Even experienced moms can learn from other experienced moms. My son was a barrel of energy and diaper changes were a huge challenge. Then a friend pointed out that playing "chase the runaway baby" just before a diaper change was probably not my best plan. My son just continued the game and kept trying to escape during the diaper change.
So how does this all relate to acid reflux? There are tons of secrets to caring for a child with reflux. Instead of reinventing the wheel, learn as many as you can from other parents.
You can learn a lot of tricks for caring for your child with reflux by reading the practical chapters in The Reflux Book. If you know another mom who had a GERD-ling, ask her to take care of your baby for an hour while you watch. See if you can figure out why her techniques are working. Maybe she does everything exactly the way you do but your baby stops crying. The lesson in this is that your baby is able to ignore her pain better when she has somebody new and different to look at. Maybe the solution is to go to the park and let the other moms there hold your baby and talk to her.
There is one other resource for parents who need help reading their baby's cues. Doulas are mothers who are specially trained to come to your house and help you learn everything from basic parenting skills like baths, to advanced skills like feeding a baby who isn't thrilled about eating. Most doulas have lots of experience with reflux. Geri Levrini who runs Mother and Baby Matters in Reston, Virginia tells me that many of their clients call for help because their babies have reflux. As with any homecare workers, be sure your doula is trained and insured.
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