Nela
Mum of 1 + Expecting
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2012
- Messages
- 1,915
- Reaction score
- 0
Welcome to our little club of horrors!
Errr.. I mean...
Does your baby suffer from reflux issues? Come join us mamas with superhero attitudes and human abilities. Share your experiences, advice, lend an ear, grab a cuppa and unwind!
Whatever you do, know that you are not alone. Dealing with such issues, especially when our little ones are so young, is difficult for all involved. It is excruciatingly painful and demanding, physically, mentally and emotionally. Don't take it all on yourself, and don't stay alone if you feel overwhelmed. We are here, we all are going through it and we all know very well how it feels.
Oh and watch this:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013...p00000009&utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false
_________________________
What it is:
When referring to 'reflux' you have 2 things: 1) the verb 2) the condition. The verb 'reflux' simply means 'flow back'. Almost all babies reflux but not all babies have reflux, the condition. For babies that reflux happily, we usually call them 'happy spitters'. However, when you have a baby with the GER (gastro-eosophagal reflux) condition, these babies (and their parents) are anything but happy!
In children with GER (or GERD which is the disease, meaning it is not short-term like GER), the contents of the stomach, including acid, reflux into the baby's esophagus. This causes discomfort and distress as it causes what we commonly know as 'heartburn'. When referring to 'Silent Reflux' this means that, instead of bringing it up and then vomiting it, the baby swallows it back down. This, in turn, makes it burn both coming up and going back down. Some children with GER have projectile vomiting as well.
What are the symptoms:
- Inconsolable crying.
Crying, crying, crying, and more crying. That is usually the first thing that parents notice. Nothing you do seems to work longer than a few seconds, and it can last for hours, days, weeks, etc.
- Choking
The scariest of all the symptoms is the choking. Sometimes, the contents can flow back up to the mouth and nose and the baby chokes on it. It's unlikely your child will actually choke badly as most children just choke on it as though they had swallowed a sip of drink wrong but it is terrifying for the parent nonetheless. (If your child does this, turn your child on his/her side and rub their back gently, while giving a swift blow on their face.)
- Gulping
The classic symptom of silent reflux. Unlike just swallowing like when they are drinking, the gulping tends to have a higher-pitched sound. This is most oftentimes immediately followed by a grimace and then crying/screaming.
- Arching
Children will arch backwards, trying to elongate their esophagus and helping the discomfort of the reflux. This is often noticed during feeds but also at peak acid production time, usually about an hour or so after the feed. You'll most likely see lots of arching when having an 'episode'.
- Anger/Flailing
Babies tend to look (and perhaps actually are) like they are lashing out. They'll frantically flail about, waving their arms and legs about angrily. If you are holding them, do not be surprised if they claw and scratch at you. They'll thrash about, often 'throwing' themselves backwards in a desperate attempt to bring the acid down.
- Anxiety/Food Aversions/Comfort Feeding
Babies that experience pain often can also develop anxiety. Their anxiety is most oftentimes directly food-related. Some babies will go associate food with pain and go off their feeds. These are the babies that tend to lose weight. They tend to be much more easily diagnosed and doctors oftentimes take these cases more seriously as a healthy baby must put on weight. However, at the other end of the spectrum, some babies focus on the fact that, when drinking, they find it soothing and it helps bring the acid back down. These are your comfort feeders. The comfort feeders tend to put on weight much more rapidly and, because 'healthy babies put on weight' parents of comfort feeders often face the task of having to get the doctors to take their concerns more seriously. The extra trouble with comfort feeders is: more feed = more reflux and you can find yourself in a very vicious cycle very quickly. Other signs of anxiety especially during feeding and napping include: tightly clasped fists, frowning, pausing a long time during feeding to check how it feels, being extra clingy, being extremely tense.
- Weight Loss/Weight Gain
(see above)
- Wet/Raspy breathing/ Upper Respiratory Infections/Wheezing/Hoarse Voice
They sound and get congested from the irritation and reflux itself. Some babies can aspirate the reflux, leading to more serious infections.
- Fighting Burping
Some babies will fight you while you try to burp them. They'll arch and pull away. This is because the burping can often bring up the acid.
- Hates Flat Positions
Most, if not all, Reflux babies hate flat positions. Flat positions make it all too easy to bring up the contents of the stomach. They will scream and shriek if you put them down during an episode. This is a tell tale sign of reflux.
- Aversion to 90 degree sitting
Sitting 'too' upright can also cause reflux because the position creates added pressure on the tummy, thus making the reflux come up.
- Hiccups
Hiccups may sound cute... However, for a parent of a reflux baby, hiccups are usually a red flag which leave parents scrambling to their battle stations because they know the reflux is coming. Frequent, regular hiccuping after feeding is a common sign of reflux.
- Coughing and Sneezing
Babies cough and sneeze from the reflux and burning sensation.
- Frantically Sucking/Gagging themselves
Desperate to either swallow back to vomit the acid, babies will frantically suck and/or gag themselves. Babies will suck on basically anything, the most common thing being their fist. This is not your adorable thumb-sucking baby and the urgency behind it is noticeable.
- Sleep Issues
GER babies tend to have more difficulty sleeping because of the discomfort caused by the reflux. Some will wake frequently in the night if their reflux is very active then while others will sleep better at night out of sheer exhaustion. Waking up screaming is often a sign of a reflux episode.
- Easily Over-Stimulated/Sensitive
Babies with GER tend to be more tired than your average due to the lack of sleep because of the discomfort. This causes lights/noises, etc. to overstimulate and irritate them more than usual simply because they are tired and cranky.
- Gassiness/Constipation
Though most other sites do not list these as symptoms, I will add them here. Gas and/or Constipation will cause more pressure on the tummy, therefore making reflux worse.
Also, it is my theory that some babies seem to have more of a digestive system issue as a whole, rather than only have GER. Doctors agree that gas and constipation create more pressure on the tummy, therefore making reflux worse. However, we do not always know what came first, especially when you are actually treating a reflux baby with thickening agents and/or medication. For some babies, the key tends to lie in the milk itself, especially formula-fed babies. For babies with immature/irritable digestive systems, some formulas may simply be too difficult to digest. (This makes sense since they say breastfed babies tend to have less reflux issues) Most people (including doctors) associate special formulas with children that have true allergies/intolerances but tend to overlook the fact that such formulas are usually much easier to digest as well.
*Some babies suffer from Lactose Intolerance or CMPI/CMPA (cow milk protein intolerance or allergy)*
These babies have very similar symptoms to reflux babies (and in fact, they get reflux from being unable to digest the milk). Symptoms that are more relative to these children include: diarrhea, blood in stool, rashes, and redness.
**While some children may not be 'allergic' to anything in the formula, I tend to think that some babies just have an immature/irritable digestive system. For these children, sometimes, changing the formula to something easier to digest can make a world of difference.**
What You Can Do:
- Keep your child upright for at least 30mins after feeding. (However, I've been told stomach acid production peaks after an hour so I personally recommend an hour)
Avoid 90 degree angles and flat positions. As mentioned above, true sitting positions increase the pressure on the tummy, encouraging the reflux, whereas laying flat makes the reflux too easy to go up and down. Angled, elongated positions are preferred. Being stretched out helps pass wind and relieve pressure on the tummy.
- Avoid anything that encourages gas
Gas WILL make reflux worse. Much worse in fact, because your baby will be suffering from pain from both the gas and the reflux at once, oftentimes causing them to become very distressed. Using proper anti-colic bottles (I personally use Dr. Brown's after hospital recommendation) and giving your child a dummy/pacifier/soother when upset, or immediately after feeding will reduce the air your child gulps, making them less windy. Formula fed babies should have nice, slow, and longish feeds. If breastfeeding, avoid very gassy foods (legumes, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) and consider having your baby's latch/positions evaluated by a proper lactation consultant.
- Pacifier/Dummy/Soother
As mentioned above, these are a great tool for reflux babies. They help by: encouraging your baby to swallow and reduce the gag reflex during a reflux episode, distracting your baby from the discomfort, by reducing the wind they take in when crying, soothe the mouth and throat, provide the comfort feeder with that extra dose of comfort. My own kiddo is not an avid pacifier user. It's not something he loves all the time, but he LOVES it when an episode of reflux comes on. I dip his in cold (quite a bit colder than formula but not ice cold) water and give it to him immediately. He loves this and sometimes, he has gone as far as dozing off almost immediately as it's brought just enough comfort to help him doze through the discomfort. The water is nice because reflux babies spend a loooot of time crying and screaming, leaving their mouths dry. It also gives them something to actively suck, helping bring the acid back down.
- Propping the bed/cots
Now, this is important. Propping goes against SIDS recommendations so only do this under medical advice. However, if you want to test it out, the best way to do this is during a nap if you are awake and alert enough to stay awake throughout the entire time. For reflux babies, most doctors (some are against it) recommend propping the head of the bed/mattress at a 30 degree angle. This position helps avoid encouraging reflux, but also choking. Children should normally still sleep on their backs unless told otherwise. For my son, our doctors recommended some naps in his car seat and swing as well as raising all his mattresses. I've raised his temporarily with rolled towels and blankets but will be changing this. In order to stay more in line with SIDS guidelines, and after having discussed this with the doctor, I'll be raising the beds directly at the head (the feet of), rather than raising the mattress itself. This will make the whole bed angled, eliminating the 'pillow effect'.
- Loose/Light Clothing
Avoid any tight waistbands as these will increase the pressure on the tummy. I tend to buy my son's pants one size bigger (even if it's stretchy material) so that it's not too tight on him. I've noticed with mine, when he's screaming/having a fit, he tends to get very hot and sweaty quickly. Not only does this seem to increase his discomfort, if you do not notice and let him sleep in it, it increases the chance of catching chills.
- Gentle Movement
When having episodes, gentle movement seems to distract/comfort them. Walking around the house, popping them in their chairs for a stroll, etc. tend to help. Make sure the positions are neither flat, nor too upright.
- Burping
Burping is important but the way in which you do it is much more important. If your baby is using a proper anti-colic bottle, is drinking in a nice, slow, and longish (20/30mins for 4oz) manner, s/he may not need to be burped immediately after feeding.
Again, avoid sitting positions, prioritize stretched out or angled positions instead. Sitting positions cause more pressure on the tummy, making the trapped wind more difficult to pass and making baby much more sore. Much more sore = much more crying = much more gulping air = much more gas = much more pressure= much more reflux.
When having lots of gas:
If you notice lots of wind but not too much reflux, you'll want to encourage passing the wind. You'll want to be slightly more aggressive than gentle in order to get it out. Whilst true that winding can increase reflux, not winding a windy baby will definitely bring on more intense reflux as you'll be fighting both at once and both will be extreme in terms of discomfort.
Putting baby over your shoulder, with baby's tummy against your boob, and baby's arms right over your shoulder. Gentle patting, and lifting legs upwards a bit can help.
Putting baby over your lap or cushion with baby's tummy pressed against lap or cushion, and legs gently tucked under or behind them, allowing them the ease of kicking themselves upwards. Keep a constant, rhythmic, but gentle enough pat on their bottom going. Don't worry about how long unless you are having major reflux signs such as gulping, sour face, etc.
Gentle vibration can help. Just be careful that it's not too harsh as that too will worsen reflux.
When having lots of reflux:
Limit any sudden movement as much as possible (i.e. don't bounce up and down, don't put baby down, pick up, back down, etc., don't use strong vibration, etc.). Stretched out positions against your own body while walking around the house tends to help. Avoid any rigorous tapping, or stimulating for burps. Let the movement in your walk (you can add a subtle bounce to your step) and/or gentle sway soothe your little one.
When not having any real signs of gas nor reflux:
Propping baby against your body, over your shoulder but not held as tightly to avoid extra pressure on the tummy while gently patting bottom and/or rubbing back in circular motion.
Simply walk around with baby in an elongated or angled position.
- Avoid Over-Stimulation/Sensitivities
Like I mentioned earlier, reflux babies are often more sleep-deprived (I doubt I have to convince parents this) than the average baby, making them much more sensitive, tired, and cranky. Young babies need their sleep and definitely get fussy when tired. Things like sound, light, smells, are stimulants and their brain tries to process everything it they encounter. This is a lot for them at such a young age and even the average baby gets overstimulated easily enough so imagine when a sleep-deprived one is bombarded by all this. If you notice your baby start flailing without really seeing any obvious signs of discomfort, rubbing his/her eyes, yawning, etc. those are your cues to help your little one to sleep. Take him/her away from the stimulating environment if you cannot make the environment itself less stimulating. A darker, quieter environment will help soothe them. Baby wearing and/or swaddling can be extremely handy when it comes to relaxing your little one after they've been overstimulated, especially if they have very active extremities as they will constantly startle/distract themselves with these.
Treatment:
Aside from all of the above, different formula, thickening agents, and medications might also be used to help treat your baby's reflux. All these things should be done only under medical advice so please talk to your healthcare professional if you think your baby is suffering from GER/D, allergies/intolerances, or digestive issues.
Seeing The Doctor:
If you child is incredibly fussy, is eating very little or very large amounts, seems in pain/discomfort more often than not, nothing you do seems to help, and you've noticed several of the symptoms, it is well worth seeing the help of a medical professional.
Do be warned that medical help will not always be easy to get. Many parents report their concerns being disregarded and pretty much being fobbed off at first, myself included. The word 'colic' (I am cringing at the word - I DESPISE that word) might be thrown at you. The words 'first-time parents' and 'babies cry' will probably be spoken as well. However, if you feel in your gut that something is seriously wrong and your baby needs help immediately, don't be a pushover. There is nothing worse than knowing your child is suffering and being unable to do anything to console them. The impact reflux can have on babies and their families is so so underrated. One thing I recommend, sad as it is, is to film or have someone film your baby while s/he is having a fit. Sometimes, that is the only way for them to realize you aren't making a mountain out of nothing.
As for myself, I was initially fobbed off by many people. However, I KNEW my son had it. One night, during a particularly intense episode, Nathan choked. Now, I knew this was most likely benign despite being downright terrifying and knew this was common with reflux babies. However, at that very moment, I told myself "Any normal mother would panic over this and rush their baby to the hospital when they choke..." That's when it clicked. That was what I used to go to the hospital and make them listen to me. He was diagnosed immediately as we were there a few hours and they could hear the reflux themselves.
Helpful Links:
https://www.silentinfantreflux.com/
lots of useful info
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3nens1NG8E
descriptive video of symptoms (take or leave the treatment info, I just like the symptom descriptions)
More coming soon
Errr.. I mean...
Does your baby suffer from reflux issues? Come join us mamas with superhero attitudes and human abilities. Share your experiences, advice, lend an ear, grab a cuppa and unwind!
Whatever you do, know that you are not alone. Dealing with such issues, especially when our little ones are so young, is difficult for all involved. It is excruciatingly painful and demanding, physically, mentally and emotionally. Don't take it all on yourself, and don't stay alone if you feel overwhelmed. We are here, we all are going through it and we all know very well how it feels.
Oh and watch this:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013...p00000009&utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false
_________________________
What it is:
When referring to 'reflux' you have 2 things: 1) the verb 2) the condition. The verb 'reflux' simply means 'flow back'. Almost all babies reflux but not all babies have reflux, the condition. For babies that reflux happily, we usually call them 'happy spitters'. However, when you have a baby with the GER (gastro-eosophagal reflux) condition, these babies (and their parents) are anything but happy!
In children with GER (or GERD which is the disease, meaning it is not short-term like GER), the contents of the stomach, including acid, reflux into the baby's esophagus. This causes discomfort and distress as it causes what we commonly know as 'heartburn'. When referring to 'Silent Reflux' this means that, instead of bringing it up and then vomiting it, the baby swallows it back down. This, in turn, makes it burn both coming up and going back down. Some children with GER have projectile vomiting as well.
What are the symptoms:
- Inconsolable crying.
Crying, crying, crying, and more crying. That is usually the first thing that parents notice. Nothing you do seems to work longer than a few seconds, and it can last for hours, days, weeks, etc.
- Choking
The scariest of all the symptoms is the choking. Sometimes, the contents can flow back up to the mouth and nose and the baby chokes on it. It's unlikely your child will actually choke badly as most children just choke on it as though they had swallowed a sip of drink wrong but it is terrifying for the parent nonetheless. (If your child does this, turn your child on his/her side and rub their back gently, while giving a swift blow on their face.)
- Gulping
The classic symptom of silent reflux. Unlike just swallowing like when they are drinking, the gulping tends to have a higher-pitched sound. This is most oftentimes immediately followed by a grimace and then crying/screaming.
- Arching
Children will arch backwards, trying to elongate their esophagus and helping the discomfort of the reflux. This is often noticed during feeds but also at peak acid production time, usually about an hour or so after the feed. You'll most likely see lots of arching when having an 'episode'.
- Anger/Flailing
Babies tend to look (and perhaps actually are) like they are lashing out. They'll frantically flail about, waving their arms and legs about angrily. If you are holding them, do not be surprised if they claw and scratch at you. They'll thrash about, often 'throwing' themselves backwards in a desperate attempt to bring the acid down.
- Anxiety/Food Aversions/Comfort Feeding
Babies that experience pain often can also develop anxiety. Their anxiety is most oftentimes directly food-related. Some babies will go associate food with pain and go off their feeds. These are the babies that tend to lose weight. They tend to be much more easily diagnosed and doctors oftentimes take these cases more seriously as a healthy baby must put on weight. However, at the other end of the spectrum, some babies focus on the fact that, when drinking, they find it soothing and it helps bring the acid back down. These are your comfort feeders. The comfort feeders tend to put on weight much more rapidly and, because 'healthy babies put on weight' parents of comfort feeders often face the task of having to get the doctors to take their concerns more seriously. The extra trouble with comfort feeders is: more feed = more reflux and you can find yourself in a very vicious cycle very quickly. Other signs of anxiety especially during feeding and napping include: tightly clasped fists, frowning, pausing a long time during feeding to check how it feels, being extra clingy, being extremely tense.
- Weight Loss/Weight Gain
(see above)
- Wet/Raspy breathing/ Upper Respiratory Infections/Wheezing/Hoarse Voice
They sound and get congested from the irritation and reflux itself. Some babies can aspirate the reflux, leading to more serious infections.
- Fighting Burping
Some babies will fight you while you try to burp them. They'll arch and pull away. This is because the burping can often bring up the acid.
- Hates Flat Positions
Most, if not all, Reflux babies hate flat positions. Flat positions make it all too easy to bring up the contents of the stomach. They will scream and shriek if you put them down during an episode. This is a tell tale sign of reflux.
- Aversion to 90 degree sitting
Sitting 'too' upright can also cause reflux because the position creates added pressure on the tummy, thus making the reflux come up.
- Hiccups
Hiccups may sound cute... However, for a parent of a reflux baby, hiccups are usually a red flag which leave parents scrambling to their battle stations because they know the reflux is coming. Frequent, regular hiccuping after feeding is a common sign of reflux.
- Coughing and Sneezing
Babies cough and sneeze from the reflux and burning sensation.
- Frantically Sucking/Gagging themselves
Desperate to either swallow back to vomit the acid, babies will frantically suck and/or gag themselves. Babies will suck on basically anything, the most common thing being their fist. This is not your adorable thumb-sucking baby and the urgency behind it is noticeable.
- Sleep Issues
GER babies tend to have more difficulty sleeping because of the discomfort caused by the reflux. Some will wake frequently in the night if their reflux is very active then while others will sleep better at night out of sheer exhaustion. Waking up screaming is often a sign of a reflux episode.
- Easily Over-Stimulated/Sensitive
Babies with GER tend to be more tired than your average due to the lack of sleep because of the discomfort. This causes lights/noises, etc. to overstimulate and irritate them more than usual simply because they are tired and cranky.
- Gassiness/Constipation
Though most other sites do not list these as symptoms, I will add them here. Gas and/or Constipation will cause more pressure on the tummy, therefore making reflux worse.
Also, it is my theory that some babies seem to have more of a digestive system issue as a whole, rather than only have GER. Doctors agree that gas and constipation create more pressure on the tummy, therefore making reflux worse. However, we do not always know what came first, especially when you are actually treating a reflux baby with thickening agents and/or medication. For some babies, the key tends to lie in the milk itself, especially formula-fed babies. For babies with immature/irritable digestive systems, some formulas may simply be too difficult to digest. (This makes sense since they say breastfed babies tend to have less reflux issues) Most people (including doctors) associate special formulas with children that have true allergies/intolerances but tend to overlook the fact that such formulas are usually much easier to digest as well.
*Some babies suffer from Lactose Intolerance or CMPI/CMPA (cow milk protein intolerance or allergy)*
These babies have very similar symptoms to reflux babies (and in fact, they get reflux from being unable to digest the milk). Symptoms that are more relative to these children include: diarrhea, blood in stool, rashes, and redness.
**While some children may not be 'allergic' to anything in the formula, I tend to think that some babies just have an immature/irritable digestive system. For these children, sometimes, changing the formula to something easier to digest can make a world of difference.**
What You Can Do:
- Keep your child upright for at least 30mins after feeding. (However, I've been told stomach acid production peaks after an hour so I personally recommend an hour)
Avoid 90 degree angles and flat positions. As mentioned above, true sitting positions increase the pressure on the tummy, encouraging the reflux, whereas laying flat makes the reflux too easy to go up and down. Angled, elongated positions are preferred. Being stretched out helps pass wind and relieve pressure on the tummy.
- Avoid anything that encourages gas
Gas WILL make reflux worse. Much worse in fact, because your baby will be suffering from pain from both the gas and the reflux at once, oftentimes causing them to become very distressed. Using proper anti-colic bottles (I personally use Dr. Brown's after hospital recommendation) and giving your child a dummy/pacifier/soother when upset, or immediately after feeding will reduce the air your child gulps, making them less windy. Formula fed babies should have nice, slow, and longish feeds. If breastfeeding, avoid very gassy foods (legumes, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) and consider having your baby's latch/positions evaluated by a proper lactation consultant.
- Pacifier/Dummy/Soother
As mentioned above, these are a great tool for reflux babies. They help by: encouraging your baby to swallow and reduce the gag reflex during a reflux episode, distracting your baby from the discomfort, by reducing the wind they take in when crying, soothe the mouth and throat, provide the comfort feeder with that extra dose of comfort. My own kiddo is not an avid pacifier user. It's not something he loves all the time, but he LOVES it when an episode of reflux comes on. I dip his in cold (quite a bit colder than formula but not ice cold) water and give it to him immediately. He loves this and sometimes, he has gone as far as dozing off almost immediately as it's brought just enough comfort to help him doze through the discomfort. The water is nice because reflux babies spend a loooot of time crying and screaming, leaving their mouths dry. It also gives them something to actively suck, helping bring the acid back down.
- Propping the bed/cots
Now, this is important. Propping goes against SIDS recommendations so only do this under medical advice. However, if you want to test it out, the best way to do this is during a nap if you are awake and alert enough to stay awake throughout the entire time. For reflux babies, most doctors (some are against it) recommend propping the head of the bed/mattress at a 30 degree angle. This position helps avoid encouraging reflux, but also choking. Children should normally still sleep on their backs unless told otherwise. For my son, our doctors recommended some naps in his car seat and swing as well as raising all his mattresses. I've raised his temporarily with rolled towels and blankets but will be changing this. In order to stay more in line with SIDS guidelines, and after having discussed this with the doctor, I'll be raising the beds directly at the head (the feet of), rather than raising the mattress itself. This will make the whole bed angled, eliminating the 'pillow effect'.
- Loose/Light Clothing
Avoid any tight waistbands as these will increase the pressure on the tummy. I tend to buy my son's pants one size bigger (even if it's stretchy material) so that it's not too tight on him. I've noticed with mine, when he's screaming/having a fit, he tends to get very hot and sweaty quickly. Not only does this seem to increase his discomfort, if you do not notice and let him sleep in it, it increases the chance of catching chills.
- Gentle Movement
When having episodes, gentle movement seems to distract/comfort them. Walking around the house, popping them in their chairs for a stroll, etc. tend to help. Make sure the positions are neither flat, nor too upright.
- Burping
Burping is important but the way in which you do it is much more important. If your baby is using a proper anti-colic bottle, is drinking in a nice, slow, and longish (20/30mins for 4oz) manner, s/he may not need to be burped immediately after feeding.
Again, avoid sitting positions, prioritize stretched out or angled positions instead. Sitting positions cause more pressure on the tummy, making the trapped wind more difficult to pass and making baby much more sore. Much more sore = much more crying = much more gulping air = much more gas = much more pressure= much more reflux.
When having lots of gas:
If you notice lots of wind but not too much reflux, you'll want to encourage passing the wind. You'll want to be slightly more aggressive than gentle in order to get it out. Whilst true that winding can increase reflux, not winding a windy baby will definitely bring on more intense reflux as you'll be fighting both at once and both will be extreme in terms of discomfort.
Putting baby over your shoulder, with baby's tummy against your boob, and baby's arms right over your shoulder. Gentle patting, and lifting legs upwards a bit can help.
Putting baby over your lap or cushion with baby's tummy pressed against lap or cushion, and legs gently tucked under or behind them, allowing them the ease of kicking themselves upwards. Keep a constant, rhythmic, but gentle enough pat on their bottom going. Don't worry about how long unless you are having major reflux signs such as gulping, sour face, etc.
Gentle vibration can help. Just be careful that it's not too harsh as that too will worsen reflux.
When having lots of reflux:
Limit any sudden movement as much as possible (i.e. don't bounce up and down, don't put baby down, pick up, back down, etc., don't use strong vibration, etc.). Stretched out positions against your own body while walking around the house tends to help. Avoid any rigorous tapping, or stimulating for burps. Let the movement in your walk (you can add a subtle bounce to your step) and/or gentle sway soothe your little one.
When not having any real signs of gas nor reflux:
Propping baby against your body, over your shoulder but not held as tightly to avoid extra pressure on the tummy while gently patting bottom and/or rubbing back in circular motion.
Simply walk around with baby in an elongated or angled position.
- Avoid Over-Stimulation/Sensitivities
Like I mentioned earlier, reflux babies are often more sleep-deprived (I doubt I have to convince parents this) than the average baby, making them much more sensitive, tired, and cranky. Young babies need their sleep and definitely get fussy when tired. Things like sound, light, smells, are stimulants and their brain tries to process everything it they encounter. This is a lot for them at such a young age and even the average baby gets overstimulated easily enough so imagine when a sleep-deprived one is bombarded by all this. If you notice your baby start flailing without really seeing any obvious signs of discomfort, rubbing his/her eyes, yawning, etc. those are your cues to help your little one to sleep. Take him/her away from the stimulating environment if you cannot make the environment itself less stimulating. A darker, quieter environment will help soothe them. Baby wearing and/or swaddling can be extremely handy when it comes to relaxing your little one after they've been overstimulated, especially if they have very active extremities as they will constantly startle/distract themselves with these.
Treatment:
Aside from all of the above, different formula, thickening agents, and medications might also be used to help treat your baby's reflux. All these things should be done only under medical advice so please talk to your healthcare professional if you think your baby is suffering from GER/D, allergies/intolerances, or digestive issues.
Seeing The Doctor:
If you child is incredibly fussy, is eating very little or very large amounts, seems in pain/discomfort more often than not, nothing you do seems to help, and you've noticed several of the symptoms, it is well worth seeing the help of a medical professional.
Do be warned that medical help will not always be easy to get. Many parents report their concerns being disregarded and pretty much being fobbed off at first, myself included. The word 'colic' (I am cringing at the word - I DESPISE that word) might be thrown at you. The words 'first-time parents' and 'babies cry' will probably be spoken as well. However, if you feel in your gut that something is seriously wrong and your baby needs help immediately, don't be a pushover. There is nothing worse than knowing your child is suffering and being unable to do anything to console them. The impact reflux can have on babies and their families is so so underrated. One thing I recommend, sad as it is, is to film or have someone film your baby while s/he is having a fit. Sometimes, that is the only way for them to realize you aren't making a mountain out of nothing.
As for myself, I was initially fobbed off by many people. However, I KNEW my son had it. One night, during a particularly intense episode, Nathan choked. Now, I knew this was most likely benign despite being downright terrifying and knew this was common with reflux babies. However, at that very moment, I told myself "Any normal mother would panic over this and rush their baby to the hospital when they choke..." That's when it clicked. That was what I used to go to the hospital and make them listen to me. He was diagnosed immediately as we were there a few hours and they could hear the reflux themselves.
Helpful Links:
https://www.silentinfantreflux.com/
lots of useful info
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3nens1NG8E
descriptive video of symptoms (take or leave the treatment info, I just like the symptom descriptions)
More coming soon
They say they will make sure it all gets better, but when you tell them that you're still having problems, the answer you get is "Time is a great healer". Whilst I agree with that, it doesn't solve anything in the immediate and seeing your child like that for hours at a time is just horrible. So that's my answer. 
makes me feel like showing a video of him screaming except I can't bring myself to watch it let alone show someone else to justify his condition! I only took it a the docs could see so they could help us better...this resulted in him being admitted for 24 hours observations and increase in all meds and dietitian review for early weaning.
I think this thread is good for us mums to know we're not alone. It'll be nice to have someone to talk to and calm me down or at least to insane with me hahahahaha
) said that the medicine doesn't really work and that only time will fix it. I bet if they were the ones dealing with a screaming child day and night they would be a little more open to trying things! 
The worst part is, now with the thickening, he's constipated so we have to deal with him screaming about that as well. When he's not screaming, I try to make his days fun for him only to find out I've been making him scream more due to overstimulation. I feel like I just can't win. Dealing with a baby like this is enough to stress anyone but to be told, like you, that I am causing it by being anxious... Ha, the next person that tells me that will be buried 6ft under ground. The last time someone said it I got really angry, threw up my arms and said "Fine, if I'm the problem then I will leave. You fix it. See if you can stop it then!" And well, lo and behold, Nathan started up and there was nothing that person could do to make it better. Oh but it's my fault. *Rolls eyes* Okay, vent done. I think... Phew. 
Really happy you are able to start enjoying your time with your lil one more now though. I really hope it will keep moving forwards and get easier with each day!
