Support a baby suffering from reflux (1/2)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, on a daily basis All parents who have faced this situation know : between crying, feelings of helplessness, fatigue, and not to mention endless laundry, being a parent of a baby suffering from reflux is hell! And unfortunately, this situation is not rare since it is estimated that this condition affects 1 in 5 babies, or 20% of infants. Warning signs, tips to relieve, carrying tricks... We discuss this through 2 articles specifically dedicated to this topic! Physiological regurgitation or Gastro-esophageal Reflux (GER)? First, a few brief explanations. Gastro-esophageal reflux (GER for short), is what is more commonly called acid reflux. Ladies, during pregnancy, you probably experienced this, and if so, you usually remember. Because it hurts (a lot). It corresponds to a reflux of part of the stomach contents into the esophagus, which is not designed at all to support the acidity of the liquid in question. This causes very unpleasant sensations of burning, and can, over time, cause an inflammation of the esophageal mucosa (esophagitis). It is not uncommon to wonder about the difference between a pathological reflux and physiological regurgitations, especially since it is quite common to hear that a baby who regurgitates is normal, and that a crying baby is also normal. Certainly, this can be true to some extent, but even parents of a first child realize when their baby’s crying is abnormal in intensity. Physiological regurgitations are related to an immaturity of the small valve at the base of the esophagus. After a bottle or a feed, overflows come out (often at the same time as burping), without the baby seeming at all bothered by having soaked your shirt. In fact, he gives you a big smile! Physiological regurgitations occur just after feeding, the milk that comes out is not at all curdled – pre-digested. And most importantly, your little one is neither bothered nor in pain by these. In the case of GER, the refluxes are less related to meals, they occur even when the stomach is "empty", and they are extremely acidic. Among the signs that may indicate this, we can find (not exhaustively): A baby who cries excessively, is very restless, nervous… He often tolerates poorly lying down and you need to keep him upright as much as possible He sometimes regurgitates curdled milk from a distance from feedings He seems to chew often You hear him regularly swallowing something (and he cries or tightens up often right after) He is extremely stiff, very tense, hypertonic and seems to never relax He may have an 'acid' breath He may have a voice that becomes hoarse, hoarse Obviously, not all babies will show the same signals, some will only display a few, others almost all of them… Note that reflux is not necessarily associated with milk regurgitation; this is then called 'internal' reflux. As soon as you have doubts on this subject, it is strongly recommended to inform the doctor or pediatrician in charge of your baby’s medical follow-up, so that they can establish (or not if that’s not the case) a diagnosis, and if necessary, propose treatments to relieve your little one. Relieve the pain The first difficulty generally faced is the pain that your little one encounters. He cries, a lot, really screams that leave you completely powerless to relieve him. We will address more specifically after feeding, which plays a role in this story, but modifying or improving this is often not enough to really limit the damage. This is where the doctor comes in. Gastric dressings, anti-acids (proton pump inhibitors), they have many tools at their disposal and can help your family and relieve your baby. Even if obviously no one likes to give medications to their little one, significant pain heavily tips the balance of benefits versus risks (and let’s be honest, when we have a migraine attack or other pain… we also take an analgesic. It’s the same for our little ones). Reflux can sometimes impact other health spheres of your baby by inducing notably increased ORL vulnerability, or by causing coughing. The first reflex, therefore, is to make an appointment to discuss the subject with a healthcare professional, which does not prevent simultaneously exploring other levers of action, especially through diet. Diet and reflux While baby’s diet is always subject to debate and reflection, it is even more so when the baby shows some particularities! It is often said that in case of reflux, you should space out meals and thicken the milk, but this is not necessarily a very good idea  ! Indeed, the most painful refluxes occur not when there is milk in the stomach, but when it is "empty"! It is important to remember that in this pathological case, refluxes are present even outside of meals, regardless of whether there is milk in the stomach or not. The presence of milk helps to slightly soothe the acidity and makes the reflux less painful. In the case of thickened milk, it often turns out to be less digestible, which can promote… refluxes. Moreover, if the baby no longer regurgitates, the stomach contents still come back up, just a bit lower, and instead of burning only during the ascent, it also burns during the descent… Therefore, it is advisable to divide meals into smaller portions given at more frequent intervals (especially since drinking milk relieves pain), to help limit acidity and avoid the "large quantity at once" effect, which is often less digestible. If the baby is breastfed, it is not a question of pulling to thicken the milk, nor stopping breastfeeding! Breast milk is a true "medicine" in cases of reflux, its healing properties especially help greatly in limiting the occurrences of esophagitis. It is also very digestible. Do not hesitate to offer as often as the baby demands. If the baby is not breastfed, a few small tips can help promote digestion: Absolutely warm the milk. At "room temperature," the preparation is very indigestible and requires the baby to expend a lot of energy to regulate its internal temperature after a meal perceived as cold (18-20 degrees Celsius, which is quite cold compared to the body temperature of 37), energy that is not allocated to digestion. Offer the bottle in a physiological manner: the baby semi-sits on the parent’s knees, bottle offered horizontally. There will be air at the top of the head, which is normal and not serious. This way of feeding allows the little one to be active during feeding, to not be overwhelmed by too large a flow, and to more easily pause and feel satiety. Do not hesitate to offer "on demand" feeding, with smaller, more frequent amounts (not necessarily every 30 minutes). The hungrier and more irritable the baby, the more chaotic the bottle feeding will be, and the less well they will manage —> reflux. The truth is that there is no single magic solution when it comes to feeding. It is up to each parent to test and find the balance that seems most suitable. With his baby. There is often a small adjustment in the feeding schedule, where we realize, for example, that the little one is more comfortable if we leave 1 hour 30 minutes between two feedings and that if we give really all the time as he demands, it doesn't really calm him down. It's up to you to see what is most suitable for your family (even if we agree, it's not simple!). Note that in some cases, reflux can be associated with a allergy to cow's milk proteins (generally non-IgE mediated), and in the presence of other warning signs, it may be worth discussing with your doctor to evaluate the relevance of tests and/or elimination. If your baby suddenly shows significant difficulties in feeding (implying: he is in too much pain), it is an urgent consultation reason. Do not hesitate to call 15 for advice. Surviving everyday life... We agree that, said like that, it's not very encouraging, but parents who have been through this know and will confirm: everyday life with a 'GERD baby' as we sometimes read, is a mode of survival! Intense crying is extremely tiresome and difficult to live with for families. It is a condition that should lead healthcare professionals supporting the baby to be very vigilant about the parents' health (especially psychological). It is a factor that particularly promotes postpartum depression or shaken baby syndrome. Once the context is set, what do we do? We do our best.And as much as we can. Relieving pain is a priority. For everything else, if the house is a mess and we eat a little more pasta than usual, well, it's not that serious. It’s the right time to reach out for help around you: grandparents, uncles and aunts, friends… Being able to leave your baby for 1 hour to breathe or sleep, or delegate a bit of cleaning and cooking. You can also find listening ears and resources at PMI centers or parent-child reception areas (LAEP). Generally, it is important to understand that if your child cries, it is not your fault. You are not doing anything bad, it is not related to any incompetence of yours. You are doing everything necessary to help your little one (by the way, you are precisely reading this article!). It is indeed a pathology. So, we've covered what reflux is, along with some resources and key points for daily life. Physiological carrying (babywearing) also proves to be a significant help in everyday life, see the second article dedicated to this topic.

What are the essential care for the newborn? All our advice and products

The arrival of a newborn is a unique and moving moment. To welcome baby in the best conditions, it is essential to know the care gestures to adopt and to equip oneself with suitable products. In this article, we guide you step by step through the essential care of the newborn, while offering gentle, natural, and effective solutions signed Nébulle.SummaryWhy are newborn cares so important?What are the essential cares for the newborn?Fostering the creation of bonds and emotional securityFAQ: Essential cares for the newbornIn summary: cares that rhyme with gentleness and simplicity Why are newborn cares so important? The first days and weeks of life are marked by an adaptation period for the baby. After 9 months, they leave the intrauterine environment and discover the outside world. Until then, they were sheltered in their amniotic sac. The placenta served as a real filter. At birth, the newborn comes into contact with microorganisms present in our environment. Gradually, they will develop their immunity.On a daily basis, it is the adults around them who take care of them. We speak of "caregivers" (or "caregiver") according to John Bowlby’s attachment theory. During these cares, adults interact with the child, who is entirely dependent on them during their early years. Donald Winnicott, a major figure in child psychoanalysis, wrote "a baby alone, that does not exist".Taking care of a newborn fulfills their need for social connection and strengthens emotional bonds. These gestures, often taken for granted, have an impact far beyond hygiene. Through them, parents become true attachment figures. They help reinforce the child's sense of security. If they are exposed to a stressful situation, if they feel distressed, they will know they can turn to their attachment figures, like a boat seeking the light of a lighthouse in a storm. What are the essential cares for the newborn? Daily cares: bathing and changing For daily bathing (face, skin folds of the groin and neck, diaper area), prefer washable wipes. Practical and economical, they are often easier to use than cotton squares that fray. About ten are enough, washed with the rest of the family’s laundry! Prefer wipes with one soft side and one absorbent side. Regarding exchange products, it is essential to use suitable products. The liniment, for example, protects the baby's sensitive skin from moisture, diaper friction, and weather aggressions. A true magic potion that can be used without rinsing, the liniment from Néobulle soothes and repairs from the first redness, starting from birth. An essential item to keep within reach! Bath time: gentleness and bonding Although not necessarily daily, bath time is part, in some families, of a significant moment in the weekly routine. We can distinguish:hygiene bath, aimed at cleaning the delicate skin,relaxation bath, during which it is not necessary to use soap. During the first weeks, and up to around 2 months, do not hesitate to prefer the technique of the wrapped bath. Simply swaddle the baby with a cloth before immersing them in water, which you will have previously checked the temperature of (between 37.5°C and 38°C). The bedtime ritual: establishing a calming routine Sleep is a major concern for young parents. And for good reason, a baby's sleep is very different from that of adults. Over a long process, which spans several years, their cycles will evolve, they will learn to differentiate day and night, and to fall asleep peacefully. But initially, night awakenings are frequent, and they still need their parents' presence to fall back asleep feeling secure.Implementing a gentle routine can facilitate falling asleep. This routine acts as a "time giver" that helps the baby to orient themselves and anticipate what is coming next. A massage with an appropriate oil, such as the Bio Gentle Night oil, from 3 months old, helps relax the baby before bedtime. Here is a simple sequence to reproduce:Position your hand in a C shape and smooth the baby's leg, from the groin to the toesUsing the pads of your thumbs, smooth the underside of their foot, from the heel to the toesWith your thumbs, smooth the top of the foot, from the toes to the ankleUsing a C-shaped hand, envelop the entire baby's leg and smooth the leg up to the groinRepeat each movement 5 to 6 times. The massage is a wonderful way to build a bond with your baby and allow the whole family to secrete oxytocin!It is also possible to massage the belly, arms, back, or even the face (the only area where oil use is not recommended). Calming assured, to prepare for sleep.  👉 Discover how to create a sleep-friendly environment thanks to our article on essential oils to diffuse to promote sleep in young children. Promoting the creation of bonds and emotional security Skin-to-skin contact: a comprehensive care From the very first hours, skin-to-skin contact plays a fundamental role. It helps your little one regulate their temperature, stabilizes the heartbeat, promotes the secretion of oxytocin, and thus facilitates breastfeeding. This proximity also meets a fundamental need of the newborn, who is unaware of their existence as an individual in full consciousness. It is a small mammal, programmed to feel secure when against its parents. After birth, but also upon returning from maternity, do not hesitate to include skin-to-skin sessions in your daily routine.The skin-to-skin wrap is an excellent tool for practicing comfortably, whether in maternity or at home.  Designed with neonatal professionals, its soft and stretchable fabric wraps the baby against the parent's chest, creating a soothing cocoon. This shared moment helps to build the foundations of a strong and secure relationship. Therapeutic virtues of physiological carrying Are you looking for a solution to soothe your baby daily? The practice of carrying can undoubtedly meet your needs. In addition to freeing tired arms of new parents, carrying your baby allows you to: Reduce the frequency of acid reflux episodes in case of gastroesophageal reflux,Limit the risk of plagiocephaly,Promote the evacuation of gases and thus limit digestive discomfort,Reduce your baby's crying,Help regulate their temperature and vital functions (breathing, heartbeat)Meet their need for containment and proximity FAQ: Essential newborn care What are the first cares for a baby in the maternity ward? At birth, the initial cares vary according to the protocol and location (maternity ward, birth center, home, etc.). But, in most cases, the baby is dried, covered with a blanket, and quickly placed skin-to-skin. The cares generally include clamping the umbilical cord, checking reflexes, assessing the APGAR score, and taking measurements (weight and length). Depending on the gestational age at birth, your baby's skin may be more or less covered with a whitish substance . Don't worry, it is about the vernix caseosa. Increasingly, families are choosing to preserve this vernix by delaying the first bath so that the baby's skin can absorb it and benefit from its nourishing and protective properties. How do I know if I am doing the right things for my baby's daily care? We are not born parents; we become one. By groping, trying, and doing our best daily. Few adults have had the opportunity to truly handle a newborn for just a few hours! We all go through the "first time". Often, handling a baby during care can make them cry a little. For them too, it’s all new. The professionals present at birth and during the postpartum period will teach you each step, and it is by practicing them that you will become more and more comfortable and confident. My baby cries during bath time, how can I soothe him? Birth involves many upheavals for the baby. They go from an aquatic environment heated to 37°C to a terrestrial environment with many temperature variations. Their skin is also sensitive to touch (so avoid stroking and tickling in the first few months). Make sure the bath water is between 37.5°C and 38°C. To meet your little one's need for containment, don’t hesitate to swaddle them before the bath. They will feel the boundaries of the swaddle, which will remind them of the uterine walls, and will calm down. Finally, it is not necessary to wash your baby every day; you already clean them frequently during diaper changes. Which products should I favor for essential baby care? Choose products without synthetic fragrances, alcohol, or harsh preservatives. Neobulle offers a full range of natural-origin care products, made from ingredients from Organic Farming, formulated in France specifically to respect the sensitive skin of newborns. In summary: care that embodies softness and simplicity Essential care for newborns is not just about technique: it is an invitation to slow down and marvel at every moment shared with your baby. Through them, you also strengthen the emotional bond that unites you with your child. It’s not just about "cleaning" your little one (even if sometimes, you face a diaper overflowing on all sides!); these are also precious moments of interaction, communication, and complicity.If you are interested in the topic, Céline Alvarez explains simply how, from birth, the child's brain is shaped by sensory, emotional, and relational experiences: this is what is called brain plasticity. A concept that helps us realize how much daily care contributes to the overall development of the child.

The benefits of carrying in 8 points

1 - Already familiar sensations Baby spent 9 months in his mother's womb in total symbiosis. Rocked by movements and in a constant temperature. A true bubble of well-being !    Carrying allows a transition that is gentle because it provides continuity from pregnancy. Baby will rediscover sensations already experienced that can give him a feeling of safety and serenity: Warmth Rocking The familiar scent of his parent The voices of his parents Vibrations The physiological position Proximity Feeling contained It is therefore normal for baby to feel the need to be carried and in contact with his parents or attachment figures.  2 - Building attachment bonds What is attachment? It is the emotional bond that connects baby with his attachment figures. Most of the time, it is with his parents that the baby creates his first attachment bonds. Attachment with his baby develops throughout life and allows him to grow on different levels (relational, emotional, etc.). Baby will create the attachment bond with the people who most often care for him and meet his needs. This helps him feel secure and gain confidence in himself. This bond is naturally formed, but, for different reasons and situations, it can also take time to develop. For example : difficult delivery, premature birth, his personal history, life events…but it can happen even without complications. Do not hesitate to seek help from professionals around you if difficulties persist. And carrying in all this? Exactly! Carrying can positively contribute to building the attachment bond! Do not hesitate to carry baby to discover him and take the time to create and strengthen this bond. Feeling his baby, his skin, his smell, his well-being and his calm when he is carried against you are moments that will help you connect with him and feel more confident in your new parental role. "To detach well, the child must be able to attach well"Bernard Golse, child psychiatrist. 3- Fewer tears Why does my baby cry? Crying is the primary means of expression for the baby, so it is a matter of survival. Speech (or signs) comes only later. It is therefore normal for our baby to cry; he is expressing his needs: cuddles, food, drink, sleep, being changed... but also his emotions and feelings (cold, hot, pain…). A baby is biologically immature at birth and has a great need for proximity and contact with his attachment figures (most of the time their parents). Carrying will help soothe your child and make them feel secure. Baby will quickly calm down in carrying thanks to familiar sensations that will give them a sense of security. There will therefore be fewer tears and you will more easily know when they need something else. Some babies cry a lot and others less! Perhaps it will take you some time at first to learn to decode their cries... It is also important to trust yourself, you know your baby better than anyone else. So, in most cases, you will be able to understand them! If the crying persists and seems abnormal, do not hesitate to consult a health professional. Don’t remain isolated when faced with intense crying from your baby, pass the baton if you can, and if you are alone and it becomes too difficult, place your baby safely and go breathe and clear your mind in another room. It is normal to sometimes feel exhausted and overwhelmed by your baby’s cries. Sometimes, crying can also be a sign of digestive discomfort (often observed in the first months of a baby’s life), and carrying will help through massage (belly against belly), movement, warmth, and comfort. Evening is also more conducive to emotional release crying. Carrying will therefore help reduce crying. 4- Promotes Sleep Sleep is a particularly challenging issue for parents. “Is your baby sleeping through the night?” Yes, your baby is SLEEPING through the night. A child's sleep is not the same as an adult’s. For example, their biological clock is set at 25 hours at birth, and it is only later that it matures to 24 hours. Likewise, their sleep cycles are not the same as ours. Before your child can adopt the same sleep cycle as you, they will go through several stages during their early years. These stages will fluctuate and may include regression phases. As you understand, a child's sleep does not resemble ours, and therefore it is normal not to always understand their sleep needs. Carrying and sleep? In carrying, your child can fall asleep and stay awake as they wish. Carrying allows the baby to find their sleep rhythm and helps parents worry less. The feeling of security in carrying enables them to have peaceful sleep. Naps in carrying during the day do not hinder night sleep. Falling asleep will also be greatly facilitated, and you will be less exhausted when putting your child to sleep, and your baby will be soothed and secure. 5- Carrying & Breastfeeding If you have chosen to breastfeed, carrying will be your ally. Indeed, beyond a mode of feeding, it is a way of life you have chosen, and carrying will go in this direction. First of all, the proximity between mother and baby will promote the secretion of oxytocin: the hormone of breastfeeding and attachment. The mother will more easily recognize the signals of hunger because she will be more sensitive to them thanks to proximity. On-demand breastfeeding will thus be facilitated. The carried baby will find the same sensations as when at the breast (warmth, contact, heartbeat...). And will thus be able to gradually space out its feedings. In some cases, the baby can even be breastfed in the carrying device, which can be practical in certain daily situations or when the baby has strong demands (growth spurts, for example). Breastfeeding can be discreetly done in public thanks to the carrying solution. 6 - Promotes psychomotor development Close contact with a parent will allow the baby to develop its brain, which is under construction. Did you know? In one year, the size of a human baby's brain will almost double! Even though the human baby depends on its parent, it has several skills: sensory, emotional, motor... Carrying helps to stimulate its sensory skills already developed in the mother's womb (smell, sight, hearing...). These sensory experiences in contact with its environment will contribute favorably to its development, while being secure in its carrier. The baby actively participates in its carrying (in a physiological position) to hold onto its carrier during movements, changes of direction, etc., which helps it improve its sense of balance and exercise its tone in a developmental logic. For example, as a very young child, it will learn to hold its head, then its shoulders and back. As it grows, it will be among the first to participate in carrying activities (meals, leisure activities...). This is an opportunity to give it a different visual field and discover odors, colors, memorize gestures... Did you know? vision is the last sense to develop intrauterinely! At birth, the baby sees on average between 20 and 30 cm, the perfect distance to dive into the eyes of its carrier when the baby is carried! 7 - Advantage for the carrier Let's now focus on the carrier! What are the advantages of carrying? Having free hands: being able to go about your daily activities with the baby snugly against you! Practical in everyday life and even more so when you have several children to look after. Take more easily time for yourself: walks, outings, meals … without waiting for baby to finish his nap Strengthen the attachment bond with your baby and enhance your parenting skills This is the all-purpose tool! In the city… on a trail… in public transportation… on stairs…! Moreover, carrying tools take up very little space in a bag or the trunk of a car! Respond more quickly to baby’s needs thanks to close contact! This helps the parent observe their baby and learn to better understand him. Preserve your nape when carrying by holding at the right height (high and close against you) Reduces baby’s crying and thus promotes a decrease in stress/anxiety in parents! Supports breastfeeding. Protect your back and develop your muscles by evenly distributing the baby’s weight! For co-parents: experience some unique sensations of pregnancy. This is also a very good transition tool during adaptations:  at daycare, with a childminder or grandparents because it provides the baby with landmarks and comfort. 8- A prevention tool Carrying is an excellent prevention tool against plagiocephaly (skull deformation, commonly called "flat head"). Indeed, with carrying, you avoid prolonged pressure on the skull. Be careful not to restrict the baby’s head movements with the carrier! When the baby’s head is free to move, he strengthens his neck and back muscles and quickly learns to turn and support his head. Carrying is also an excellent prevention against physiological gastroesophageal reflux, due to the upright position. It will also help babies suffering from pathological gastroesophageal reflux, which will be more relieved in a vertical position. Regarding digestion, carrying reduces discomfort (sometimes called "colic"), thanks to warmth, belly massage against belly, and the feeling of security it provides.   From a motor perspective, the physiological position in the carrying solution is a very good way to promote the maturation of the baby’s hips. « What delights a child is the happiness in which he bathes; if you wish him well-being, work on making yourself happy », Boris CYRULNIK, neuropsychiatrist. Safety rules Discovered face, clear airways (the fabric reaches up to the nape of the neck) Physiological position: rounded back, knees raised higher than the hips, head aligned with the spine, hands near the face, respecting hip spacing. Snug fabric grip Exclusive vertical position Baby's belly against the caregiver Observe and monitor the baby (skin coloration, breathing, signs of well-being…) Appropriate clothing for the baby (keep in mind that a layer of fabric equals a layer of clothing) and the caregiver. Ensure proper hydration of the baby Adapt activities (no extreme sports) and do not carry if your alertness is altered (medications, psychoactive substances, drowsiness…)