The time of feeding is supposed to be quiet and calm, yet in the case of babies who have reflux, it can be a stressful and painful experience. Infant reflux- regurgitation back into the esophagus is a very common occurrence among infants since the digestive system of an infant is still growing. Unless properly addressed, this may result in spit-up, fussiness, and even aversion to feeding.
The positive thing is that there is a breastfeeding position for reflux that can change a lot.
Preparation is important when you are on the go. Safe storage of pumped milk in the best portable breast milk cooler means that your baby has access to fresh milk as long as you are out of town, either bound for a doctor appointment, family visit or traveling.
We will discuss the most comfortable positions in this guide, how to keep your baby comfortable and when you should see your pediatrician.
What Is Infant Reflux and How It Affects Feeding
Infant reflux occurs because the band of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) has not yet matured. This increases the ease with which milk and stomach acids may reappear, resulting in spit-up or mild vomiting.
Typical symptoms of reflux are:
- Frequent spit-up after feeding.
- Arching or fussiness upon or about nursing.
- Problem with remaining attached or with feeding.
- Gagging, coughing or choking at feed times.
- Difficulty in sleep following meals.
Why Positioning Matters for Babies With Reflux
The manner in which you hold your baby during and after feeding is of great concern in determining how your babies manage their milk. Sleeping on the back may aggravate the reflux since gravity enables the milk to creep to the esophagus.
Sitting more erectly is useful because it:
- Keeping milk down with gravity, the spit-up will be less.
- Permitting to work better and work off less gas.
- Fasting or choking, or gagging due to fast let-down.
- Burger your baby on the natural.
One of the easiest and most effective methods of ensuring your baby is more comfortable during every feeding session is to choose supportive positioning in breastfeeding.
The Upright Hold (Koala Hold): A Reflux-Friendly Favorite
The Upright Hold, often called the Koala Hold, is one of the best breastfeeding positions for reflux because it keeps your baby completely vertical. This position is especially helpful for babies who are a few months old and can hold their heads up with minimal support.
How to do the Upright Hold:
- You are going to sit in a supportive chair, sitting straight back.
- Manufacturing Place your baby on your thigh or hip and face up.
- Maintain the entire body straight, the head raised above the chest and belly.
- Hold their shoulders and their neck and help them latch.
This is the position where gravity is used to hold milk in the stomach and provide a good view to watch the comfort and breathing of your baby. It is also better when there are inquisitive babies who love to explore at the time of feeding.
Laid-Back Nursing: When It Works and When to Avoid It
Laid-back nursing (also known as biological nurturing) is lying back a little as your baby turns down on your chest. This is a common position that is usually advised when the babies are new, so that they can discover the breast and latch naturally.
Laid-back feeding may be useful in case of a mild reflux baby when:
- You remain in a position of a slightly bent posture rather than lying flat.
- The head of your baby is still more elevated than the stomach.
Nonetheless, this stand might not be the best when using moderate-severe reflux because it can still enable the backflow of milk. Should you notice that the spit-up or fussiness is on the rise, make the change to a fully upright position, such as the Koala Hold.
The Side-Lying Position: Caution for Reflux-Prone Babies
Side-lying is a comfortable position at nighttime or following a C-section; however, it is not always the most effective position concerning reflux. As your baby lies on his or her side during feeding, the milk can flow with greater ease down the esophagus and back up the esophagus.
If you do use this position:
- Hold your baby with his or her head raised slightly on a hard pillow or rolled-up blanket in your arms.
- Do not lie flat on your back in order to keep some inclination.
- Look out for any indication of choking or gagging during feeds.
To minimize the reflux symptoms, many parents only use the side-lying position at night and upright at daytime.
Tips for Burping Baby Without Disrupting the Feed
Infants with reflux require additional assistance in the release of accumulated air during and after feeding. Burping technique on the right-hand side can help in decreasing spit-up and pain without complete disengagement by the nurse.
Helpful burping strategies:
- Burp in the middle of the feed and at the end of the feed rather than at the end of the feed.
- Burp your baby with the body straight up to ensure that gravity favors you.
- Attempt the mild poses such as the over-the-shoulder or sitting with your lap and head supported.
- Do not pat too hard, but stroke firmly but gently upwards.
Regular burping may help avoid unnecessary accumulation of air, which exacerbates the symptoms of reflux.
Post-Feed Positioning: Keeping Baby Upright After Nursing
It is not as important how you feed, but what you do after you have fed. Holding your baby on his or her back during and after every nursing period may go a long way in eliminating sputum and pain.
Simple post-feed strategies:
- Walk or sit with your baby on your shoulder.
- Keep them in a baby carrier, which puts them in an upright position and close to the body.
- Do not lay them flat on their backs right after feeding.
- Delay until doing changes which involve lying them down.
This also aids in settling milk in the stomach and allows the gas out in a natural way.
When to Talk to a Pediatrician About Reflux Symptoms
Although mild reflux is normal and usually does not cause any harm, there are instances in which you may need to consult a doctor. See your pediatrician in case your baby exhibits the following:
- Weight gain or weight loss is poor.
- Denial of feeding or seemed in some pain during feeding.
- Blood in spit-up or vomit
- Breathing, coughing, or choking during feeds.
- Incessant pettishness or crying that does not get better.
Depending on the severity, your doctor might prescribe additional tests or therapy, including medicine, in such severe circumstances.
Conclusion
Reflux is not to be handled so as to turn feeding time into a stressor. This can be achieved by taking a reflux-supporting breastfeeding position to help prevent a baby from spitting back, ease pain, and make the process more calming to both the mother and her infant.
Test postures, such as the Upright Hold, and emphasize the need to have your baby straight during and after a meal. Pumped milk must also be safely kept in the best portable breast milk cooler when you are not at home, so that your baby does not miss fresh nourishment.
Feeding your little one can again be a quiet bonding experience, even with reflux in the frame, with the right positioning and attention.
