How to treat acid reflux while breastfeeding?

Understanding Acid Reflux While Breastfeeding
Acid reflux, a condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. Not only can it affect the mother’s comfort, but it can also impact the baby’s feeding experience. Understanding how to manage this condition while nursing is crucial for both mother and child.
Dietary Adjustments
One of the most effective ways to manage acid reflux during breastfeeding is through dietary modifications. Certain foods are known to exacerbate reflux symptoms, and avoiding these can lead to significant relief. Common culprits include spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty or fried foods. Mothers are encouraged to keep a food diary to identify specific triggers that may worsen their symptoms.
In addition to avoiding certain foods, it is beneficial to eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones. This approach can help prevent the stomach from becoming overly full, which is a common trigger for reflux.
Medication Considerations
For some mothers, dietary changes alone may not suffice. In such cases, consulting a healthcare provider about safe medications is essential. Many over-the-counter antacids are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but it is crucial to discuss any medication with a healthcare professional to ensure it does not adversely affect milk supply or the baby.
Positioning During Feeding
The way a mother positions herself and her baby during and after feeding can also play a significant role in managing reflux. Keeping the baby in an upright position during feeding and for at least 30 minutes afterward can help reduce the likelihood of reflux. Additionally, using a nursing pillow to elevate the baby can be beneficial.
Lifestyle Modifications
Beyond dietary and medication adjustments, certain lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms. Mothers should aim to maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can increase abdominal pressure and exacerbate reflux. Regular, gentle exercise can also aid digestion and improve overall well-being.
Monitoring Baby’s Symptoms
It’s important for breastfeeding mothers to be aware of their baby’s symptoms as well. If a baby exhibits signs of reflux, such as frequent spitting up or discomfort during feeds, it may be necessary to consult a pediatrician. Understanding the difference between normal spitting up and more serious reflux disease is crucial for ensuring the baby’s health.
Conclusion
Managing acid reflux while breastfeeding requires a multifaceted approach that includes dietary changes, potential medication, proper feeding techniques, and lifestyle adjustments. By taking these steps, mothers can find relief from their symptoms while ensuring their baby remains comfortable and well-fed. As always, open communication with healthcare providers is key to navigating this challenging condition effectively.

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.

Does gripe water help with reflux?

Gripe water can also be a great way to ease the symptoms of acid reflux in infants. It is a natural approach to help reduce the stomach acid that causes pain. The mixture of herbs is designed to soothe and relax the infant’s developing digestive system.

Do pacifiers help with reflux?

It’s unclear if pacifiers help with acid reflux in babies. Pacifiers do increase saliva which can help, but they also may increase the amount of air your baby sucks in.

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.

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 my breast milk cause acid reflux?

Breastfed babies are less likely to develop reflux and even if they do the intensity may be less severe. Mothers need to be counselled that breast milk is not causing reflux and breast milk is the best possible food for babies until they are six month old.

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.

What is the best position to breastfeed with reflux?

Koala-hold (straddle-hold)
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.

Does a pacifier help with reflux?

It’s a common belief that using a dummy helps soothe babies with reflux. With acid reflux this is another big no no! Apart from teaching your baby the wrong association; sucking creates wind, stimulates stomach acid and adds fuel to the fire with reflux.

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)