How can I prevent acid reflux while breastfeeding?

Understanding Acid Reflux in Breastfeeding
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common issue that can affect both infants and breastfeeding mothers. For mothers, managing acid reflux while breastfeeding can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help alleviate symptoms for both mother and baby.
Positioning During Feeding
One of the most effective ways to prevent acid reflux is to optimize the feeding position. Feeding your baby in a more upright position can significantly reduce the likelihood of reflux. This can be achieved by holding your baby so that they are facing your breast, with their legs on either side of your leg. This position not only helps with the baby’s digestion but also minimizes the chances of milk being brought back up after feeding.
Additionally, frequent burping is crucial. Burp your baby often during and after feedings, especially if they pull away from the nipple. This practice helps release any trapped air in the baby’s stomach, which can contribute to reflux symptoms.
Dietary Considerations for Mothers
What a breastfeeding mother consumes can also impact her baby’s reflux. Certain foods are known to exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. It is advisable to avoid spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty foods. These items can increase stomach acidity and may lead to more pronounced reflux in breastfed infants. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables, which can help maintain overall digestive health.
Herbal Remedies and Hydration
Incorporating herbal teas, such as ginger or marshmallow root, may provide relief from acid reflux symptoms. These teas are generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before trying new remedies to ensure they are appropriate for your situation.
Staying well-hydrated is also important. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help dilute stomach acids and promote better digestion, which may reduce the frequency of reflux episodes.
Feeding Frequency and Duration
Another effective strategy is to feed your baby more frequently but in smaller amounts. This approach can help prevent the stomach from becoming overly full, which is a common trigger for reflux. Responsive feeding—paying attention to your baby’s hunger cues and feeding them when they show signs of hunger—can also help manage reflux symptoms.
Conclusion
Managing acid reflux while breastfeeding requires a combination of proper feeding techniques, dietary adjustments, and attentive care. By positioning your baby correctly during feedings, being mindful of your diet, and ensuring frequent burping, you can help minimize reflux symptoms for both you and your baby. If reflux persists or worsens, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to explore further options and ensure both mother and baby are healthy and comfortable.

Which antacid is safe during breastfeeding?

Medicines to treat gas and bloating, such as Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta, and others, are safe to take while breastfeeding. They contain simethicone, which is sometimes given to infants. It is also not absorbed into the mother’s system, so wouldn’t be transmitted in breast milk.

Is reflux worse in breastfed babies?

Formulas that claim to help with reflux lack these factors. They only differ from standard formula because they have thickener added. Reflux is about as common in formula-fed babies as in breastfed babies. However, reflux episodes in formula-fed babies tend to happen more often and last longer.

What foods make your breast milk acidic?

Over time, however, eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages — such as soda; alcohol; caffeine; grains, including millet, rice, oatmeal, rye pastas and flour; as well as nuts — can compromise these buffering systems.

What foods cause acid reflux in breastfed babies?

Citrus fruit, tomatoes, caffeine containing drinks (tea, coffee, coke) and chocolate may also need to be avoided by the breast-feeding mother of a reflux baby. Remember that all babies are different and different babies react to different foods – the list above is a guideline only.

Why is my breast milk causing reflux?

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.

How I cured my baby’s acid reflux?

Lifestyle and home remedies

1. Feed your baby in an upright position. Then, hold your baby in a sitting position for 30 minutes after feeding.
2. Try smaller, more frequent feedings.
3. Take time to burp your baby.
4. Put baby to sleep on the back.

Can a fast letdown cause reflux?

You may often feel a tingling or a prickly sensation in your breast/chest during an MER. Over time, an overactive MER can lead to digestive issues for baby (such as reflux, gas, or fore milk/hind milk imbalance) or issues for the parent (engorgement, oversupply, and plugged ducts).

What is the best position to breastfeed to prevent reflux?

This is when your baby sits straddling your thigh, or on your hip, with their spine and head upright as they feed. Remember to support their head and neck, so they are more vertical while breastfeeding. With this position we reduce the pressure on your baby’s stomach and minimize the chances of regurgitation.

What can I take for acid reflux while breastfeeding?

Antacid and alginate preparations
There is extensive experience of use of antacids during breastfeeding and they are considered first-line options for managing heartburn or dyspepsia. Alginates and simeticone are also considered acceptable for use during breastfeeding.

How do you stop acid reflux in breastfed babies?

Helping your baby with reflux

1. get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
2. hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
3. burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
4. make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)