Living With (And Cleaning Up After) A Reflux Baby

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Title: Living With (And Cleaning Up After) A Reflux Baby

Word Count: 548

Author: Angie Hewerdine

Email: angiehewerdine@...

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Living With (And Cleaning Up After) A Reflux Baby

Copyright 2006 Angie Hewerdine

It’s amazing how messy a baby can be, and how much mess a

parent is capable of dealing with. I used to be squeamish.

You know... the type of person who would gag if someone

else hinted that they even felt like throwing up. That was

before I became a Mom. Now, I can handle any bodily fluid

with ease.

Shortly after my second child was born it was obvious that

she would give my stomach a run for it's money. Ruby was a

reflux baby, diagnosed at just one month old.

Gastro esophageal reflux occurs when the contents of the

stomach are pushed back up into the esophagus and expelled.

Reflux in infants is associated with frequent spitting up,

upset stomach and persistent hiccups. Apparently, reflux

is common among infants, but to this day I still have not

met a baby that could out-shine Ruby. My baby didn't just

dribble, she gushed!

I remember holding up a box full of bibs at my baby shower,

remarking that we would never be able to use them all. Use

them we did, and often. So often we bought dozens more. I

was washing up to 2 loads of bibs and urped upon clothes

each day. She and I would each go through 4 or 5 shirts in

a single afternoon.

I had to warn people about Ruby's 'problem' before I let

them hold her. I figured that way they couldn't blame me if

they got wet. When they did get 'hit', I always came back

with the retort 'Don't worry, it's breast milk. It won't

stain!’ Words of comfort, indeed.

I wondered if it was something in my milk that was making

my baby's insides rebel. Perhaps my love of garlic and

onions? Our pediatrician assured me that this was not the

case, and she prescribed Zantac and Metoclopramide for my

baby – two very grown up drugs for one very small human.

At first I was skeptical. I tried to cut back on the

medication, hoping that the reflux had run its course, but

within hours of her not receiving her meds Ruby was at it

again, thoroughly soaking the spaces around her small body.

It always tickled me to see how little her vomiting

actually phased her. She'd blow chunks midway through a

smile, and still be grinning when she was finished. The

medication helped, but by no means did it stop her from

throwing up. We just got used to the mess and took

precautions. We walked around with towels over our

shoulder. We carried extra clothes, not only for Ruby, but

for me as well. Burp cloths became known as ‘barf rags’

and we never went anywhere without at least ten of them.

Over time, just as the doctor had said it would, the

condition eased up as her little body continued to develop.

We have been able to take her off the medication, though my

baby geyser still erupts at least 3 times a day. I no

longer cringe at the familiar sound of liquid hitting the

floor. I just hope she outgrows it before puberty!

Cleaning up messes is just part of being a parent. With

Ruby, I got more than I bargained for, but I wouldn't have

it any other way!

About the Author:

Angie Hewerdine is a Home Schooling Mom, Writer, Wealth

Creation Advisor and successful Home Business Owner with

a driving passion for helping people change their lives.

She has assisted many in recognizing and achieving their

personal and financial goals.

For more information she can be reached at 1-800-491-4758

or visit her website at

http://www.TheTimeForChange.com