The Birth Lounge Podcast

In this re-aired episode, HeHe sits down with reflux specialist Aine Homer to unpack one of the most stressful (and most misunderstood) newborn challenges: baby reflux. 💜 If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Is this normal spit-up or something more?” or spending hours soothing a crying, uncomfortable baby with no clear answers, this conversation is going to feel incredibly validating.

Aine breaks down the difference between normal infant spit-up, reflux, and silent reflux, and explains why reflux is not a diagnosis on its own, but a symptom pointing to something deeper. Together, HeHe and Aine explore the many possible root contributors—from feeding mechanics and overfeeding, to swallowed air, birth interventions, allergies and intolerances, oral restrictions like tongue ties, nervous system stress, and even microbiome imbalance.

They also walk through common medical approaches, what medications like H2 blockers and PPIs actually do, and the considerations families should understand when weighing treatment options. Most importantly, this episode gives you a “puzzle piece” framework for understanding your baby’s symptoms, plus practical strategies to help you cope in those long, exhausting stretches when nothing seems to soothe your baby.

This episode is equal parts educational and deeply reassuring—reminding parents that reflux isn’t something you just “wait out,” and you are not wrong for wanting answers and support when something feels off.

00:00 Trust Your Parent Instincts

00:59 Non Toxic Registry Plug

04:50 Reflux Episode Setup

08:10 What Reflux Really Is

12:57 Spit Up Balloon Theory

16:45 Simple Fixes Burps Feeds

18:39 When Spit Up Signals More

22:04 Reflux Is A Symptom

25:45 Reflux Free Journey Map

29:14 Upright Time And Tongue Ties

37:44 Chewing For Facial Tone

38:22 Tongue Posture Basics

38:55 Nasal Breathing For Kids

42:02 Reflux Remedies And Red Flags

47:05 Meds Risks Probiotics And Support

Connect with Aine: https://www.thebabyrefluxlady.co.uk

 

Guest Bio:

Áine is the mum of two girls who between them had diagnoses of colic, reflux, silent reflux, CMPA, and multiple other food intolerances and allergies. Coupled with a three year relationship with post natal depression, left her feeling lost, alone and like she didnt even know who she was anymore. During that time, her instinct was to always listen to her babies, even though she wasn’t naturally maternal, and so she never accepted the explanations that the healthcare professionals offered. Her daughters WERE in pain, and there HAD to be a reason.

With a background in mechanical engineering, maths and then retraining in 2012 in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Áine believed that there was one question which would unlock the answers for her babies. And that is still the same question she supports her clients around the world to answer for these children. And that is “What is causing your babys distress?” No matter what is going on for your baby, the answer to this question brings pathways for resolution.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with GUEST on IG: 

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Skip the registry overwhelm. HeHe spent 60+ hours researching baby gear, comparing brands, and digging into everything from microplastics and forever chemicals to quality and functionality, so you don't have to. Grab her free Low-Tox Baby Registry Guide for the exact products she chose for her own baby, plus the reasoning behind every recommendation: thebirthlounge.com/registry

 

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

 

Resources:

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acid-reflux-gastroesophageal-reflux-in-babies-beyond-the-basics

 https://llli.org/why-infant-reflux-matters/

 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/GERD-Reflux.aspx

 https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/gerd