that she is getting too much milk too fast. You may want to try a different position while nursing in case you have a strong, fast milk ejection reflex. You can try laying on your back while nursing and have your daughter feeding on her tummy. Gravity will slow down the milk flow and she may take in less air while nursing. It couldn't hurt to try it for a few feeding sessions and see if that will help remedy the situation. Good luck!
H.D.
answers from
Redding
on
March 22, 2008
Hi, I'm H.. I also have a spitting newborn. He is my second child, but my daughter (2 1/2 years old) never spit up, so it's all new to me too. We breastfeed exclusively, and I find if I feed him in short sessions instead of long ones with lots of burbing in between he spits up less. Also sitting up after feeding instead of lying down helps a little, although in our bed at night he doesn't spit up as much. I think it's because when he's sleepy he eats what needs and no more, then goes back to sleep. during the day he just eats and eats and throws up and then he's hungry again. The result is that my milk production is way up, and I'm frequently painfully engorged. Good luck.
T.B.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
I have two children, my first one never spit up. I had no idea why many baby outfits came with bibs. My 2nd one came along 23 months later & suddenly I understood what the bibs on outfits were for!! I breast fed both for a year. I remember multiple times stating to my husband "he just spit up another meal". At 18 months he was diagnosed with multiple severe food allergies. Now I wonder if he was having reactions to my breast milk due to what I was eating. As an infant he also had many rashes and was given prescription lotion due to the severity (so there were other signs, not just spit up). Obviously, there are MANY reasons for spit up and my situation is not the norm, so please don't panic. Especially if you have food allergies in your family, I would mention it to the MD next visit.
L.C.
answers from
Fresno
on
March 22, 2008
Congratulations! I have one child, a son who is now 16 months old. I breast fed him until he was just over a year old. He used to spew like a geyser every day until I figured out that I was pressing on his little tummy too hard when I put him on my shoulder to burp. Maybe that could be part of your problem? I got some cloth diapers for the spit up, they are so thick and easy to wash! Good luck!
K.S.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
My baby was the same way (breastfed, lots of spit-up, but healthy and gaining weight). As they say, it is a laundry issue, not a health issue. They do outgrow it. It sounds like you are using your intuition about how adjust the situation (burping, position, etc.). I had to stop nursing laying down altogether for a while and only do it sitting upright. It is not reflux unless the baby is visibly upset and in pain. Otherwise, it is just caused by an immature esophagus sphincter and when she burps up air, everything comes up by accident. It will pass and things will get better as she matures. Try to ignore the "abnormal" comments from other people and trust yourself and your doctor. Good luck!
B.J.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
Sometimes breastfed babies who are "snackers" will spit up quite a bit more than those who get a full feeding at each session. Try making sure that each breast is emptied completely at each session, and then don't feed her again for another 2 or 2 1/2 hours, and see if that helps. Also, be sure she's sort of semi-upright when you're feeding her. Hope that helps!
L.A.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
Hey there J.!
I know how you feel! My daughter, who is now 4 1/2 months, went through and is still going through this! She also did this at your daughter's age. I, personally don't think it's anything to be worried about. It's bothersome because you have to re-feed her all over again, but she has gained weight beautifully! In fact my daughter is in the 108th percentile for weight! It's hard to believe after how much she's thrown up in the past. She's somewhat grown out of it, she doesn't do it so often anymore, maybe once every 3 days she'll throw up everything in her stomach. It's weird, I don't know why it happens. I wish I had an explanation for it, our doctor didn't seem to know either. But he said if she's gaining weight then there's really nothing to worry about. And she's a very happy baby, it's amazing. If that's the worse thing she could have, then I'll take it! We'll have to replace our couch one of these days though because of the funky smell!
Hang in there, it will get better! Until then, enjoy your little girl!
L.
J.B.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 22, 2008
Maybe the sitting up to burp is crowding her tummy space, so the milk comes up with the burp. Have you tried burping on your shoulder so her body has more room to streatch out? Sounds like she may just drink more than her tummy can comfortably hold, so any movement or air brings up the excess. It's a normal baby thing. My firstborn did the same. He was definately just over eating, because I didn't know what else to do but change or feed him when he cried. I didn't know they cried from being tired, too.
A.K.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
Hi J.,
Congrats on your baby girl. I am a mother of 2 boys. My first never spit up. My second is a different story. He's now 4 months and we have almost the exact story...healthy and growing well but spits up a lot. When I burped him more often he spit up less, even burping him every 5 minutes. It has really helped.
I would mention it to her doctor at your next visit but as long as she is happy and gaining wait I wouldn't worry. It's caused by an immaturity in the sphincter muscle between the esophagus and stomach. I've read it usually gets better once they are sittin up.
Here's a link to a page that give some great info on it...
http://www.babycareadvice.com/babycare/general_help/artic...
Wish you all the best.
L.L.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
I don't have any advice, but I wanted to say that my daughter was the same way. She spit up all the time! We just left a bib on her all the time, changed clothes (hers and ours) frequently, and kept towels/burp cloths lying all over the house. She's now a happy, healthy 2-1/2-year-old. We did sometimes give her Gripe Water, but that didn't really do anything for the spitting up. Just remember, it won't last forever :-)
V.W.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 24, 2008
Hi J. - my daughter also was this way, for over 1 year. Could shoot her meals over 2 feet! Turned out she had a hyernia (which we could see) that healed itself but also an under-developed part of the esophegus that made her unable to control reflux, gagging or anything. She outgrew it all, but is still known as "Barf Baby" to this day (she's 8 now). Still has poor gag reflex. Kept her propped up in a reclining bouncy type seat for the first few months instead of a bed. Stopped breast feeding just a few moments before I thought she was satisfied and that helped. Kept her upright for much longer times than my first baby after each feeding helped too. If she's gaining weight and thriving, she will most likely grow out of it. Good Luck!
S.S.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
My babe used to do the same thing, and is still kind of pukey at a year old. What helped when she was younger was to keep her upright after feedings for at least 20 minutes, and to never ever put her upright and then lay her down and then pick her up again directly after a feeding. That was a sure thing to make her spit up.
Even though it may look like she's losing her whole meal, she is not. I found that parents of babies that were not 'spitty' were always alarmed when my girl spit up, but I can assure you that for some babies this is totally normal.
I would hesitate to put the baby on acid reflux meds or anything like that unless she is clearly uncomfortable or unhappy because of her spitting up. Babies' bodies are just learning how to function, and it's no surprise that sometimes there are a few hiccups in the process.
And, if you haven't discovered this already, baby wipes work wonders for spit up stains. ;-)
J.W.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
Hi J.,
Congratulations!! Aren't baby girls wonderful?
So, my daughter (who is now 15 months) was a HUGE spitter upper. Starting around 8 weeks, she spit up constantly. I can't even remember how many bibs and burp clothes we went through a day but it was probably somewhere around 8-10 bibs and several burp clothes. In fact, I still make her wear a bib wherever we go because I still can't get over that she is not spitting up all the time anymore.
Anyhow, we did have her on medication for awhile for reflux and that sort of helped, and we also may have lifted her up a bit by putting a rolled up blanket under her bassinet pad (I can't remember)but ultimately, I think it was just a developmental thing that had to work itself out. They said it would get better when she started to sit up and it did, although, it did not go away until she was closer to a year.
To this day, I still can't get over that we can go a whole week without doing her laundry. :-)
Anyhow, nothing to worry about - some babies are just real spitters!!!!
Enjoy your little one!
Jen
K.G.
answers from
Redding
on
March 22, 2008
I had that problem with my little girl, and noone wanted to hold her after she ate! I think that it sounds like she is getting plenty to eat, maybe you can strech the time between the feedings out a little to like 2 1/2 hours, so that her tummy is empty and ready to get filled up. Another thing that helped was giving her gas drops... Good luck!
J.R.
answers from
Stockton
on
March 22, 2008
I was under the impression before my son came that breastfed babies didn't spit up. Needless to say i had a wake up call once my milk came in. Starting from about 3 days old up until he was walking at 10 1/2 months he spit up and it was never just a little. There were days i would change us both every time he soaked us both and days i threw my hands up and just said forget it he is just going to spit up on us both again. My son always weighed more than he should at his check ups so i was never concerned. I tried everything, changing positions, not holding him upright to burp and the only time he ever seemed to spit up less was at night when i nursed him laying down, we co-sleep but, i think that was only because he spent most of the night comfort nursing.
I agree with one of the previous posts about using the receiving blankets for burp clothes. My baby is due in May and the spit up is the only thing i'm not looking forward too but, i have a ton of cloth prefold diapers since i cloth diaper that will be too big to use at first but great for spit up!
Good luck!
R.K.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
my boy did that too. I was feeding him too much, are you giving her both breasts? He still spits up a lot but less when i started only giving him one breast.
T.J.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
Out little one spit up what seemed to be a lot too, and we changed shirts constantly! It seems like she's doing fine though. Reflux seems to be the diagnosis of the day, but from what everything I read spitting up, even a lot, seems to be quite normal. I'm not a health professional though. I don't think they can really overeat at that age, can they?
L.W.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
Congratulations J.! Believe me, I know first hand what that is like. My daughter is 3 and 1/2 and it dawned on me a few months ago that she has grown out of it. It could be an allergy, but it sounds like a strong gag reflex. It seems as though when the conversation comes up, everyone knows a child/baby with this concern. I would say smaller feedings and more frequent. My daughter did it as an infant initially and then unfortunately it continued (not as often) through her early toddler years. Like you say, it's the change in position that causes it to happen more often. My daughter would do it if she were sick and coughed too hard or was hurt and cried to hard. Always bring spare clothes! Good luck...
S.H.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 24, 2008
Dear J.,
So sorry to hear about your little one's spitting up. What an upsetting thing! I know that this can be a reaction to certain foods. In my experience, dairy and caffeine were the cause. I know it can seem overwhelming to think of making a change to your diet at this time, but if you can summon up the energy between breastfeeding and cleaning up, try to pay attention to what you're eating to see if it has any connection to your daughter's spitting up.
Sorry that it's all so messy right now. Hang in there.
All the best,
S.
G.P.
answers from
Modesto
on
March 22, 2008
I know a lady who had a baby girl and she had the same problem. She found out her baby had gastro problems. There is a safe medicine that a pediatrician can give to your baby. The baby is now 8 months old, and she only spits up off and on. It would be a good idea to ask the doctor. It happens to some babies and I have no idea why. It has something to do with her digestive system.
K.B.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
Hello J.,
My son spit up so much that half his back would be completely drenched in spit up several times a day. I expressed concerns to the the pediatrician and was pretty much blown off. THEN, my son became extremely difficult to feed when he had not been before. Long story short, after 4 or so visits to the pediatrician we finally got a referral to GI and he was diagnosed with Reflux. The medication the GI doc prescribed made an incredible difference. Bottom line is that I don't think that amount of spit up is normal--talk to your doctor.
Good luck!
K.
D.H.
answers from
Yuba City
on
March 22, 2008
First of all congratulations. I can completely understand how you feel as I'm now dealing with baby number three who is 7 weeks old. Both of my boys spit up quite a bit, but my little girl is topping both of them. Everything I've read, as well as my dr. have told me that as long as the weight gain is good and there aren't any other problems then she's ok. It does seem like the whole meal comes up sometimes though doesn't it? One thing I have noticed though is that if I give her more breaks during feedings (every couple of minutes) to burp it isn't as bad. I don't know that I've really given any advice, but just know that you're not alone. Good luck, and don't lose heart, it does get easier, but not neccesarily cleaner.
M.H.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 22, 2008
Hi J.,
Spit up was my perfume for 5 years! My oldest three boys (especially my first) spit up all the time...projectile vomiting!!! It was common for me to soak through 5 burp rags or so every day... They all went through 3 or so outfits a day, too. They all outgrew it (they are 6 1/2, 5 & 3 1/2 now). They were all gaining weight just fine, so I just rode it out (I prefer not to use medications unless absolutely necessary). My oldest even did that clear up until a year, but he is fine now and has no problems. I have learned with my 4th (he is 6 months today), that what I eat really effects the spit up (wish I would have known that with the first three!). For my baby, chocolate and citrus seem to be the main culprits. If it does continue to really concern you, you can always call/email your dr. and get an appointment scheduled earlier. Congratulations on your new little one! Children are such a blessing and so much fun!
Kara
P.R.
answers from
Bakersfield
on
March 22, 2008
I Breastfeed my youngest n i think she'll out grow it, her stomic's still trying to tell it self when it is full, i dont think you have to much to worrie about, n if your friends dont put up w/ you in the what i would say mother n babby bonding beginnings, though the good n bad...then thier not realy your friends. I say just hang in there, she'll most likely go out of it or be able to figure out her limit, sooner or later...hope things get better..P.
M.D.
answers from
Stockton
on
March 22, 2008
One of my grandchildren had this problem and it was really bad. It went on for a few months. They do grow out of it and are still getting the nutrients needed. In the time being you may want to speak with the baby's doctor and get their advice. Could be the formula.
N.K.
answers from
Fresno
on
March 21, 2008
I am sorry to hear about your spit up predicament. My oldest daughter of 22 months used to spit up but not quite as much as you have indicated. I changed positions and that seemed to work. She always ate sitting up and then afterwards I had her still sitting up for about half an hour and then burped her. After that she seemed to spit up a little less. She eventually grew out of it, but I know how you feel. When you go to the doctor make sure you let them know your situation and they should give you some advice....sometimes advice you do not want to hear. My friend's daughter used to spit up like a waterfall. She had to change her formula and her daughter spit up less. Keep your head up.
R.F.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 22, 2008
I have four girls- age 20 months to 20 years. There are lots of differences in babies. At least one of mine spit up a lot & especially during the day when she was moving around more. The pediatrician told me to try to keep her more still for 20-30 minutes after feeding during the day. It also helps to not put them on their stomach or pressure on the stomach right after feeding.
S.H.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 22, 2008
My 12 week son has the same problem. I was between Dr visits as well so I called the advice nurse and she had me come in to see the Dr to make sure he wasn't throwing up. Well, he wasn't and is gaining weight perfectly too. The Dr prescribed Zantac for babies for his reflux. It's helped but he still has good and bad days. Like yestrday when he spitup all over Grandma's couch TWICE! His pediatrician said I need to keep my son upright for 30-45minutus after a feeing. I had him sleeping in his swing for a while until I bought a wedge to go under the sheet in his crib. I'd suggest you give your Pediatrician's office a call.
T.V.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 21, 2008
Dear J.,
Since all else seems to be on track, get some larger burp cloths to put over your shoulder. Don't listen to every horror story you hear about infant SPIT UP. I was very young when my child was born (19 during Viet Nam--1967). My baby was 8 pounds at birth and ate like food was going out of style. On occasion after a bottle--he would burp up the whole thing--which is very scary....except, it didn't happen all the time and he just kept thriving.
J....For most women, becoming a mother is "INSTINCTIVE"! If your baby is thriving, you are doing fine. If you have any doubt, call the doctor's office, there will be someone there who will give you a rational answer and let you know if you need to come in. (The only exception to this is if you feel that the person you are speaking with is condescending or blowing you of. In that case, go to plan B and, YES, take you baby right into the doctor’s office or to emergency…But don’t give way to panic).
Blessings to you and your family.
B.D.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 24, 2008
I kinda went through the same thing when my son was a baby. I would breastfeed him and he would spit up tons!! Sometimes he would even spit up as I was feeding him. I felt like he might not be getting enough to eat cuzz it seemed like he just spit up everything I just fed him!! I talked to his Dr. and she said it could be acid reflux and to sit him up for about 20 mins. after he ate, instead of laying him down. So I would put him in his bouncer chair with a bib :) . I'm not sure if this helps you or not, but you could try it. Good luck! And just talk to your Dr. and see what they say.
M.B.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 23, 2008
My son also spit up very often and quite a lot until he was about 9 months old. Although he always gained weight, he was never a "chubby baby." My pediatrician said that it was an undeveloped reflex and he would outgrow it. My friends all made comments about it as I couldn't go anywhere without a burb cloth! All grown up now, healthy and strong, we laugh about that first year of constant spitting up. It will pass!!
A.M.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 23, 2008
I had a little girl who did that, too. As you say, if she's gaining weight no need to worry about nourishment. Mine loved to nurse - I ended up deciding that she just wanted to nurse more than she actually needed. Plus I do think some was reflux and a generally weakness of that muscle in the throat as she still has some acid reflux today as a teenager.
L.M.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 24, 2008
The same thing happened to me and my son...he eventually grew out of it! The Pedi suggested not to let him continue to lie down after being breastfed, and to sit him up, or lie him on my chest up-right for a while until the milk was settled in his tummy...this seemed to help a lot!
C.B.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 24, 2008
Buy the burp cloths and don't worry. My daughter did the same thing and three of her five children did it also! I tried everything with her and she likewise tried everything with her children - all to no avail. We are now on her number five and he spits up constantly! He gains weight, is happy and healthy in all other respects. The Pedi told me and her Pedi has told her that as long as they are gaining weight, they are getting what they need from the food and they'll just have to outgrow it. So, until then carry alot of burp rags and wear that new perfume proudly!!!!!
K.S.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 24, 2008
My son who is 6 now did the same thing. As long as they eat, sleep, and gain weight don't worry about it. They have something in their throat that just isn't developed and it will develop in time. My son spit up for many many months-10 months. He was always happy and gained weight. Just remember every stage seems like it takes forever but they really pass quickly. Just enjoy her beautiful smile and remember she won't be this little forever- enjoy every minute.
Make sure to consult your pediatrician but I am sure she will be fine in no time!
K. S
C.M.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 23, 2008
Do not worry!!! I had the same problem with my daughter, I tried alot of differant things. From trying to burp her every 15 - 20 mins, to holding her differant ways. Well the problem did not stop, it wasn't just a "little" spit-up, I mean massive amounts. She was gaining weight just fine, but the spitting up would not stop. When I took her in to the Dr.'s for her normal check up, I found out that she had a form of lactose intolerance to my breast milk!!! For some reason her little tummy could not keep it down all the time. Well her Dr. said that we should try giving her soy formula. Need less to say, we were running out of clothes to wear REALLY fast. When we made the switch, I would still mix in some of my milk to help with the transition, and it worked. The spit up went down drastically!!!! It might be worth the while to talk to the Dr. about this, I found out that this is more common than not. Best of luck to you and I hope everything works out!!
M.S.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 24, 2008
J.,
My son had the same problem when I breastfed him. As silly as it sounds me being a cheese / dairy fanatic. I omitted dairy from my diet and he stop spitting up. But, everytime I slipped and ate cheese on a burger, etc. he would spit up everywhere. Look at your diet and try omitting things.
Good luck,
M.
A.F.
answers from
San Francisco
on
March 24, 2008
Hi J.,
My daughter Charlotte (now 14 months)spit up until she was almost 8mos old. I was worried because she was never a big baby (6lbs 6oz at birth) and she spit up all the time. The Dr said that some babies just do that & it can be up until as late as 15mos. --(I know, I know, I didnt want to hear it either), but he did suggest to keep her upright after feedings & possibly even have her sleep in her carseat (which she wouldnt do). I guess it happens because some valve in their esophagus isnt completely formed & can take awhile to close. At at rate, I can tell you we just did small frequent feedings & kept lots of cloth diapers on hand. It may take awhile, but it goes by alot faster than you think. This may sound totally weird, but I kind of miss the smell because it reminds me of when she was so little.
Good luck & dont worry. She will be fine I'm sure.
~A.
L.C.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 21, 2008
Hi J.. I have 6 kids, five of which puked constantly. In fact when the last one came along (they are all adopted), my daughter and I wnet shopping for things for him. I told her to get burp rags and she picked up receiving blankets because that was what we had always used with all the kids! Keeping her in an upright position right after a feeding may help.
Many times what is going on is that the muscles over their tummies just aren't strong enough to keep everything down. As they grow and their muscles get stronger, then the problem resolves itself. Your pediatrician will probably tell you it will go away about the time she learns to walk. By that time they have developed enough core muscles to control it. In the meantime, plan on doing a lot of laundry and always pack a couple of extra outfits for outings. Oh, and as she gets older, don't lift her over your head! LOL
L.
M.B.
answers from
San Francisco
on
April 03, 2008
Both my kids spit up quite a bit. With my daughter (now 8), she was gaining weight fine so we didn't do anything and she eventually out grew it. It seemed to help to hold her in an up right position for 20-30 minutes after she ate. With my son (now 5), the spitting up was more extreme and his weight gain slowed down at about 6 months. We had him tested and he had bad reflux. With some medicine, the problem was solved. And he only took the medicine for about 6 months or so. Hope this helps!
M.
T.R.
answers from
Stockton
on
March 24, 2008
J.,
My advice to you is to only offer 1 breast more frequently at one time. If you are offering both breasts, it may be more milk than her little tummy can handle and she has not realized yet when to stop. Instead of giving both breasts every 4 hours or so, offer 1 breast every 2 hours and see if this does help. You might just be making a ton of milk. I am a mother of 4, all nursed. I have 9 year old twins and nursed until 4 months, 6 year old nursed until 1, and a 1 year old nursed until 1 and I made so much milk also that I only offered 1 breast at a time and after they were done, pumped the other breast and froze that milk for when I went away from the home.
Hope this helps T.
B.H.
answers from
Sacramento
on
March 22, 2008
I know exactly what you are going through. During my stay in the hospital after my son was born, I noticed that when he ate he spit up alot. My son is tongue tied so he could not breast feed. The nurses had me switch him from milk based formula to soy based thinking it was a milk allergy. It didn't make a difference. When he started on cereal it helped some. When he started eating jar food, he'd spit up his food. I think he finally stopped spitting up around 7 or 8 months.
I asked his doctor at appointments - I was told to not move him around after he ate. To keep him sitting up more than lying down. None of that helped.
Hopefully your doctor gives you better advice.
I know this wasn't much help to you but, I just wanted to know that I went through the same thing.