What is the best position for breastfeeding with acid reflux?

Understanding Acid Reflux in Infants
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience, but for mothers of infants with acid reflux, it can also present unique challenges. Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus, often leading to discomfort and spitting up. This condition is common among infants, and finding the right breastfeeding position can significantly alleviate some of the discomfort associated with it.
Optimal Breastfeeding Positions
When it comes to breastfeeding a baby with acid reflux, the key is to utilize positions that keep the baby’s head elevated above their stomach. This positioning helps leverage gravity to minimize the likelihood of milk flowing back up the esophagus. Experts recommend several effective positions:
1. Laid-Back Position: In this position, the mother reclines slightly while holding the baby on her chest. This allows the baby to feed while being supported by gravity, which can help reduce reflux symptoms. The baby’s head remains higher than their stomach, promoting a more comfortable feeding experience.
2. Cradle Hold with Elevation: Another effective method is to hold the baby diagonally across the mother’s chest. This cradle hold, when combined with a slight elevation of the baby’s head, can also help manage reflux. It’s important to ensure that the baby is not bending at the waist, as this can increase pressure on the stomach and exacerbate reflux symptoms.
3. Side-Lying Position: This position involves the mother lying on her side with the baby facing her. This can be particularly useful for nighttime feedings, allowing both mother and baby to rest while still maintaining an elevated head position for the baby.
Additional Tips for Comfort
In addition to choosing the right position, there are other strategies that can help make breastfeeding more comfortable for both mother and baby. Feeding smaller amounts more frequently can prevent the stomach from becoming overly full, which is a common trigger for reflux. Additionally, keeping the baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding can help reduce the chances of spitting up.
It’s also beneficial to be mindful of the mother’s diet, as certain foods can exacerbate reflux symptoms in breastfed infants. Consulting with a healthcare provider about dietary adjustments may be helpful.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding a baby with acid reflux requires a thoughtful approach to positioning and feeding practices. By utilizing positions that keep the baby’s head elevated and being mindful of feeding habits, mothers can create a more comfortable experience for their little ones. While reflux can be challenging, with the right strategies, breastfeeding can remain a nurturing and enjoyable experience for both mother and child.

How do I help my breastfed baby with reflux?

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)

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 makes reflux worse in breastfed babies?

Babies who are not latching effectively for breastfeeds may have reflux. This can be because they are taking in air when feeding or when crying. Sometimes, babies just need to be in a slightly different position to latch more deeply. Sometimes it can be a result of physiological issues such as a tongue tie.

What is the best position to ease acid reflux?

Switch to the Best Sleeping Position for Acid Reflux
Multiple research studies have found that sleeping on your left side. View Source is the best sleeping position for GERD. Sleeping with your left side down reduces reflux episodes. View Source and exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid.

What immediately soothes acid reflux?

But nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents and provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.” Low-fat yogurt has the same soothing qualities along with a healthy dose of probiotics (good bacteria that enhance digestion).

How do you lay a baby 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.

Where should I lie to avoid acid reflux?

Sleep on your left side.
This position seems to help reduce nighttime heartburn symptoms, says David A.

How can I stop heartburn while breastfeeding?

Recommendations

1. 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.
2. Histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists.
3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Does laying baby on left side help with reflux?

The left lateral position is a suitable alternative to prone for the postural management of infants with symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux.

What is the best position to breastfeed a baby with acid 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.