Can breast milk cause more reflux than formula?

Understanding Reflux in Infants: Breast Milk vs. Formula
The question of whether breast milk can cause more reflux than formula is a nuanced one, as it involves understanding the physiological differences between the two feeding methods and how they affect infants’ digestive systems.
Reflux in Infants: A Common Concern
Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition in infants, characterized by the regurgitation of stomach contents. It is important to note that while many infants experience some degree of reflux, it is often a normal part of development. In fact, studies indicate that around half of all newborns spit up at least once a day, particularly in the early weeks of life. As their digestive systems mature, this tendency typically decreases.
Breast Milk and Reflux
Research suggests that breast milk may actually be less likely to cause significant reflux compared to formula. A study examining the effects of different milk types on physiological reflux found that breastfed infants exhibited less severe reflux symptoms than their formula-fed counterparts. This could be attributed to the composition of breast milk, which is easier for infants to digest. Breast milk contains enzymes and antibodies that aid digestion and may help reduce the incidence of reflux.
Moreover, the method of feeding can also play a role. Feeding directly from the breast may promote better digestion and reduce the likelihood of reflux compared to feeding expressed breast milk from a bottle, which can lead to faster intake and increased air swallowing.
Formula Feeding and Reflux
On the other hand, formula feeding has been associated with a higher incidence of reflux. Some studies indicate that any combination of infant feeding that includes formula can increase the risk of reflux. This may be due to the different protein structures and fat content in formula, which can be harder for some infants to digest. Additionally, formula-fed infants may consume larger volumes of milk in a shorter time, which can exacerbate reflux symptoms.
Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective
In summary, while both breast milk and formula can lead to reflux in infants, breast milk is generally considered to be less likely to cause significant reflux issues. The composition of breast milk, along with the feeding method, plays a crucial role in how infants digest their food. Parents should be aware that reflux is common and often resolves as the infant grows. If reflux symptoms are severe or persistent, consulting a pediatrician is advisable to explore potential solutions tailored to the infant’s needs.

Does formula cause more reflux than breast milk?

Babies who are breastfed have somewhat less reflux than those who are formula-fed. Avoid overfeeding – Try not to feed your baby more than they want. Allow your baby to stop feeding as soon as they seem satisfied or lose interest. If their stomach is too full, they are more likely to spit up.

Can switching between breastmilk and formula upset the stomach?

One of the most common side effects when switching to formula is gas. If your baby has tummy troubles like gas after eating, their formula could be causing their tummy troubles. To help with baby’s gas, our Infants’ Mylicon Gas Drops gently break down gas and help promote your baby’s natural ability to expel it.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

Does breastmilk or formula cause more reflux?

Babies who are breastfed have somewhat less reflux than those who are formula-fed. Avoid overfeeding – Try not to feed your baby more than they want. Allow your baby to stop feeding as soon as they seem satisfied or lose interest. If their stomach is too full, they are more likely to spit up.

Why does my baby spit up more when breastfeeding?

Some babies can become distracted when feeding at the breast, pulling off to look around. This can cause babies to swallow air and spit up more often. Breastmilk oversupply or forceful let-down (milk ejection reflex) can cause reflux-like symptoms in babies.

Why is mixed feeding not recommended?

If your mixed feeding involves exchanging some breastfeeds for baby formula, then your baby will not receive as many benefits as they normally would if they were exclusively breastfed. As such, their immune system may not be as well protected from certain infections1.

How do I know if my baby is not tolerating breast milk?

MSPI symptoms

​fussiness or excess crying before, during and after a feeding	​stools may be infrequent, watery, have mucous, or be bloody
​reflux	​spitting up
​nasal congestion	​skin rash, eczema, hives, dry skin
​weight loss	​repeated vomiting
​sudden waking with discomfort	​

Does breastfeeding cause more gas than formula?

Breastfed babies have fewer digestive problems than formula-fed babies because breast milk is rich in enzymes that assist the stomach and intestines digest food. Breastfed babies also have less gas than formula-fed babies because breast milk has fewer carbohydrates than formula.

Is breast milk harder to digest than formula for most babies?

Human milk is easier to digest because of the whey protein it contains. It has a lower level of most minerals including calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium than cow’s milk or formula. This is an advantage because there is less waste for the infant to excrete.

Do babies spit up more with breast milk than formula?

Breastfed and formula-fed babies both spit up a lot. There’s no one way of feeding that makes a baby spit up more or less. Whether your baby spits up formula or your baby spits up breast milk, it usually looks the same. If your baby is throwing up formula, you may want to try a different type of formula.