New study results from JAMA Pediatrics states that "Early exposure to medications that can alter the micro biome, including acid-suppressive medications and antibiotics, may influence the likelihood of allergy."

Of the 792,130 infants researched, the study found that those given H2 blockers or P.P.I.s (typically prescribed for reflux and GERD/GORD) "were more than twice as likely to have a food allergy as those who were not." Check out the NYTimes article "Giving Babies Antibiotics or Antacids May Increase Allergy Risk," for all the details and commentary.

I've written before about the weight of medication decisions for families of babies with reflux. For many, and with severe cases and situations, there is no choice in the matter; medication may be the only option in addition to other medical interventions. 

From following reflux experts, bloggers and general recommendations online for more than five years now, I have not seen a more a polarizing topic than this one. 

For us and our "happy" spitter we chose to wait-it-out (while I cried-it-out each night). We managed the massive spit ups while watching the weight gain and other factors as the weeks passed by. And spoiler alert: our child still has some allergies and sensitivities/tummy troubles. While there is no winning here, I can say that I'd rather know all I can and have access to all information out there. Studies like this are here to inform and not to add to guilt or anxiety either way. 

So what's a parent to do? Educate yourself - weigh the risks - know the score - and continue to do what you and your doctor think is the best course (even if just for the day in front of you). Don't be afraid to reassess on the regular, and change directions when you need to. 

How do you respond to the new study results? 
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Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

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Pain into purpose. There is power and healing in sharing one's struggles, and no better channel for us than through parenting blogs.

While I'm never surprised when a mom or dad pours their heart out online about life with a reflux baby or child, I am always inspired by their courage. Why? Because the ugliness of the situation comes with strong doses of guilt and reality. 

We are all too conscious of the fact that we must be grateful to have a baby in our arms, when so many do not. We can't complain about sleeplessness or laundry, when there are far too many families dealing with serious issues, including the most severe cases of infant reflux. 

Then there's the feeling of helplessness and being out of control. We can't find the relief or remedy to help our child who is helpless themselves, and literally sit and suffer in our own way while time passes.

If you've landed here at a point of desperation, please check out the accounts below, for even a bit of a break from the anguish. Save the guilt for another day and realize you aren't alone. 

Tears, Pain and Suffering - A Newborn with Reflux
http://www.adventureswithj.co.uk/adventures-of-parenting/reflux-newborn/
(@100awj)

How my baby's reflux affected my whole family
https://reflux.support/how-my-babys-reflux-affected-my-whole-family/
(@babyreflux)

Dealing with Colic and Reflux in babies
http://www.arthurwears.com/2015/09/dealing-with-colic-and-reflux-in-babies.html
(@arthurwears)

When your baby has reflux
http://unfilteredmami.com/2016/02/when-your-baby-has-acid-reflux/
(@unfilteredmami)

Reflux mums will know
http://ghostwritermummy.co.uk/2015/07/15/reflux-mums-will-know/
(@ghostwritermumm)

DownWithSpitUp on Fox8News, Cleveland Ohio
http://www.downwithspitup.com/spit-up-blog/christina-schmitz-talks-car-seat-dangers-and-the-reflux-connection-with-fox-8-cleveland
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My journey may have ended, but at any given moment, the story is just starting for a new family. Learn more about DownWithSpitUp.com.

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On Nov. 14, 2015, Christina Schmitz joined Autumn Ziemba and Fox 8 Cleveland in the Morning, to discuss car seat risks and related issues concerning reflux, colic and more. Check out the video below and the resource article Safe to Spit Up: Car Seats and Other Elevating Dangers for Babies. 

The photo that inspired a movement in my life. 

Last year, as my then three month old burped his last meal all over the big jolly guy, my nerves were finally shot. Not to mention my other son going all terrible twos throughout the store, and running on multiple months of not getting more than two hours of consecutive sleep each night. 

At the time I was upset because we couldn't even achieve five minutes of peace to snap a photo to add to our lifelong memory book. Today, I look back, and embrace that this was part of our family history, and how we came together to make it through.

When we made it through that period, and started to see some light on the other side, I knew I wanted to do something to help other parents. Through exploring, I read stories and forums about families going through very severe reflux and feeding troubles, and felt humbled at the strength I know that these families must put forth everyday. 

So whether your baby is mini-warrior overcoming severe reflux and GERD, or a happy spitter, and your biggest worry is keeping up with the laundry, I hope this site can speak to you. I'd love to hear back to on future ideas for topics and content. I'm not slowing down even as my infant progresses toward toddler status. In fact, in a few short weeks, I'm going to be unveiling our spit up solutions online shop...a true labor of love, more than a year in the making!

I know that even bigger challenges are to come as a parent. I hope by capturing the information, feelings and support that so many families experience, that I can continue to share the good vibes needed to get through each day. 

Warmest wishes to you and your's this season!

-Christina

Jamie Lee Curtis may have persuaded you to hop on the probiotic train years ago when she was plugging for yogurt. But are probiotics a possible solution for infants with symptoms of colic, reflux, etc.?

News came out of Canada recently; a study from The Hospital for Sick Children. According to the Oct. 23, 2014 article: 

The article describes probiotics as supplements, which introduce live microorganisms into the gut, to help regulate intestinal bacteria patterns and suppress inflammation.

Earlier this year, WebMD published news from an Italian study, Probiotic Drops Might Ease Colic. It states that according to Italian researchers, infants given probiotics during the first three months of life appear to have fewer bouts of colic, acid reflux and constipation. However, more research is needed before doctors can "embrace the results."

In any case, it's a topic worth following as the debate continues to flare between the "over-diagnosis" of colic and reflux, and the decision to medicate, or wait it out as a natural part of development.