Mothers often say that infant reflux is normal. So many people have told them that it was normal that they believe them. In my world, infant reflux is far from being normal.
It is disconcerting for me that a pathological issue can be normalized. So often mothers are also told that their baby will outgrow the reflux. If that is the case, why are there 40 million adults in America with GERD, the adult form of infant reflux?
My theory says that birth trauma can strain the fascial midsection and cause reflux. The most logical explanation would be that the fetus was in a tight ball for an extended amount of time. Consequently, the mid-sectional fascial web became restricted, causing reflux and other infant conditions:
- Reflux: Fascial tightness around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) can be a major source of reflux. As the sphincter is unable to open and close normally, contents from the stomach can flow up the esophagus.
- Breathing: The diaphragm is the body’s main breathing muscle. If there is fascial strain in the diaphragm, that tightness can impair breathing and possibly predispose the infant to RSV and other respiratory diseases.
- Gas and indigestion: Fascial strain in the stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder can cause gas and indigestion. When the strain is released, proper digestion can commence.
- Constipation: Fascial tightness in the small and large intestine areas may be responsible for constipation. The normal peristaltic action of the digestive tube may be impaired causing the backup of stools.
My suggestion for parents, who have infants with any of these conditions, is that their babies may just be tight from their birth trauma. If neonates could have the work done, they could leave the hospital being able to breathe well, nurse well, digest well, poop well, and nap well.
This is my wish for all of the newborns of the world.
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