Understanding Reflux In Babies and Toddlers with Brenda Munz: Your Common Reflux Questions Answered
Understanding Infant Reflux with Brenda Munns: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Welcome to another insightful episode of Thriving Parenting! Today, we tackle a topic that many parents struggle with—infant reflux. We were fortunate to have Brenda Munns, founder of The Gentle Village, join us to delve into this critical subject.
As Brenda and the host discuss, reflux is commonly misunderstood, often labelled as a diagnosis when it’s truly a symptom. Reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, causing discomfort. While reflux is a common issue for infants, its causes can vary. In this episode, Brenda helps unravel the complexities behind infant reflux, offering actionable advice for parents dealing with this challenge.
What is Reflux?
In simple terms, reflux refers to stomach contents flowing back into the oesophagus, often causing a burning sensation due to stomach acid. But, as Brenda explains, reflux isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a symptom. The real question is: why is the stomach content going the wrong way?
Brenda emphasises that reflux often stems from oral dysfunction, improper swallowing, or other feeding issues, like tongue-tie. These causes are particularly prevalent in the first few months of a baby's life. More serious, structural issues, like pyloric stenosis, are rare but can contribute to more persistent reflux symptoms.
Silent Reflux: The Hidden Struggler
Another term often thrown around is silent reflux. Unlike regular reflux, where babies might spit up or show obvious signs of discomfort, silent reflux is harder to spot. Babies may experience stomach content coming up without spitting up, which can still cause discomfort and irritability. Symptoms like coughing, hiccupping, or frequent swallowing are common with silent reflux.
Brenda’s vivid comparison helps simplify things: reflux is like the heartburn sensation adults experience after eating, while silent reflux is akin to a “vomit burp”—unpleasant, but not always obvious.
Root Causes of Reflux
Addressing the underlying causes of reflux is crucial. Brenda identifies some of the main factors contributing to infant reflux:
Improper latch during breastfeeding: Babies might gulp air, leading to discomfort.
Tongue-tie: Restricts movement and can affect swallowing mechanics.
Over-supply of milk: Babies may struggle with fast letdowns, swallowing more air.
Body tension: An uncomfortable baby might struggle to find a good feeding position.
Allergies or food intolerances: Cow’s milk protein allergy is a common culprit.
Antibiotic use: This can alter a baby’s gut microbiome, leading to digestive discomfort.
Brenda stresses the importance of individualised care. Every baby is unique, and so are the solutions. In many cases, addressing these issues through feeding support or bodywork (like seeing a chiropractor) can lead to significant improvements.
Reflux Medication: Should You Consider It?
Reflux medications, like omeprazole, are often prescribed to reduce stomach acidity, but Brenda cautions parents about their use. Medications can help make a baby more comfortable, but they don’t address the root cause of reflux. If parents don’t notice a significant change after starting medication, it might be time to explore other avenues, such as oral function therapy or diet adjustments.
The Connection Between Reflux, Sleep, and Development
Reflux can also impact sleep and overall development. Babies who experience reflux may resist being put down after feeding, preferring to stay upright. This discomfort can lead to contact naps, sleep issues, and, over time, create behavioural patterns that make sleep harder for both baby and parents.
Brenda also highlights the connection between reflux and feeding aversions, particularly as babies transition to solids. Fussy eating, arching their back during feeds, and resistance to certain textures are all signs of discomfort that need to be addressed.
Breathing, Mouth Posture, and the Long-Term Impact
One fascinating insight from Brenda’s practice is how tongue posture and mouth breathing can affect a baby’s development. Mouth breathing is often a sign of congestion or an oral dysfunction that can lead to other issues, such as disturbed sleep, ear infections, or even dental erosion in older children. Ensuring proper tongue posture (where the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth) helps stimulate the vagus nerve, supporting digestion, restful sleep, and overall health.
Key Takeaways
Reflux is a symptom, not a diagnosis: Addressing the root cause, whether it's improper latch, tongue-tie, or food intolerances, is crucial.
Silent reflux exists: Even if your baby isn’t spitting up, they could still be experiencing reflux-like discomfort.
Seek individualised care: Every baby is different. What works for one may not work for another. Professional guidance is key.
Medication isn’t always the answer: If medication isn’t bringing relief, dig deeper into the root cause of the reflux.
Mouth breathing and sleep issues are connected: Ensuring proper breathing and tongue posture can significantly impact a baby’s development and comfort.
If you’re dealing with a baby who struggles with reflux, remember—you're not alone. Reach out to professionals who can help, whether through bodywork, feeding support, or medical advice. Trust your instincts as a parent, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your baby’s comfort is worth it!
For more resources and support, you can find Brenda at The Gentle Village, where she and her team offer both in-person and virtual consultations.
“Trust yourself, more than you think you do.” — Dr. Benjamin Fox
Remember, you're the expert on your baby. Keep trusting your instincts and seek support when needed.
For more information on The Gentle Village and the services they provide, visit their website at thegentlevillage.com.au. And for Instagram @thegentlevillageperth
About Brenda
Brenda, a mother of two, a nurse/midwife, IBCLC and orofacial myofunctional therapist, has been devoted to
providing support, education and empowering families to advocate for their baby who may be facing oral
restrictions and food allergies. With over 16 years experience in the health care industry, Brenda is the founder of
The Gentle Village, with the main focus being specialised infant feeding support. Brenda’s advocacy and support
extends worldwide, where she has been a pillar of strength and support to all of her postpartum families, in need
of a helping hand to identify the root cause of their baby’s feeding difficulties and helping the family thrive, as a
whole.