Answer: Hi,
I can imagine why you are concerned about the possibility of your next bub having reflux. That is a natural response, especially as I presume your experiences in the past were traumatic. I don’t think there is any way of preventing reflux, but it doesn’t mean you can’t try. It perhaps depends on what the cause of your other two’s reflux-

Were your other two children food sensitive? Did they, or do they, have any problems with foods, especially cows milk or soy? If they have or had issues like that, then some parents I know alter their diet and take probiotics in the hope of changing that- I can only see that that MIGHT work, so long as foods were a cause. (It is only experimental and truly only anecdotal. I know of one mum who did it and it made no difference, and one mum who did where it has seemed to- though bub is still perhaps too young to tell). I have to say though, if you do want to consider changing your diet etc, please speak with a dietitian as it is essential that you get your diet right, especially as you are pregnant!!! It is certainly not something to do on your own, without professional guidance.

Is there a family history of reflux? does it run in the family? Reflux can sometimes be genetic, and if that is the case, I can’t see how doing anything will alter it.

I don’t believe there is anything you can do to find out if they will have reflux, though I think there is some talk of it for way in the future (not soon enough to help you anyway). At the moment, it’s a matter of waiting and seeing (and hoping).

Of course, you could look at it at a different perspective too. Even if this bub does have reflux, it doesn’t mean it will be as bad as the girls’ was. There is such a huge range of reflux, and sometimes a bub can have it very mildly. Even if it wasn’t mild, look at it this way- you know a lot more about reflux in children than you did for either of your other babies, and that, for a start, will help. You would have learned so much from them, it will be sure to benefit this next baby. On top of that, you will no doubt be very vigilant for signs of it, and will no doubt pick it up very quickly. That in itself may make life a lot easier as well.

Also, I don’t know if you got a lot of support with your other bubs, but at least now you know of a support group that you can get information, support and understanding from. And I imagine your doctors are pretty experienced in dealing with reflux now too. That can make a big difference too.

I wish I could give you the answers and guarantees you are looking for. No matter what happens, life does get better at some point, and you can then fully enjoy the new little blessing in your lives.

All the best, Glenda