As we kick off talking about “Homeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond” – I thought that talking about “Spitty” Babies would be a good place to begin. Why? Because I think it’s an awesome place to begin talking about mainstream, or conventional remedies vs. homeopathic or natural remedies. If a baby is going to have a problem with Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) it usually begins before 8 weeks of age. GER involves lots of spitting up (reflux) after feedings, which can look like vomiting. Occasionally, babies might have trouble gaining weight, but they usually have normal bowel movements.

In babies with GER, breast milk or formula regularly refluxes into the esophagus, and sometimes out of the mouth. Sometimes babies regurgitate forcefully or have “wet burps.” This can happen because the muscle that connects the esophagus to the stomach (the esophageal sphincter) relaxes at the wrong time or doesn't properly close.

In other words, the cause of GER, it is basically a birth defect. It is a case of the little flapper between the stomach and the esophagus, not being quite fully developed.

Symptoms of GER

Heartburn is the most common symptom of GER in kids and teens. It can last up to 2 hours and tends to be worse after meals.

In babies and young children, GER can lead to problems during and after feeding, including:

• frequent regurgitation or vomiting, especially after meals
• choking or wheezing (if the contents of the reflux get into the windpipe and lungs)
• wet burps or wet hiccups
• spitting up that continues beyond a child's first birthday (when it stops for most babies)
• irritability or inconsolable crying after eating
• refusing to eat or eating only small amounts
• failure to gain weight; this is where homeopathy can be of much benefit

Some of these symptoms may become worse if a baby lies down or is placed in a car seat after a meal.

Many years ago, a young mother came to me with her small infant who was having some GER issues. She explained that her doctor wanted the child to go on an over the counter drug (I can’t remember now if it was Zantac or Prilosec)! I couldn’t believe it!

I can remember several babies being put on these types of drugs for GER. I don’t know if this is still the popular mode of action in clinics, or if they’ve moved on. But the point is, this is what they do: prescribe!

This is physical defect, usually very short lived, but putting an infant on drugs is not going to fix anything!

I had a doctor tell me once, that if the milk comes up curdled, the infant is getting the goodness, and not to worry, the infant will grow out of the problem as the sphincter strengthens.

When issues of birth defects arise in families like this, homeopathy can be of so much help.

During the pregnancy, Mommies can take Cell Salts, to help assure that their bodies are assimilating nutrients properly; they can use homeopathy when appropriate, rather than trying to live with an issue.

And if ever there is an issue that they can’t get under control, please don’t hesitate to seek a homeopath for professional help.

For a more in-depth look, check out our course; “Homeopathy – Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond”, where we discuss Infants and children and basic Constitutional Remedies for issues like this.

A couple of remedies to consider may be:  Lyc., Carb-v., Ant-c., Bryonia., Caust., Aethusa cyn. (milk allergies and Pyloric stenosis, stomach disorders; projectile vomit)

However, there are several hundred of remedies for GER and the best possible option is a constitutional chronic appointment with a homeopath.

God Bless you and yours,

Sue Meyer, ND CCH