Your Breast Milk and Your Baby's Reflux

Because of your breast milk and your baby's reflux, you may be advised to avoid certain foods, should you decide to breast feed. The foods you eat can enter your breast milk and potentially adversely affect your nursing baby.

Caffeine and heavily spiced foods are among the most common of these, but what about the mother whose child is experiencing acid reflux?

These women should also avoid caffeine and spicy foods, as these can contribute to, or aggravate an existing case of acid reflux. Garlic and chocolate are also common culprits. Other foods that may cause acid reflux in a nursing baby include:

• Dairy Products (The reflux may also be a sign of a milk protein allergy)
• Soy Products
• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Citrus Fruit
• Wheat Products
• Chicken
• Beef
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Prenatal Vitamins (Sometimes the iron can be irritating to your baby's system)
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Onions
• Green Peppers
• Carbonated Beverages

One of the most common dietary causes of acid reflux is a sensitivity to cow's milk proteins. To determine if your baby is sensitive to these proteins, you should avoid all forms of dairy for at least two weeks, including:

• Milk
• Ice cream
• Cheese
• Butter
• Yogurt
• Whey

If your your breast milk and your baby's reflux seem to improve during this time, it is advisable that you continue to avoid these products. If this is the case, then please consult your physician for advice on alternative sources of calcium.

It's also a good idea to keep a food journal to assist you in determining which foods seem to make the reflux worse. If you suspect a food is causing the problem, eliminate it from your diet for a period of two weeks.

Then, re-introduce it and take note of any changes in your baby's behavior. If the reflux returns or worsens, chances are that food is a red flag for your baby.

A mother's breast milk is the best way to feed your baby. It's a good idea to know the basic breastfeeding positions. Here is some great information on some basic breastfeeding positions

Learning some key techniques before you begin to breast feed may assist you in having a successful breastfeeding experience. These
breast feeding instructional videos can help!

Are you aware of some tips you could use to settle your baby that suffers with acid reflux? The following page will provide you some tips on different ways you may be able to settle your baby. Click here, to learn more.

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