1. Handle baby gently and burp often.
2. Try to keep baby in an upright position during and after feedings. Nurse frequently. Smaller, more frequent feedings are easier to digest.
3. If you have a large supply of breast milk, and your baby chokes or gags when the milk lets down, then spits up afterward, try offering only one breast per feeding. You may also try taking your baby off the breast when the milk first lets down, catching the forceful spray in a towel, then putting him back on the breast after the initial flow of milk has subsided.
4. If your baby wants to nurse constantly, and seems to spit up after every feeding, try offering a pacifier. It may keep baby from overfilling his or her stomach and spitting up the excess. However, if your baby is not gaining weight properly and getting him or her to nurse is a struggle, your baby should spend all his sucking time at the breast.
5. After feedings, try holding baby upright for a half hour or let baby lie upright on your chest. You could also use a front carrier or baby sling or place baby in a crib or infant seat at a gentle angle. A 45 degree incline would be ideal, since any more than that might actually put too much pressure on his or her stomach and make things worse.
6. Try to identify foods or vitamins in the mother or baby's diet that might be causing a reaction. Avoid foods that exacerbate reflux. Common culprits such as dairy, which are passed on to infant through breastfeeding and can cause allergies or sensitivities. Tomatoes, citrus, high fat foods, carbonated beverages and processed foods are some other common acidic offenders. If you are not breastfeeding, speak with your doctor about experimenting with different formulas. Keeping a daily journal or log can also help determine reactions your child may be having.
Huasing Association 1999 - 2013