I remember those early days of having a newborn, they're crying, you're crying, nothing you seem to do helps and you have tried everything you can think of - I've been there with all three of my babies. It was only when someone highlighted the symptoms of CMPA for me that I realised I wasn't alone, there was actually a reason why my baby was so unsettled and there were things that I could do to help!
So what are the ‘baby blues’? We all know about postpartum depression, but the ‘baby blues’ is a more general term for the overwhelming feelings of anxiety, stress, and inadequacy that can hit new mums. It’s that constant worry about whether you’re doing the right thing, the guilt when you need a break, and the feeling of being completely out of control.
While these emotions are normal to a certain extent, they can be intensified by a number of factors, including conditions like CMPA, reflux, and silent reflux. These conditions can cause significant discomfort for your baby, leading to excessive crying, sleep disturbances, and feeding difficulties. It’s no wonder that parents can feel overwhelmed and helpless when faced with these challenges.
CMPA is a cow's milk protein allergy that can cause a range of symptoms including colic, vomiting, and eczema. Reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into your baby's oesophagus, leading to spitting up, fussiness, and difficulty feeding. Silent reflux is a sneaky condition that doesn't always cause typical reflux symptoms but can lead to a chronic cough, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.
Let's look at these in a little more detail...
CMPA
CMPA stands for Cow's Milk Protein Allergy. It's when a baby's immune system reacts to the proteins found in cow's milk. This can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe allergic reactions.
Common symptoms of CMPA:
Colic and excessive crying
Vomiting and reflux
Blood in stools
Skin rashes (eczema)
Difficulty gaining weight
It's important to note that CMPA can be challenging to diagnose, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.
Reflux
Reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into your baby’s oesophagus. It's incredibly common in babies and can cause a lot of distress.
Common symptoms of reflux:
Spitting up or vomiting
Fussiness or crying
Arching the back
Difficulty feeding
Weight loss (in severe cases)
While reflux often improves as your baby grows, it can be a challenging condition to manage.
Silent Reflux
Silent reflux, also known as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), is a bit of a mystery. Unlike regular reflux, it often doesn't cause the typical heartburn or spitting up. Instead, its symptoms tend to affect the throat and airways.
Common symptoms of silent reflux:
Chronic cough
Hoarseness
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Excessive throat clearing
Because the symptoms can mimic other conditions, silent reflux can be tricky to diagnose.
Navigating these conditions can be exhausting, but remember, you're not alone. There are things you can do to help your baby find relief, such as:
Massage: Massaging your baby regularly can really help to relax them and relieve many of these symptoms.
Feeding positions: Experiment with different feeding positions like upright or side-lying.
Burping: Burp your baby frequently during and after feeds.
Small, frequent feeds: Smaller, more frequent feeds can sometimes help reduce discomfort.
Sleep position: Elevating your baby's head slightly while sleeping can help with reflux symptoms.
Specific Tips for CMPA
Dietary changes: If breastfeeding, consider eliminating dairy from your diet.
Formula alternatives: If formula-feeding, there are a few different options that you can try - speak to your GP or health visitor for more information.
As a mum who's been there, I understand the challenges you're facing. That's why I have the Reflux Relief Guide - a carefully curated collection of explanations, ideas, tips and tricks designed to soothe your baby's discomfort and give you peace of mind. From gentle tummy rubs to calming sleep aids, our package offers a holistic approach to managing reflux symptoms.
Remember, every baby is different, and finding the right solution takes time. Be patient with yourself, and don't hesitate to seek support from healthcare professionals and other parents. You're doing an amazing job!
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