Reflux in the Breastfed Baby
GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is “caused by a malfunction of the valve-like muscles between the stomach and the esophagus,” according to Dr. William Sears (1). Premies, babies with other health problems, and babies with a family history of reflux have an increased tendency towards reflux (2). Symptoms of reflux include: periods of painful crying, fussiness after eating, frequent spitting up (however, this can also be a normal baby behavior), bad breath, arching, preferring to be held in an upright position, periods of abdominal pain or waking up in pain, and more serious symptoms may include breathing problems, wheezing, weight loss, and failure to thrive (1)(2). If you suspect your baby may have reflux, please contact your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment options.
What can a nursing mother do for her baby who has been diagnosed with reflux? First of all, keep breastfeeding! Breastfeeding naturally provides smaller, more easily digestible meals than formula. It can take up to six months to a year for the muscles in the esophagus to mature enough to prevent regurgitation, or reflux (3). Keep your baby upright for 30 minutes after eating (1). Also, try to nurse your baby in a more upright position (4). Breastfeed on demand to encourage smaller meals and to encourage baby to finish each breast. Allow baby to nurse for comfort whenever he or she desire; this reduces irritation and increases gastric emptying.” Latch baby correctly to avoid excess air in his or her tummy. Wear your baby as much as possible. (1)(2). Eliminate your baby’s exposure to smoking. Try to keep your baby’s environment relaxed, and consider reducing or getting rid of caffeine in your own diet (2).
(1) Gastroesophageal Reflux
(2) Spitting Up and Reflux in the Breastfed Baby
(3) GER: How Breastfeeding Helps
(4) Forceful Let-down (Milk Ejection Reflex) and Over Supply
What can a nursing mother do for her baby who has been diagnosed with reflux? First of all, keep breastfeeding! Breastfeeding naturally provides smaller, more easily digestible meals than formula. It can take up to six months to a year for the muscles in the esophagus to mature enough to prevent regurgitation, or reflux (3). Keep your baby upright for 30 minutes after eating (1). Also, try to nurse your baby in a more upright position (4). Breastfeed on demand to encourage smaller meals and to encourage baby to finish each breast. Allow baby to nurse for comfort whenever he or she desire; this reduces irritation and increases gastric emptying.” Latch baby correctly to avoid excess air in his or her tummy. Wear your baby as much as possible. (1)(2). Eliminate your baby’s exposure to smoking. Try to keep your baby’s environment relaxed, and consider reducing or getting rid of caffeine in your own diet (2).
(1) Gastroesophageal Reflux
(2) Spitting Up and Reflux in the Breastfed Baby
(3) GER: How Breastfeeding Helps
(4) Forceful Let-down (Milk Ejection Reflex) and Over Supply
Comments
Post a Comment