Prune juice?

Dear Dr,

This question isn't for myself but rather a friend at work who is and has been giving her 7 week old daughter undiluted prune juice every day for weeks. She has told me every day that the baby cries most of the day and night and pulls her legs up which I said was indicative of tummy problems. I have told her that prune juice is very strong, and a newborn's digestive system is incredibly delicate and unable to handle it, however this is something that is common in the Arabic culture and she refuses to believe me.

I appreciate any advice you can give.

Thanks

Melissa

[Renee Radenberg]

Children can develop issues with acid reflux, if that is what she has from your question. Here are a few suggestions for acid reflux. The position of feeding is a sitting up position. Never lay the baby on their back right after eating because the acid from the stomach goes into the esophagus and causes pain. Raise the head of their crib to a 45-degree angle too so they is not flat on their back. Feeding 5-6 times day will help. Feeding that way keeps the stomach acid constant which helps the reflux, they grow, and their weight increases at a steady pace. Suggest she goes to the MD and get her checked to see if she really has Acid Reflux or not.