Infant Acid Reflux - In the breastfed baby

Infant acid reflux ~ Tips for the breastfed baby

There are three types of reflux. Simple acid reflux, silent reflux and reflux disease (also referred to as GERD). Simple reflux has less severe symptoms to GERD and is easier to handle. Silent relux refers to the occurrence of acid that kreeps up, but then flows back down, without baby actually spitting up any milk. This can sometimes result in even more discomfort and pain compared to simple reflux.

Is breastfeeding recommended?

Yes, breast milk is the best medicine!

Why is breastfeeding preferred over formula feeding a baby with reflux?

• Infant acid reflux in breastfed babies is less severe and less painful.

• Some breastfed babies that have reflux, have no reflux symptoms at all!

• Breast milk is digested much easier than formula, therefore reducing the chances of reflux.

• Babes that are breastfed are kept in a more upright position.

So, how can you decrease the symptoms of reflux in your breastfed baby?

• Try to breastfeed in an upright position. This will prevent acid from coming up.

• Wearing baby in a sling can help keep baby upright, as well as provide a comforting motion that helps trapped air escape.

• If you know that you have a very fast "let down", it would be helpful to allow the fast flowing milk to flow into a towel before offering the breast again. This will prevent swallowing unwanted air while breastfeeding.

• Avoid putting any pressure on baby's tummy immediately after a feeding.

• The introduction of solids should be avoided until the little one shows signs of readiness. Also, a baby should not be given solids before the age of 6 months.

• Try to breastfeed more often, but for shorter periods at one time. This prevents the overfilling of baby's tummy, but guarantees that he/she still gets enough milk.

Some causes of acid reflux

• Oversupply of breast milk. An oversupply of milk can result in baby drinking too much watery foremilk.

• Overactive let down reflex. An overactive let down (flow of milk) can result in the gulping of air whilst feeding.

• Premature tummies. Premature babies are especially at risk.

• Food allergies.

• Swallowing air.

• Growth spurts.

• Hereditary factors.

Here is more advice on acid reflux in babies. 

http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/acid-reflux-in-babies.html