How to breastfeed a baby with acid reflux?

Understanding Acid Reflux in Infants
Breastfeeding a baby with acid reflux can be a challenging experience for many parents. Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition in infants, characterized by the regurgitation of food or liquid from the stomach back into the esophagus. While most babies outgrow this condition by the age of 18 months, the immediate effects can be distressing for both the baby and the caregiver.
Key Strategies for Breastfeeding
Positioning is Crucial: One of the most effective strategies for breastfeeding a baby with acid reflux is to ensure that the baby’s head is positioned higher than their stomach during feeding. This can be achieved through various breastfeeding positions. For instance, the laid-back position, where the mother reclines slightly and the baby is placed on top, allows gravity to assist in keeping the milk down. Alternatively, holding the baby diagonally across the chest in a cradle hold can also be beneficial. It’s important to avoid positions that cause the baby to bend at the waist, as this can increase pressure on the stomach and exacerbate reflux symptoms.
Optimize Breastfeeding Technique: Ensuring that breastfeeding is optimized is essential. This means making sure the baby has a good latch and is effectively draining the breast during feeds. A well-drained breast can help reduce the amount of air the baby swallows, which can contribute to reflux.
Feeding Frequency and Duration: Frequent, shorter feeding sessions may be more manageable for a baby with reflux. This approach can help prevent the stomach from becoming overly full, which can trigger reflux episodes. Additionally, allowing the baby to burp during and after feeds can help release any trapped air, further reducing discomfort.
Dietary Considerations for Nursing Mothers
While breastfeeding, mothers may also consider their own diet, as certain foods can affect the baby’s reflux. Common culprits include spicy foods, caffeine, and dairy products. Monitoring the mother’s diet and making adjustments can sometimes lead to improvements in the baby’s symptoms.
Support and Resources
Caring for a baby with reflux can be exhausting and isolating. Parents are encouraged to seek support from healthcare professionals or breastfeeding support groups. Organizations like the National Breastfeeding Helpline offer confidential advice and assistance tailored to individual needs.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding a baby with acid reflux presents unique challenges, understanding effective feeding positions, optimizing breastfeeding techniques, and considering dietary adjustments can significantly improve the experience for both mother and baby. With patience and support, many families navigate this journey successfully.

How do I get rid of acid while breastfeeding?

Antacids, alginates, H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors can be used during breastfeeding. Recommendations are for full term and healthy infants.

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.

Is side-lying breastfeeding ok for reflux?

As the opening from the stomach to the oesophagus is usually on the right side, keeping the right side higher than the left may also help. Short, frequent feeds ease the incidence and discomfort of reflux. If a mother has a copious milk supply then feeding one side only at each feed may ease discomfort.

What not to feed baby with acid reflux?

Your healthcare provider might recommend eliminating some foods, such as dairy, wheat, soy, egg, nuts, and fish. It is important to work with your healthcare provider to make sure the diet meets your child’s needs.

How can I help my baby with reflux while breastfeeding?

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)

What foods can 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.

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.

How do you lay a newborn with acid reflux?

Back sleeping is the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS and is the recommended position until babies can roll over fully on their own―even for babies with reflux.

Does acidity in mother affect breast milk?

Eating such foods can cause gas in the mother’s bowel; however, gas and fiber do not pass into breast milk. Similarly, acidic foods like citrus fruits, pineapple, and tomatoes do not affect breast milk, as these foods do not change the pH of maternal plasma10).

What is the best position to breastfeed a baby with reflux?

Koala-hold position is good for babies with reflux, an ear infection, tongue-tie, low muscle tone, hip dysplasia or oversupply of breast milk. This position is easier for babies who can sit unaided. You can use this position with a newborn if you give your baby plenty of support.