My baby is always vomiting, but when I took her to the doctor, he said it was a reflux problem and not vomiting. In what way does reflux differ from vomiting in babies?

Some babies are unlucky enough to have a defect in the muscle ring at the bottom of the oesophagus (gullet). This muscle ring is normally contracted shut, and only opens when food is swallowed. This prevents the acid and food in the stomach from running up into the oesophagus when lying down or bending over.

If the muscle is weak or defective, the acid in the stomach can burn the oesophagus, which causes considerable pain to the infant. This is known as reflux oesophagitis.

Most children will grow out of the problem, but medication must be given in the meantime to prevent the burning and pain. This is usually in the form of a mixture which is given after every feed. More sophisticated treatments are available for intractable cases.

Why do babies vomit so much?

It is important to differentiate between vomiting, positing and reflux. Vomiting is not very common, and may be due to some disease process (eg. infection, food allergy). The vomitus is usually altered food and may be green in colour, indicating the presence of bile. It may occur several hours after a feed.

Positing occurs in most infants, and is the regurgitation of milk and food from the mouth, gullet and upper part of the stomach during or immediately after a feed. It is caused by over feeding, rapid feeding or burping, and it does not require any treatment.

Reflux is the regurgitation of the stomach contents immediately after a meal, and for some time afterwards. It is distressing to the child, as stomach acid is bought up, and this burns the gullet. This can be helped by posture feeding, slow feeding and mixtures (such as Infant Gaviscon) that may be given after a meal.

If you are unsure about the problem, have your child assessed by your GP.

Kindly suggest some useful exercises that can help me to give a normal delivery after a C-section has been done 4 years back. Currently I am not pregnant but I am eager to have a second child the natural way. The first C-section was done due to fetal distress.
There is no reason why you cannot deliver normally the second time, as your first caesarian was fetal related(i.e. to save of the baby). And you can prepare for natural birth by keeping fit. Regular exercises like walking or yoga helps. After your 4th month of pregnancy, with your doctor’s okay, you can start ante natal exercises, which include Kegels to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle. Swimming is very good — yes, even when you are pregnant; also water aerobics. When you are beginning the ninth month you should start squatting and sitting cross legged on the floor. For more advice on exercise and diet during your pregnancy join an ante natal program. Be very positive that all will be well and you will deliver normally. But keep an open mind, too. Be aware that ultimately your doctor will decide what mode of delivery is best for you and the baby.