Picture: Louise Kennerley
WSU research has found that first-time mothers with mental health issues – in particular, maternal anxiety – are five times as likely to have their baby noted as having reflux when admitted to hospital.
Far from concluding that mothers are responsible for their child’s gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – the Australian Research Council (ARC) funded study provides evidence that mothers require more support.
Researchers are now moving forwards with research into how to better support women who are anxious and what contributes to women’s anxiety.