Advice for Breastfeeding a Baby With Reflux?

Good news: By breastfeeding, you’re already making it easier for baby. Breast milk is much less irritating to the esophagus and easier to digest than formula. It also empties from the stomach faster, which leaves less content to back up and cause the esophageal irritation associated with reflux.

Another thing you can do to help (or at least, alleviate) reflux is to hold baby at a semi-upright position during a feeding (use pillows to help with this). Standing or walking while feeding can help to relieve some of the symptoms and pain associated with reflux, too. If you prefer to sit, then make sure to elevate baby’s head to help with the digestion.

Ultimately, you have to do what feels right for baby, which could take weeks to figure out. If baby’s reflux pain continues, contact a lactation consultant to assess how baby is tolerating breastfeeding and provide you with some assistance. You’ll want to consult baby’s pediatrician for more advice about baby’s reflux.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.