“My pediatrician says my baby has reflux! She says there are medications to help. I really don’t want my baby to take medicine. He’s so little. I’m worried that the medications may be harmful. But I also don’t want him to suffer and spit up so much. He cries every time he eats. What should I do? Can you help me?”
Although the diagnosis of infant reflux seems ominous, keep in mind that ALL babies have reflux to some degree. The sphincter muscle that separates the stomach and the esophagus is loose and lets fluids go back and forth. That’s why it’s common for babies to spit up after a meal. If your baby seems uncomfortable during and/or after feeding, however, he may need some help. Remember that your pediatrician is NOT an expert on breastfeeding. When she offers medication for your baby, she is using an intervention that she has been trained to use.
I see many babies in my practice who have been diagnosed with reflux. I have found that some simple changes in feeding posture or management can decrease symptoms substantially. After getting appropriate help with breastfeeding, most of my clients do not need to medicate their babies.
If your baby is squirmy, uncomfortable and excessively “spitty” during or after feeds, he may simply be eating too much or too quickly. Do you have an over-abundant milk supply? Does your baby struggle to “keep up” when breastfeeding? Is he gaining weight rapidly? If the answer is yes, you might want to try one or more of the following:
- Give your baby frequent burping breaks. Especially if he pulls away and seems to be overwhelmed by your milk flow.
- Keep the baby on one side per feeding.
- Position your baby at an incline so that his trunk is higher than his hips and his spine is straight. Try the Pollywog Nursing Positioner. www.pollywogbaby.com.
- Try nursing lying down on your side with baby beside you.
- If your baby says he’s had enough to eat, believe him! Sometimes babies are simply eating too much and getting a tummy ache.
If your baby has green, frothy stools in addition to discomfort, he may be struggling with a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance. This is usually corrected easily by offering just one breast per feeding. Be sure to check with your pediatrician or lactation consultant to ensure your baby is gaining weight before making any changes to your feeding routine.
If your baby is not gaining weight at the expected rate (about an ounce a day for the 1st 6 months) please do not restrict his feedings in any way. Contact a lactation consultant for help!
Baby acid reflux is the regurgitation or spitting up of the stomach’s contents … due to an immature muscle connecting the stomach and the esophagus. It usually begins at birth or shortly thereafter, diminishes by 6 months and disappears by one year. Reflux is not to be confused with a GERD. (gastro esophageal reflux disease). GERD is a serious condition that can require surgery.
