Library titles on reflux
Library books available to borrow from the RISA library.
Library books available to borrow from the RISA library.
While reflux is a common issue for babies and children of all ages, we need to be careful of reflux being the catchall diagnosis for a crying baby. Even though there are a lot of different symptoms of reflux (see “How Reflux Presents”) and in some cases it can be difficult to diagnose, it is important for us to keep in mind that reflux is not the only possibility and it isn’t always to blame. If your baby or child is distressed or unwell, or reflux treatments don’t seem to be effective, it is important not to jump to conclusions, as hard as that may be. Even if your child does suffer from reflux, it may not always be the culprit.
Managing babies with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease can be extremely challenging, not least because these babies want to be carried and comforted because they are in pain. Babywearing is just one tactic in helping to manage both the baby, your own household and any other kids you might have running around. And it provides another option to help you get out of the house.
As of 1 July 2012, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (who administer the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or PBS), have made changes to the way amino acid-based forumlae like Neocate or Elecare can be prescribed for children under 24 months. Theoretically, now only paediatric gastroenterologists, a specialist allergist or clinical immunologist can now write these prescriptions.
HOWEVER, paediatricians and General Practitioners can still prescribe these formulae “in consultation with” any of the specialists above.
RISA is a big fan of the wonderful work of our medical professionals and we are aware of how much more difficult the lives of our babies and kids would be without their ongoing efforts. Further, we’re also aware that paediatric gastroenterology is a relatively young profession and that knowledge of it throughout the rest of the medical profession is not as thorough as other areas. That is improving and RISA is doing its best to contribute to that education effort. We hear lots of stories of parents involvement with the medical system – both exceptionally good and sometimes not so good.
Sherryn was not an easy baby, but I thought it was me. She was my first baby and I can remember bawling because I felt like such a failure. Becoming a parent came as a huge shock and although I had desperately wanted children, I felt so inadequate and wondered why everyone else seemed to cope so much easier than I did.
Natalie was born in 1992, a desperately wanted baby. She was born in respiratory distress, which took a while to settle and she spent several days in the Special Care Nursery needing oxygen and being tube fed.
At home, she wanted to feed every 2 hours, which is a pattern her sister had had. She hated being laid down flat and would often cry if I tried. She did not sleep well either, and at 12 months was still waking a dozen times overnight, and rarely during the day.