Answer: Hi,
Congratulations on the birth of your young daughter. I’m sorry that she is vomiting so much! There are a couple of questions I need to ask though… Is all the vomiting making her uncomfortable or causing distress? Has she been doing this from birth or if not, when did it start (and has it worsened?) And … Have you taken her to the doctors to confirm your suspicions of reflux? I`m not sure from you letter whether she actually does have that diagnosis yet, but if not, that is very important. While reflux may be the most obvious issue, it may not be the only possibility. It’s also possible there are other issues that are a factor (such as urinary tract infection, pyloric stenosis- a tight valve at the base of her stomach, etc). Also, does she have any problems with her weight gain? Sometimes extreme vomiting can cause those issues. If you haven’t taken her to a doctor, then please do so.

If you DO have a diagnosis of reflux, and she isn`t uncomfortable or distressed by the vomiting, then it may be a matter managing the vomiting.

• Keeping her upright as much as possible during feeds, for 30 minutes afterwards and for as much as possible throughout the day
• Avoiding any pressure on her tummy- so no tight elastic or waistbands; no slumping if using a sling etc; no holding her in a position that scrunches her up; using the car seat as little as possible if that causes problems etc
• Avoiding feeding her before you put her in the car seat
• Avoiding bouncing or jostling her; handle her gently, especially after feeds
• Try catching any vomit in an ice cream container to reduce the amount of washing
• Use waterproof sheets on her bed, on furniture
• Have lots of vomit rags (towels, old nappies etc) handy to wipe up spills
• Thickened feeds can sometimes help reduce vomiting (though not always, and please talk to your doctor first to ensure there are no other issues)

Those kinds of things can help. I`m not sure what the main issue is for you, whether it is the mess and extra washing; the actual vomiting itself, going out with her; or something else, but I hope that info helps a bit. Most people don`t understand that vomiting like that can be so stressful, and can be even more so than any other factor of reflux.
Glenda