What positions are best for breastfeeding with reflux?

Understanding Reflux in Infants
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience, but for mothers of babies with reflux, it can also present unique challenges. 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.
The Importance of Positioning
Experts emphasize that gravity plays a crucial role in managing reflux during breastfeeding. Positions that keep the baby’s head elevated above their stomach can help reduce the likelihood of spit-up and discomfort. This is particularly important because when a baby is fed in a position that allows their head to be lower than their stomach, it can increase pressure on the stomach, exacerbating reflux symptoms.
Recommended Breastfeeding Positions
1. Upright or Semi-Upright Positions:
– Positions such as the koala hold or laid-back breastfeeding are highly recommended. In these positions, the baby is held upright against the mother’s body, which helps keep the milk down and minimizes the risk of reflux. The koala hold involves the baby straddling the mother’s hip, while the laid-back position allows the mother to recline slightly, supporting the baby in a way that keeps their head elevated .
2. Cradle Hold with Elevation:
– A modified cradle hold can also be effective. In this position, the baby is cradled in the mother’s arms, but care should be taken to ensure that the baby’s head is higher than their stomach. This can be achieved by adjusting the angle at which the baby is held.
3. Diagonal Hold:
– Another effective method is to hold the baby diagonally across the chest. This position not only keeps the baby’s head elevated but also allows for a comfortable feeding experience for the mother.
4. Football Hold:
– The football hold is particularly useful for mothers recovering from a cesarean section, as it minimizes pressure on the abdomen. In this position, the baby is tucked under the mother’s arm, with their body supported along the side, which can also help keep the baby upright during feeding.
5. Side-Lying Position:
– While less common, the side-lying position can be beneficial for nighttime feedings. This allows the mother to rest while feeding, but it’s essential to ensure that the baby’s head remains elevated to prevent reflux.
Conclusion
For mothers breastfeeding infants with reflux, choosing the right position is essential for both comfort and effectiveness. By utilizing upright or semi-upright positions, mothers can help their babies feed more comfortably and reduce the chances of reflux-related discomfort. Each baby is unique, so it may take some experimentation to find the most suitable position. Ultimately, the goal is to create a nurturing and enjoyable breastfeeding experience for both mother and child.

What not to do with a baby with reflux?

Basic Tips

1. Avoid overfeeding your baby.
2. Keep your baby away from tobacco and other chemical smoke.
3. Your doctor may recommend avoiding cow’s milk or using thickened formula to help with reflux.

How do I stop my breastfed baby from spitting up?

Frequent burps during and after each feeding can keep air from building up in your baby’s stomach. Avoid overfeeding. Feeding your baby smaller amounts more frequently might help decrease spitting up. Put your baby to sleep on his or her back.

What are the best breastfeeding positions to avoid spit up?

Use positions for feeding that keep baby’s head higher than her tummy, such as a laid-back position or having baby diagonally across your chest in a cradle hold. Avoid positions that have baby bending at the waist, putting more pressure on her tummy.

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.

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 positions reduce 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 position should a baby be feeding with reflux?

Positioning your baby in an upright position during bottle feeding or feeding on their left side may help with symptoms of reflux during and after feeding.

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 are reflux friendly breastfeeding positions?

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.

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.