What is the best thickener for breast milk?

Understanding the Best Thickener for Breast Milk
Thickening breast milk can be a crucial step for parents dealing with infants who have specific feeding challenges, such as dysphagia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The choice of thickener is essential, as it can impact the infant’s feeding experience and overall health.
Why Thicken Breast Milk?
Thickening breast milk is often recommended to help manage conditions like GERD, where infants may experience discomfort due to the backflow of stomach contents. By increasing the viscosity of the milk, caregivers aim to reduce the likelihood of reflux and improve feeding efficiency. However, the practice of thickening feeds is not standardized, leading to variability in how and when it is implemented in clinical settings.
Popular Thickening Agents
Among the various options available, Gelmix has emerged as a leading choice for many parents and healthcare providers. This thickener is a hypoallergenic, USDA organic product specifically designed for infants. It is tasteless and odorless, making it easy to mix with breast milk without altering its flavor. Gelmix is particularly noted for its smooth texture when dissolved, which is crucial for infants who may have difficulty swallowing.
Another option is Aptamil Feed Thickener, which is designed to assist with managing baby regurgitation by thickening the consistency of breast milk or formula. This product is also aimed at improving the feeding experience for infants who struggle with reflux.
Consultation with Healthcare Professionals
Despite the availability of these products, it is vital for parents to consult with healthcare professionals before introducing any thickening agents. Health Canada emphasizes the importance of professional guidance, as the use of thickeners can carry risks if not appropriately managed. Each infant’s needs are unique, and a healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable approach based on the child’s specific condition and feeding challenges.
Conclusion
In summary, while Gelmix and Aptamil are among the most recommended thickeners for breast milk, the decision to use a thickener should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. This ensures that the chosen product aligns with the infant’s health needs and feeding requirements, ultimately supporting a better feeding experience.

How can I make my baby’s milk thicker?

If you use infant cereal flakes, such as Gerber, add it to a plastic bag and run a can or a rolling pin over the bag to crush the cereal, or use a blender to pulverize the cereal more. Thicken the contents of each bottle right before feeding. If using cold formula, mix the cereal in after the formula has been warmed.

How do you fix watery breast milk?

Offer more frequent feedings.
Nursing more often prevents milk with a higher water and lactose content from building up in your breasts, so your baby takes in less lactose while she drinks. A gentle breast massage before a feed may also maximize the fat content of the milk if you’re dealing with an oversupply issue.

What can I use to thicken breast milk?

If you do decide to thicken, Simply Thick (a gel based product) is the only thickener that will thicken breast milk. It is covered by some insurances but otherwise can be pricey.

Does thicker formula fill baby up more?

Based on the literature review, thickened formulas reduce regurgitation, may improve reflux-associated symptoms, and increase weight gain. However, clinical efficacy is related to the characteristics of the formula and of the infant.

What is the best thickener for baby formula?

Gelmix is the #1 Pediatric Choice for Breast Milk and Formula.

How can I thicken my milk fast?

Consider the various methods below for thickening milk:

1. Reduce the milk. Simmering your milk over low heat will cause the water content in the milk to evaporate and the milk to naturally thicken.
2. Add cornstarch.
3. Use other thickening agents.
4. Make a roux.
5. Mix in egg yolks.
6. Add other dairy products.

Does formula thickener work?

Formula‐fed term infants with GOR on feed thickeners had nearly two fewer episodes of regurgitation per day (mean difference ‐1.97 episodes per day, 95% confidence interval (CI) ‐2.32 to ‐1.61; 6 studies, 442 infants, moderate‐certainty evidence) and were 2.5 times more likely to be asymptomatic from regurgitation at …

How to fix watery breast milk?

Offer more frequent feedings.
Nursing more often prevents milk with a higher water and lactose content from building up in your breasts, so your baby takes in less lactose while she drinks. A gentle breast massage before a feed may also maximize the fat content of the milk if you’re dealing with an oversupply issue.

How can I increase the thickness of my milk?

You will want to use one tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of milk you want to thicken. 3. Use other thickening agents. If you do not have cornstarch, you can use other thickening agents such as gelatin, potato starch, tapioca flour, arrowroot flour, rice flour, xanthan gum, among others.

How do you make your breast milk thicker?

If you consume more protein, it can help to increase your breast milk supply. This means more milk and more protein for your baby, which can then help to make your breast milk fattier. The best way to incorporate protein into your diet is through chicken, lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and seeds.