Acid reflux can be a temporary or long-term condition in breastfeeding infants. According to the La Leche League International, breastfeeding is often a method of treating gastroesophageal reflux, or GER, which is a more significant form of acid reflux that is characterized by profuse spit-up, breathing difficulties, pain, and even projectile vomiting. Although there are many reasons acid reflux may occur in a breastfeeding infant, they are commonly attributed to the mother's diet.
Significance of the Mother's Diet
It's important for a mother to eat a well-balanced diet that isn't too restricted when she begins breastfeeding. In order for her body to produce nutritious milk and support itself, the mother must consume 500 extra calories per day, according to KidsHealth.com. MedlinePlus recommends a varied diet with minimal items excluded, unless the baby has given the mother reason to restrict her diet further, such as developing acid reflux after the mother consumes certain foods. Alcohol, caffeine and any other stimulants should be limited or avoided when nursing. Because water is a key ingredient in breast milk, a mother should drink at least 64 ounces of water or caffeine-free fluids per day.
Function
Making small changes to the mother's diet may eliminate or reduce acid reflux in a breastfed baby but not always. Some foods can change the taste of a mother's breast milk, making it more or less appealing to the infant. Mother's need not be overly concerned about omitting spices, dairy or other strong flavors from her diet, unless the baby shows signs of acid reflux or other digestive discomfort, says MedlinePlus. When a breastfed baby develops acid reflux, a mother will want to identify any potential food sources in her diet that are causing the baby's tummy to get upset. If the baby seems to have reflux after every feeding---regardless of what the mother has eaten---then her diet may not be to blame. When a known allergy runs in the family, mothers should discuss it with a health care professional, such as a nutritionist or lactation consultant. It's possible for a baby to develop an allergy to the food because of exposure in the breast milk. Symptoms of a food allergy, including lactose intolerance, can present themselves in the form of refluxing or projectile vomiting.
Effects
Babies with acid reflux can exhibit a variety of symptoms during and after nursing. Spitting up is common in any infant, but a baby with acid reflux will produce a greater quantity. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse suggests that an infant with reflux will vomit, cough, become irritable, have poor eating habits and may have blood in his stools. As time passes, the baby may not grow at a normal rate from ejecting so much food; however, this is more commonly associated with GER. Wheezing, persistent pneumonia and other respiratory or breathing problems are sometimes the result of untreated GER as well.
Identification
Identifying the cause of acid reflux requires some trial and error on the part of the parents. Feeding the baby in a more upright position, keeping her upright for 20 to 30 minutes after a meal, and avoiding over-feeding can lead to a reduction in acid reflux. When these steps fail to reduce reflux, the mother should consider her diet. Keeping a journal of everything she eats and drinks, including medications, and documenting how the baby responds after nursing can help her identify potential dietary culprits. Every baby is different when it comes to acid reflux caused by a mother's diet.
Solution
If keeping a food diary isn't effective in identifying the food source, a mother may need to carry out an elimination diet. This consists of avoiding all dairy sources for a period of no less than seven days. If, over time, the baby's reflux improves, then it is likely that he has trouble digesting breastmilk, which contains dairy proteins or lactose, states the La Leche League International. This is not always an indication of lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity. Further medical testing is needed to confirm an allergy or intolerance as the baby matures. More extreme forms of the elimination diet, such as one discussed by AskDrSears.com, suggest eating lamb, free-range turkey, boiled white or sweet potatoes with salt, rice, green and yellow squash and pears for two weeks. Following the two weeks, one food can be reintroduced to the mother's diet every four days while monitoring the baby for signs of tummy problems or reflux.
