The Infant, Toddler &

Pregnancy Guide to Healing

Acid Reflux
In this report, you will learn exactly how to cure heartburn and acid reflux for babies,
toddlers and pregnant women, using natural and easy home remedies.
Our goal is for you to be 100% satisfied and 100% cured of your heartburn and reflux
symptoms, without using any more drugs. Many of our customers have successfully
cured their ailments using our natural remedies, and we are very excited to hear all the
numerous success stories that flood our email every week.
Sometimes we receive emails from people who tried our remedies without any success.
If you try these remedies and do not successfully achieve better health, we certainly will
refund your purchase price promptly. Simply send an email to
support@bartonpublishing.com and let us know.

Disclaimer:
The material in this report is provided for educational and informational purposes only,
and is not intended to be a substitute for a health care provider's consultation.
Please consult your physician or appropriate health care provider about the applicability
of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your own symptoms or medical
conditions.
Barton Publishing Inc., the web site and author shall have neither liability nor
responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, sickness or injury
caused or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in
this web site or this report.

The Infant, Toddler & Pregnancy Guide to Healing Acid Reflux

Table Of Contents
Acid Reflux Kit: Babies and Infants ............................................................4
The Facts About Your Baby _____________________________________4
What Can I Expect ____________________________________________4
Signs and Symptoms __________________________________________5
Causes ____________________________________________________5
When to Seek Medical Advice ____________________________________5
Screening and Diagnosis _______________________________________6
Complications _______________________________________________7
Treatment __________________________________________________7

The Natural Remedies: Babies and Infants .................................................9

Chamomile Tea ______________________________________________9
Keep Calm _________________________________________________9
Sit Up _____________________________________________________9
Feeding Schedule ____________________________________________10
Take Time to Burp ___________________________________________10
Check the Nipple ____________________________________________10
Thicken the Formula _________________________________________10
Raise the Head of the Crib ______________________________________10

Acid Reflux Kit: Pregnancy ........................................................................11

First Trimester _____________________________________________11
Third Trimester _____________________________________________11
During Pregnancy ___________________________________________12
What this Means To You _______________________________________12
Acid Reflux Symptoms Before Pregnancy? __________________________13

The Natural Remedies: Pregnancy ............................................................14

Ginger ____________________________________________________14
Lifestyle Changes ____________________________________________14
Steps to Reduce Symptoms _____________________________________15
Over-The-Counter Drugs _______________________________________17
Recommended Products and Books _______________________________18
Resources _________________________________________________18

The Infant, Toddler & Pregnancy Guide to Healing Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Kit: Babies and Infants

Acid reflux and heartburn are common among babies. But, there are natural and holistic
methods to help your baby cope with this painful and common problem.

The Facts About Your Baby

The fact is obvious, Your baby spits up! A LOT! Grab
your burp cloth and join the world of parenthood!
Infant acid reflux, more accurately known as
gastroesophageal reflux, is a common problem. In
fact, more than half of all babies will experience reflux
during the first few months of life.
Although infant acid reflux is most likely after a feeding, it can happen anytime your
baby coughs, cries or strains. Like it or not, it is going to be tougher on you than on your
baby. Mentally, of course! Even through all this fussing, crying and spitting up, your
baby is going to be very happy and healthy.
Infant acid reflux is a totally different issue from adults. Infants normally have a relaxed
Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), so most infants have reflux. Some infants will spit
up a large amount after every feeding, while others have none at all. This, by itself, can
be normal and is not a problem. It only becomes a problem if the child is not gaining
weight or is constantly uncomfortable.

What Can I Expect

The good news is that infant acid reflux will typically resolve itself by the time your baby
reaches 12 to 18 months of age. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do keep
infant acid reflux under control.

The Infant, Toddler & Pregnancy Guide to Healing Acid Reflux

For starters, feeding in smaller amounts and more frequently, changing position, or
interrupting feeding to burp can greatly help you and your baby relax. In some cases
your doctor my recommend medication or other treatments.

Signs and Symptoms

Spitting up is the classic sign of infant acid reflux. Irritability during feedings and poor
feedings also are signs of infant acid reflux.

Causes
Normally, the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach relaxes and opens
only when you swallow. Otherwise, it is tightly closed and keeping stomach contents
where they belong. However, until this muscle matures, stomach contents may
occasionally flow up the esophagus, out of your baby's mouth, and all over you and your
baby. Another cause is air bubbles in the esophagus. These may push liquid out of your
baby's mouth. It may also be due to that fact that your baby drank too much, too fast.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Normal infant acid reflux does not interfere with a baby's health, growth, happiness or
well being. But, you should contact your baby's doctor if your baby:

Is not gaining the typical weight during that period of time

Spits up forcefully, causing stomach contents to shoot out of his or her mouth

Spits up more than a tablespoon or two of fluid at a time

Spits up green or brown fluid

Resists feedings

Seems hungry between feedings

Has fewer wet diapers than normal

Appears lethargic

Has other signs of illness, such as fever, diarrhea or difficulty breathing

The Infant, Toddler & Pregnancy Guide to Healing Acid Reflux

Has a chronically hoarse voice

Some of these signs and symptoms may indicate more serious conditions, such as
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or pyloric stenosis.

GERD is a severe version of reflux that often causes pain, vomiting, and poor
weight gain.

Pyloric stenosis is a rare condition in which a narrowed valve between the

stomach and the small intestine prevents stomach contents from emptying into
the small intestine. It usually develops between 2 weeks and 2 months of age and
can cause dehydration.

Screening and Diagnosis

Diagnosis of infant acid reflux is typically based on your baby's symptoms and a
physical exam. Diagnostic tests are needed only if your baby's doctor suspects a
more serious condition, such as GERD. In these cases, diagnostic tests may
include:
o Lab tests. Your baby's doctor may do various blood and urine tests to
identify or rule out possible causes of recurring vomiting and poor weight
gain. Make sure to also get a test for allergies to milk and other allergens. Milk
allergies can lead to acid reflux and heartburn, as can other allergies.
o Esophageal pH monitoring. To determine if irritability, sleep
disturbances, or other symptoms are associated with reflux, it may be helpful
to measure the acidity in your baby's esophagus. The doctor will insert a thin
tube through your baby's nose or mouth into the esophagus. The tube is
attached to a device that monitors acidity. Your baby may need to remain in
the hospital for the monitoring, which often lasts 24 hours.

The Infant, Toddler & Pregnancy Guide to Healing Acid Reflux

o Upper GI series. If the doctor suspects a gastrointestinal obstruction, he or

she may recommend a series of X-rays known as an upper gastrointestinal
(GI) series. Before the X-rays, your baby may drink a white, chalky liquid
(barium). The barium coats the stomach, which helps any abnormalities to
show up more clearly on the X-rays.
o Upper endoscopy. Your baby's doctor may use this procedure to identify or
rule out problems in the esophagus, such as narrowing (stricture) or
inflammation (esophagitis). The doctor will insert a special tube, equipped
with a camera lens and light, through your baby's mouth into the esophagus,
stomach, and first part of the small intestine. Samples of any suspicious areas
may be taken for analysis. For infants and children, endoscopy is usually done
under general anesthesia.

Complications
In rare cases, infant acid reflux has lead to poor growth, breathing problems, or blood
loss from stomach acid irritating the esophagus. Some research indicates that people
who develop GERD as infants or children may also experience the condition during
adulthood. In very rare cases surgery may be needed.

Treatment
Most cases of infant acid reflux clear up on their own once the babys body matures a
little. Treatment is typically limited to simple changes in your feeding technique, such as
using smaller, more frequent feedings, interrupting feedings to burp, or holding your
baby upright during feedings.
If you are breast-feeding, your baby's doctor may suggest that you avoid cow's milk or
certain other foods. If you feed your baby formula, sometimes switching brands helps.
This is because cows milk is sometimes not easily digested, so changing to an elemental
formula may make a difference. But, of course, breast-feeding is always best.

The Infant, Toddler & Pregnancy Guide to Healing Acid Reflux

For babies with severe reflux or GERD, more aggressive treatment may be needed.

Medication. If your baby is uncomfortable, the doctor may prescribe infant

doses of medications commonly used to treat heartburn in adults. Choices may
include H-2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac), or
proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole (Nexium) or omeprazole
(Prilosec). Although these medications are considered safe for use in infants and
children with GERD, a 2006 study noted an increased risk of intestinal and
respiratory infections in otherwise healthy children taking these medications. In
fact, any medication is not 100% safe, so always consult your babys doctor.

Typically a teaspoon of Mylanta will give instant relief. If it does not, look for
another cause of the discomfort.

Alternative feeding methods. If your baby is not growing well, higher calorie
feedings or a feeding tube may be recommended.

Surgery. Rarely, the muscle that relaxes to let food into the stomach (the lower
esophageal sphincter) must be surgically tightened so that less acid is likely to
flow back into the esophagus. The procedure, known as fundoplication, is usually
reserved for the few babies who have reflux severe enough to interfere with
breathing or growth. Although surgery can reduce GERD symptoms, the
complications are potentially serious including persistent gagging during
feedings.

The Infant, Toddler & Pregnancy Guide to Healing Acid Reflux

The Natural Remedies: Babies and Infants

Infant acid reflux is a totally different issue from adults. Infants normally have a relaxed
Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), so most infants have reflux. Some infants will spit
up a large amount after every feeding. Others will have none at all. This, by itself, can be
normal and is not necessarily a problem. It only becomes a problem if the child is not
gaining weight or is constantly uncomfortable.
It is a good idea to spill an ounce of formula or milk on the counter and see what an
ounce of reflux would be. This can help with estimating amounts.
Like the old saying, Reflux Happens Well, not exactlybut you get the idea. Here is
what you can do to minimize the mess:

Chamomile Tea
Sometimes small amounts of chamomile tea (1-3 tablespoons per bottle) can be very
effective. Enzymes and probiotics can also be useful, even in breast-fed infants.

Keep Calm
Make each feeding peaceful and relaxed. Feed your baby before he or she becomes
frantic, and do not rush it.

Sit Up
Feed your baby in an upright position. Follow each feeding with 15 to 30 minutes in a
sitting position. Try a front pack, backpack or infant seat. Gravity can help stomach
contents stay where they belong. Be careful not to jostle or jiggle your baby while the
food is settling. There are many great feeding products such as wedges, seats for
posture, and bottles that can help reduce the stress on you and your baby while keeping
them in an upright position.

The Infant, Toddler & Pregnancy Guide to Healing Acid Reflux

Feeding Schedule
Try smaller, more frequent feedings. Feed your baby an ounce less than usual or limit
nursing sessions to just one breast.

Take Time to Burp

Take time to burp. Frequent burps during and after each feeding can keep air from
building up in your baby's stomach. Sit your baby upright, supporting his or her head
with your hand. Avoid burping your baby over your shoulder, which may put pressure
on your baby's abdomen.

Check the Nipple

If you are using a bottle, make sure the hole in the nipple is the right size. If it is too
large, the milk will flow too fast. If it is too small,
your baby may get frustrated and gulp air. A nipple
that is the right size will allow a few drops of milk to
fall out when you hold the bottle upside down. Try
Dr. Browns Natural Flow Bottles.

Thicken the Formula

If your baby's doctor approves, add a small amount of rice cereal to your baby's formula.
You may need to enlarge the hole in the nipple to make sure your baby can drink the
thickened formula.

Raise the Head of the Crib

Lying flat may aggravate reflux. Place your baby to sleep on his or her back, but elevate
the head of your baby's crib 30 degrees. You can also try wedges and motion beds. You
can find all of these items at your local baby store. Of course, consult your babys doctor
before trying any of these methods.
Remember, reflux is usually little cause for concern for your babys health. It is going to

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be mores stressful for you; so be relaxed, but well informed. Keep plenty of burp cloths
handy as you ride it out.

Acid Reflux Kit: Pregnancy

Almost every pregnant woman experiences indigestion and heartburn at some point
during their pregnancy. This will occur even for those women who have never
experienced it before. Heartburn and acid reflux can occur for a number of reasons.

Increased levels of hormones

Pressure on the stomach from the growing fetus

Weight gain from the pregnancy

Problems with acid reflux prior to pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract, so food tends to
move more slowly and digestion is sluggish. This causes many pregnant women to feel
bloated and uncomfortable.
It is estimated that as many as 80% of pregnant women have GERD (gastroesophageal
reflux disease) or acid reflux symptoms. These symptoms will vary from mild to very
severe. It is rarely serious among pregnant women, and is limited to the length of the
pregnancy.

First Trimester
Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester, mainly due to the rising level of
the female hormone, estrogen and progesterone circulating in the blood stream. Acid
reflux symptoms are more common in the third trimester when there is more strain on
the stomach, which forces food back up the esophagus.

Third Trimester
In the third trimester, the uterus is larger and has pushed up into the upper abdomen,
causing distortion among the organs in the abdomen. During this stage of pregnancy,

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the stomach will push up against the diaphragm. This can affect the competence of the
Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and cause acid reflux and heartburn. It can also
force part of the stomach up through the diaphragmatic hiatus. This is called hiatus
hernia and can result in acid reflux.
In addition, weight gain during pregnancy (especially in the apple shape) will settle
around the waist. This weight will press on the abdomen and increase the intraabdominal pressure. This pressure on the LES may force food back up into the
esophagus, causing discomfort and resulting in acid reflux.

During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels need to be high to maintain the
pregnancy. The ovaries produce these two female hormones until the placenta takes
over. These hormones relax smooth muscles of the uterus and are necessary to allow the
uterus to stretch to accommodate the developing pregnancy.
Unfortunately, this muscle relaxation is not confined to the uterus. The muscles of the
gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) are also affected. In the large bowel, reduced strength of
peristaltic contraction leads to the slower movement of food and waste, and will likely
lead to constipation. In the esophagus, it reduces the tone of the Lower Esophageal
Sphincter (LES), allowing reflux and slowing down peristalsis (the smooth muscle
contractions that propel food through the esophagus).

What this Means To You

The food that you swallow is moved slower and the LES is lax, or not strict enough to
move the food effectively through the esophagus, increasing the chances of acid reflux
and heartburn symptoms. A double burden on you and your acid reflux pain.

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Acid Reflux Symptoms Before Pregnancy?

Patients who have had GERD or acid reflux symptoms before getting pregnant tend to
have severe GERD during pregnancy. Sometimes in pregnancy GERD can be so severe
that hospitalization is necessary.
Also, vomiting can be so severe that weight loss is inevitable. In pregnancy, regular
weight gain is expected. Weight loss suggests a referral to a gastroenterologist
especially if the weight is below the pre-pregnancy weight.
Severe GERD can lead also lead to malnutrition. This can be harmful to both the mother
and fetus. This time of development is especially important for the fetus because it is the
time of vital development and growth.

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The Natural Remedies: Pregnancy

There are many natural remedies for treating Acid Reflux, GERD, hiatal hernia and
heartburn during pregnancy. The most important thing during the treatment is that you
and your baby are staying healthy, and that your doctor is aware of your symptoms, as
well as the remedies you are taking.

Ginger
Ginger is a good safe treatment of GERD in pregnancy. You really only need a small
amount for it to be effective. Ginger is good because it can stimulate saliva production.
Saliva is a natural antacid, because it helps neutralize the stomach acids. Ginger helps
relieve nausea and vomiting, as well as gas.

Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle change is important. If still smoking and drinking alcohol, it is time to stop
not only for yourself, but also due to the dangers these will add to your babys health.
Elevating the head of the bed is beneficial. Lying on the left side is best. In this position
the stomach is lower than the esophagus.
Avoid, or reduce your intake, of fats, coffee, tea, chocolate, certain
citrus fruits, certain spices, tomatoes and garlic. When exercising,
avoid bouncing up and down and exercises that involve bending
forward.
Stick to exercises that keep you upright. Stretching exercises and
walking are unlikely to aggravate GERD and acid reflux
symptoms.

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Steps to Reduce Symptoms

Though you may not be able to completely eliminate heartburn, there are many steps
you can take to reduce symptoms during your pregnancy.

Do not eat foods that are known heartburn triggers. These include
chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato-based products, mustard,
vinegar, mint products, as well as spicy, highly-seasoned, fried, and fatty foods.
For a complete list of foods to avoid, and those safe to eat, check out Acid Reflux
Cookbook: Foods to eat and avoid. (Comes with the Reflux Remedy System.)

Avoid drinks containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) because these can relax
the LES and allow acid to reflux back into the esophagus.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol relaxes the LES and allows reflux back into the
esophagus. (Should also avoid alcohol because of the pregnancy complications it
will have).

Do not eat big meals. Eat several smaller meals throughout the day instead.

Do not rush through your meals. Take your time eating, and chew
thoroughly.

Wait at least three hours after your last meal before going to bed.

It is important to drink plenty of water during pregnancy (8-10 glasses

daily) along with other fluids, but do not drink these only at mealtimes.
Sometimes, avoiding water during meals will help reduce the likelihood of acid
reflux symptoms after meals. Large quantities of fluids can distend your stomach,
putting more pressure on the LES and forcing it to open inappropriately. Drink
your fluids in between meals and throughout the day in small quantities.

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Sleep with your head and shoulders propped up with a wedge pillow, or
elevate the head of your bed six to eight inches. This will allow gravity to work for
you and help keep your stomach acids where they should bein your stomach
and not in your esophagus.

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Any tightness around your waist
and stomach will aggravate symptoms of acid reflux.

Bend at the knees instead of at the waist. Bending at the waist puts more
pressure on your stomach.

Sit upright in a comfortable chair rather than slouching.

Gain a sensible amount of weight and stay within the guidelines your doctor
suggests. Too much weight gain, and obesity, puts more pressure on your
stomach, and can force stomach contents through the LES back into your
esophagus.

Do not smoke. While your doctor may urge you break the habit because you are
pregnant, smoking can also increase your odds of experiencing acid reflux.

Over-the-counter drugs. You should always check with your doctor before
taking any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs while pregnant. Many of the OTC drugs
can be dangerous to your health, as well as the health of your baby. However,
there are a few choices you have that can help eliminate heartburn. Some
heartburn relievers may prove helpful, such as:

Tums

Maalox

Mylanta

Rolaids

Gaviscon
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Again, it is important that you check with your doctor before taking any of these
remedies.

Over-The-Counter Drugs
Antacids can be safe to take during pregnancy because they do not cross the placenta
into the baby's circulation.
However, antacids contain many toxic and dangerous ingredients, so be wary. One
ingredient is sodium (sodium bicarbonate), which can cause fluid retention. Aluminum
can prevent absorption of minerals critical to a healthy calcium metabolism, as well as
make constipation during pregnancy worse. Magnesium can slow down labor.
The few antacids listed above are in Category A. The categories were laid down by the
FDA in 1979 and are related to safety profile and potential harm to the fetus. Category A
is safe in pregnancy.
The H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are in Category B, except
omeprazole (Prilosec), which is in Category C. These drugs cross the placenta, and trial
results are not adequate to consider them safe during pregnancy.
Your doctor will be able to tell you the safe OTC drugs to take during pregnancy, but
make sure you discuss natural remedies as well. They typically have far less negative
impact on the health of your baby.

Recommended Products and Books

Products

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottles

The Pollywog Wedge

Baby Motion Bed

Swaddling blankets

Books

"Colic Solved", written by Dr. Bryan Vartabedian. (2007) *(Dont let the name
fool you. It is about Infant Acid Reflux.)

"Making Life Better for a Baby with Acid Reflux", written by Tracy Davenport and
Mike Davenport, Ed.D. (2004)

Resources
For a list of FDA approved drugs and approved ages, you can check out the FDA site
below:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/TipsforParents/default.htm

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