Gassy Newborn, Acid reflux, Zantac? OT

Hello. I posted this on Maternal & Child, but this forum is more active.

My daughter is 4 weeks old and she has been having gas problems from the begining. But for the last two days it seems like gas has gotten worse. I can hear the bubles in her stomach and she has been fussier. She also spits up a lot. I took her to doctor and they gave her Zantac. From what I was describing, doctor said it sounds like Acid Reflux. I have not given her the Zantac yet. Do you think having Acid Reflux can cause so much gas? Has anyone used Zantac for their newborns? Any side effects?

Thank you

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Yes it can.  4 of my kids were on meds for reflux and were extremely gassy.  IF she is formula fed you could try switching her to Enfamil AR it's formulated with extra rice starch to help with reflux.  If that doesnt work you could try a soy based formula.

[shishka]

I forgot to mention that she is exclusively breast fed.

[NicMom]

Oh poor baby! My daughter had reflux really bad too the zantac should help. It's an acid reducer so while the baby will still have reflux it won't be so acidic and shouldn't cause as much pain or discomfort. You can also try putting a blanket under the head of the mattress to keep her head slightly inclined. Even an inch or two can help. The good thing is that they grow out of reflux as they get older. Good luck.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Yes, keeping her reclined for about a half an hour after each feeding will help.  Put her in a swing, bouncey or something that is reclined.  Don't lay her flat, it makes it easier for the acid to come back up. NicMom has a good idea with the blanket under the mattress...but keep in mind that when elevating one side of the mattress they have a tendancy to scoot down to the bottom.  My kids generally outgrew the reflux by 10 months.  You could aso try giving her the gas drops like Mylicon.

[NicMom]

The bouncy chair is a godsend when you have a refulx baby! Good point!