Bringing-up newborn babies is exhausting but most enjoyable event for every mother.  It will be overwhelming for the parents when the new born starts crying inexplicably with arched back with large quantity of regurgitation. Fortunately this phase does not last long.  There are some important facts which every breast feeding mother should be aware of regarding reflux. I am going to explain some of them in this article.

Newborns may show various symptoms

There can be substantial difference in the amount of reflux shown by babies. It can be mild in some babies and can be severe in some others. Some babies cry and scream while there are others who are termed as ‘happy spitters’. The general thinking is that the flap in the esophagus is not closed in some babies and the milk splashes into the throat of the baby. Some babies do not spit-up, rather they swallow the milk a second time. This is termed as silent reflux.  Reflux is sometimes termed as colic.

Reflux can cause damages to esophagus

It has been observed that in rare cases esophagus has been affected by reflux. This is causing much worry to the parents as they are afraid of permanent damages that can affect the future life of their babies.  Discus the matter with your physician and he will be able to guide you properly and remove your fear. He will advice whether a consultation with a gastroenterologist is necessary or not. Most babies recover from reflux as they grow up. However symptoms like continuous crying, refusal to eat sufficient food, poor increase in weight etc should be taken care of and brought to the notice of the physician.

Breast milk can reduce reflux

It has been found that the babies who are breast fed by their mothers show less tendency to reflux. This is because the mother’s milk contains special nutrients that coat the baby’s inner linings of the throat. This lessens the pain as the breast milk splashes to the throat.

Increase the number of times you breast feed

If you have enough time and convenience you can increase the number of breast feedings and reduce the amount of milk given on each occasion. Feed only from one side on one occasion and use the other side after two hours duration. Smaller feeding helps the meal to leave the stomach easily thereby eliminating the chance of reflux. Feeding the baby in an angled position is also helpful as the gravity does not allow the milk to re enter the esophagus tract.