Psychological Consequences of Gastroesophageal Reflux

When reflux hurts: emotional impact on babies and their families

Reflux in newborns is often seen as a common and temporary condition, but its effects can go far beyond the physical. In this article, based on a Facebook Live session with Dr. Roberto Albani, paediatric gastroenterologist, we explore the lesser: known psychological consequences of gastroesophageal reflux, both for the baby and their parentsand how early discomfort can shape emotional development and family dynamics.

Behind every cry, a message: listen, soothe and see your child fully.

What happens when a newborn begins to show symptoms of reflux? What are the consequences—not only physical but also psychological—for the baby and their parents?

This reflection was the focus of a Facebook Live session with Dr. Roberto Albani, who guides us through a delicate journey, exploring how a newborn’s early discomforts can deeply influence the relationship with their parents.

Pain That Leaves a Mark
Reflux isn’t just a temporary physical discomfort. It can become something more serious, leaving an emotional imprint on the baby, especially if it appears continuously and intensely in the first days or months of life. Although the newborn can’t think rationally yet, they still register sensations, discomfort, and distress: they remember the burning after every feeding, the inability to sleep lying down in a crib, the irritation of constant hiccups, the bloating and the regurgitation that irritates their throat.

To make things worse, they see their mother’s face: often frightened, worried, anxious. And a painful thought begins to take shape: “If my mom doesn’t look at me with warmth and calm, maybe I’m not okay the way I am”.

Parental Gaze and the Development of Self
If reflux persists and is not effectively treated, the parent also begins to change. They feel frustrated, helpless. A thought begins to grow in their mind: that something is wrong with the baby, that the baby is fragile. The greatest risk is that even after the physical problem has been resolved, the parent might continue to see their child that way.

We have already discussed the concept of the “vulnerable child syndrome,” a condition described in the U.S. by a paediatrician who observed that many parents — mostly mothers — continue to see their child as fragile and in need of special care, even after the medical issue has ended. This “vulnerable child” is often overprotected, shielded from effort, and immediately appeased — limiting their independence. This is a completely understandable reaction from parents, but it can have serious consequences on the child’s psychological development and their ability to trust themselves and the world around them.

In addition to the impact on the child, this attitude traps the parents in a state of constant anxiety, stress, and fear — which only further harms the mental health of the entire family.

But There Is a Solution
If the reflux is significant, it must be treated appropriately. Whether it’s physiological or not, we must first recognize that the baby is suffering and experiencing the worst of it: they sleep poorly, grow up in a stressful environment, and their relationship with their parents is already marked by frustration and “misunderstanding.”

It’s essential to take action: not only with medication but also, and often more importantly, with emotional support for the parents. They need help learning to see their child in a different light: free from fear and feelings of inadequacy.

As Dr. Albani emphasizes, it is possible to break this unhealthy cycle that threatens the family’s emotional balance but, it requires awareness. It requires appropriate care that takes the child’s pain seriously and at the same time restores the parents’ confidence in themselves and in their child.

(This article draws from a Facebook Live session with Dr. Roberto Albani, a paediatric gastroenterologist.
Dr. Albani is dedicated to supporting parents and children through the challenges of reflux, always prioritizing effective, compassionate care and attentive listening).

Credit to Belproblema.com