Acid Reflux in Infants
|
|
Don't Blame Breastfeeding
Most importantly, don't let others tell you that it is your milk. You have decided that you want to give your baby the very best of milk, but others may tell you that you should stop breastfeeding and give your baby special baby formula instead.
Warning: That will just make matters worse. (Worse yet, the formula that they feed a baby with reflux problems will run up to about $25 a can!) Breast is really the best...even more so if your breastfeeding baby has acid reflux.
Reasons for Acid Reflux in Infants
Let's look and see what is causing baby to spit up. Remember, it is perfectly normal.
Oversupply
One reason could be that he is getting too much to eat at one time(commonly called oversupply.) This will automatically fill his tummy up causing him to reject it. You have to think of it as you would eating in any way. If you eat too much and get full, you may want to rid some of it to feel more comfortable.
Certain Foods
While breastfeeding moms generally can eat almost anything, sometimes babies with more sensitive tummies, may not like those gassy foods we eat ourselves. Well you know as well as we that whatever you take in, baby will take in as well.
The most important way to know is to pay attention to your baby. There are certain foods that are known to cause more upset than others. Click here to see a list of foods to watch.
Fast Letdown
A lot of times some mothers will find that their let down reflux is too fast and may cause the baby to actually take more at a time than needed. This will cause him to spit up a lot as well. There are ways that you can position the baby to keep him from eating it too fast and prevent him from spiting back out.
One way is the football position and then there is a sitting up position as well. Make sure that you are burping your baby as much as you can, to prevent air from getting trapped. This also causes him to spit up.
It is also best to allow your baby to nurse one breast beyond "emptying" it and not be in a rush to switch sides. The reason for this is because there is more fat that the baby needs in the hind milk. The more he nurses and the less full your breast is, the more essential fat he gets and helps keep the spitting up down to a minimum as well.
When to See the Doctor
While acid reflux in infants is common, especially during the first three months of age, for most babies, it will disappear as he or she grows older.However, if your baby has any of these severe symptoms, you should consult your doctor to discuss treatment options:
* Difficulty swallowing
* Poor weight gain
* Wheezing and respiratory distress
* Frequent ear infections
* Frequent sinus infections
* Moments of not breathing
Remember: Breast milk is still the best food for babies especially those with reflux!
Return from Acid Reflux in Infants to
the Breastfeeding Problems Page
Return from Acid Reflux in Infants
to Breastfeeding Magazine Home Page