You may be wondering what the deal is. Your sweet baby is spitting up all the time now- is it a bad thing? Maybe they are acting uncomfortable and grumpy and you just can’t figure out why.
You have heard so much about “reflux-y” babies and how hard they are!
Is your baby one of them?
This blog is not offering medical advice. This is a resource for families to use and consider as they understand their baby’s unique needs and patterns related to feeding and digestion.
As professionals who are supporting families through their feeding journey, we are often asked about reflux. Parents often feel concerned at the first sign of spit up.
Spit up, though, is a pretty regular happening in the infant months. Often this reaction is just the baby’s way of balancing what is in their tummy. They nurse or feed for hunger, of course, but they also eat as a way of connecting, attaching, soothing, and exercising their facial muscles. This can all result in baby taking in more food than is comfortable in their tummy, so they spit up. Typically, this is no big deal and doesn’t even phase baby!
But what actually is Reflux?
Reflux is quite common for infants.
- True reflux is basically heartburn.
- It tends to start at about 3-4 weeks when babies up their milk intake. Infant reflux is when the milk that is sitting in the baby’s stomach sloshes out into the esophagus. It brings with it the high acid of the stomach.
- It can be triggered when they are laying on their back, causing them to wake and resist settling when laying flat. This is due to the fact that we feed them a liquid diet that moves around in this position.
- Often this results in baby spitting up, though not always.
This is sometimes called gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Typically, reflux will peak at 4 months of age. Reflux then becomes less regular as the baby gets older. It tends to be less of an issue as baby learns to roll over. Though this can be very distressing to parents and miserable for some babies, this condition is rarely serious*, and many healthy babies experience reflux multiple times a day.
If your baby is gaining weight gradually, has normal output (plenty of wet diapers), and is generally pleasant and happy, reflux is likely not a cause for concern.
*In some rare cases, infant reflux can be a sign of an underlying medical issue like an allergy, blockage in the digestive tract, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Please work with your doctor if you are concerned.
In cases of typical reflux, symptoms are temporary. So please be compassionate with yourself and patient with baby as you navigate feeding together.
How Do You Reduce Reflux?
For the typical, non-serious reflux, there are some things you can try that may reduce reflux. These can be trial and error, so, again, we remind you to stay patient with the process. You might notice that some of these items are tips adults might try for reflux too.
If things are feeling overwhelming, we invite you to reach out to a postpartum doula and/or lactation consultant in your area.
- Keep baby held upright after feeding. If you can, keep baby upright for about 20 minutes.
- Try frequent, but small feedings. Some babies with reflux may naturally already eat this way. Others will find the transition difficult at first, but after a few days, baby will be able to adjust to the new schedule.
- Burp baby often. Burp baby a few times during each feed to help relieve gas.
- Avoid big movement after meals. Movement and playing can increase reflux, so try to delay playing for at least 20 minutes after eating.
- Keep diapers and clothing secure, but not too tight. Anything constricting can contribute to irritation
- Check nipple size if bottle-feeding. If the nipple is too big or too small, baby may be swallowing excess air, which can contribute to reflux. Find some of our favorite bottles here.
- If bottle-feeding, use paced feeding. This helps the baby learn to control the flow of the milk and prevents overfeeding.
It’s Okay to Ask for Support!
If you would like to address feeding, either prenatally, in preparation, or once baby is here, please reach out for a virtual consultation. And if you are looking to hire a postpartum doula, we would be honored to support your growing family!
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