Why Infant Reflux Matters (Pinter & Martin Why It Matters, 21)

Many babies are fussy and spit up milk, and in recent years it has become common for them to be diagnosed with ‘reflux’ and medicated with antacids, thickeners and acid suppressants. However, research tells us that reflux is normal in young babies and that many of the symptoms associated with it may in fact be misunderstood baby behaviours rather than clinical symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

In Why Infant Reflux Matters Carol Smyth provides a simple and practical guide to understanding reflux that will help you avoid unnecessary medication if a simple change in feeding technique or care can help reduce your baby’s symptoms. She explains what reflux is, why it happens, the difference between reflux and GORD, the role of stomach acid, and what research tells us about treatment. The book also explores the symptoms commonly attributed to reflux and looks at whether they might have other causes, and includes a plan you can work through for your individual baby to help you make informed decisions about their care.

Carol Smyth is an IBCLC working in a busy private practice in Northern Ireland. She became interested in babies & reflux when her son was diagnosed and treated for reflux in his early weeks. She is driven by a passion to minimise the gap between our understanding of normal baby behaviours and societal norms through education and supporting parents. With a background in psychology, she uses CBT techniques & education to lower anxiety alongside practical strategies to reduce reflux.