Infant Acid Reflux in the Breastfed Baby

 

 By Tracy A. Behr
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. Some Moms have found it helpful to breastfeed while lying down. This allows the milk a way to flow out of baby's mouth, preventing gulping and extra air intake.

• Growth spurts.
• Hereditary factors.

Gut Protection

Did you know, that breast milk actually protects your baby's gut!

All babies are born with immature digestive tracts. There are wide spaces in the gut, that make absorption easier for baby, but unfortunately this makes baby more prone to getting infections and allergies.
 When breast milk is consumed, it coats these membranes and prevents the allergens and pathogens from entering.

Here is more advice on acid reflux in babies: http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/acid-reflux-in-babies.html

Visit this website for more information, tips and advice: http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com

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