Breastfeeding will be as beneficial for the baby with diagnosed reflux as for all other babies. Breastfeeding ensures a child's optimal development, both cognitive ( brain, eyes, speech, attentiveness etc) and physical, providing proper nutrients for optimal growth and assisting in the maturation of the baby's gut. Breastmilk contains antibodies which help your baby to resist infections such as acute and recurrent otitis media, other respiratory and urinary tract infections, and diarrhoea. Research shows that breastfed babies have the potential for higher intelligence because breastmilk contains fatty acids which are important in brain development. Exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months lessens asthma, wheezing and other forms of atopy at the age of six years.

The incidence of reflux is similar in both formula-fed and breastfed infants, but reflux episodes in breastfed infants are less frequent and shorter than those in formula-fed infants. Breastfed infants have more quiet sleep (when reflux rarely occurs). Breastmilk is also significantly less damaging than formula if aspirated (inhaled). Breastmilk is more nutritious and easily digested. It is much quicker, easier and cheaper to give an extra breastfeed than to prepare extra bottles of formula, especially when many babies with reflux are erratic feeders. Regurgitated breastmilk doesn't smell as bad as regurgitated formula.

Positioning

Babies with reflux are often helped if fed in a more upright position than is usual - you may need to experiment with different positions. Some mothers have found that having the baby sitting facing the breast while straddled across mum's leg or cuddled against the side of the sofa, facing the breast can be helpful. Others have found that instead of cradling their baby around their body, they can cradle the baby down the body. To do this, some mothers feed twin-style, while others feed standing up. After a feed, keep baby upright and still - many mums find putting baby on their shoulder keeps him happier.

How frequently to feed

Some babies do better with smaller, more frequent feeds. ( This causes less pressure on the oesophageal sphincter.) They may not want both breasts at each feed, or may do better if offered only one side, but more frequently. Other babies have coped with being fed from one breast only, and if requiring a top-up within the hour, being given the same breast, encouraged to have a sleep, then being fed from the other breast. It is recommended that the breast is drained at each feed to ensure your baby gets both the more watery (fore)milk and the more creamy (hind)milk, and to reduce the risk of blocked ducts. Continuous or very frequent feeding is generally not recommended.

As reflux episodes are greatest within the hour or so after feeds, some babies may prefer a larger feed less often. These babies may prefer to feed from both breasts at each feed, and have a longer interval between feeds. You may like to experiment to see if any of these methods helps your baby.

Support and information

ABA's booklet Gastro-oesophageal Reflux and the Breastfed Baby combines the experiences of many families with the latest research into reflux. It includes practical suggestions for helping these babies with different kinds of postural changes, techniques for improving sleep, gentle ideas for playtime, and how to change your baby without causing reflux. The booklet also covers medication and medical investigations, parents' own stories, and an important section on what helps parents cope with reflux. Booklets can be purchased from Mothers Direct.

R is for Reflux - A parent's guide to infant reflux by Jennie Croudson, Blaise Publishing, PO Box 2112, Bowral NSW 2576.

Reflux Infants Support Association (RISA) Inc.
PO Box 1598, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006.
Phone: 07 3229 1090.
Website: www.reflux.org.au
Email: info@reflux.org.au

Distressed Infants Support Association (DISA).
PO Box 2093, Rowville Victoria 3178.
Phone: 03 9513 9640.
Website: www.disa.com.au.

Families of Infants Reflux Support Association (FIRSA).
PO Box 807, Elizabeth SA 5112.

Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association (PAGER).
Website: www.reflux.org.

* Please note, we cannot endorse the information you may find on the Internet. You may need to check the source and reliability of this information.