Reflux is a common concern for parents of newborns, causing distress for both the baby and the family. Medically known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), it occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, often leading to discomfort, spitting up, or feeding challenges.
Many infants experience some degree of reflux, severe cases can interfere with feeding, growth, and sleep. This is where a lactation consultant can provide valuable support.
If you’re navigating the challenges of reflux, a lactation consultant can offer expert guidance tailored to your baby’s needs, helping to address the underlying issues while promoting healthy feeding habits.
Why do babies get reflux?
Reflux is often attributed to the immaturity of a baby’s digestive system. However, feeding techniques, positioning, and milk supply can also play a role.
Common causes include:
Overfeeding: Consuming too much milk at once can overwhelm a baby’s small stomach.
Fast letdown: A strong milk flow can lead to gulping and air swallowing, aggravating reflux.
Feeding positions: Certain positions may increase the likelihood of milk regurgitating.
Allergies or sensitivities: Some babies react to proteins in their mother’s diet, like dairy, leading to reflux-like symptoms.
How can a Lactation Consultant help?
A lactation consultant is a trained professional who specialises in breastfeeding support. They can assess your baby’s feeding patterns, identify potential triggers for reflux, and offer practical solutions to make feeding a more comfortable experience.
What tips can a Lactation Consultant provide?
Ideal Feeding Positions:
The position in which your baby feeds can greatly affect reflux symptoms. Lactation consultants often suggest upright feeding positions, such as the koala hold or laid-back breastfeeding, which allow gravity to assist in keeping milk in the stomach.
Addressing Oversupply or Forceful Letdown
If you have an abundant milk supply or experience a forceful letdown, your baby might struggle to manage the milk flow, leading to coughing, choking, or reflux. A lactation consultant can guide you on techniques like block feeding or hand expressing to regulate milk flow.
Dietary Sensitivities
Your baby’s reflux may be linked to sensitivities or allergies to proteins in your diet, such as dairy or soy. A lactation consultant can help you identify and eliminate potential culprits, working alongside your healthcare provider for the best outcomes.
Promoting Responsive Feeding
Feeding on demand, rather than sticking to rigid schedules, can help prevent overfeeding and reduce reflux episodes. Lactation consultants can support you in recognising your baby’s hunger and fullness cues.
Emotional Support
Caring for a baby with reflux can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re sleep-deprived or worried about your child’s well-being. A lactation consultant provides a compassionate, non-judgmental space to discuss your concerns, boosting your confidence as a parent.
What can you expect during a consultation?
When you reach out to a lactation consultant, you can expect personalised care tailored to your unique needs. They’ll typically review your medical history, observe a feeding session, and provide actionable advice to address your concerns. Whether it’s a one-time session or ongoing support, their goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to succeed.
Why choose Nursing Mama for Lactation Support?
Nursing Mama offers expert lactation support for mothers navigating their breastfeeding journey. With professional, compassionate care, they help mothers and babies overcome
challenges and achieve their breastfeeding goals. From one-on-one consultations to ongoing guidance, Nursing Mama ensures you’re never alone in this journey.
Based in Ireland, Nursing Mama understands the unique needs of families and is committed to making breastfeeding a positive and rewarding experience.
Nursing Mama offers in-person consults within Kildare, Dublin, and online Worldwide, offering breastfeeding support, knowledge, and expertise.
Get in touch or book a consultation today
