Reflux is quite common in infants around four months old. As the baby gets older, the reflux decreases. A baby with reflux may spit up more often than a baby without reflux. Babies may refuse to eat, may be uncomfortable during a feed, and cry when put down.
A baby may also have silent reflux in which pain is present, but the baby does not spit up. Always talk to your pediatrician if you suspect something is going on with your baby.
If a baby has reflux, there are different ways to keep the baby comfortable. A few tips when handling a baby with reflux include:
– Feed smaller amount of milk and more frequently
– Burp baby often during feeding
– Hold the baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding. This prevents the milk from coming back up
– A baby can be given medication if the pediatrician feels it would be best
– Breastfeed baby
– Mom’s diet can contribute to baby having reflux
– Experience with different formulas- baby may need a more sensitive or hypoallergenic formula
If you are breastfeeding and the baby has reflux, make sure you are feeding frequently whenever the baby is acting hungry. It is easier for a baby to digest the more frequent and smaller feeds. Also make sure the baby’s positioning and latch is good to minimize swallowing extra air. Again, make sure to burp the baby often during and after the feed and hold the baby upright for 30 minutes.
For more information on reflux visit www.ncta.online. The online course Newborn Care Workshop will help educate you on what reflux is, the symptoms of reflux and how to best treat it. The online course Positioning and Latch Guide for the Postpartum Worker may also be helpful to learn the different positions when breastfeeding.
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