Have you ever noticed this: When a formula fed baby experiences reflux, no one says “Oh maybe you should switch to breastmilk” but when a breastfed baby experiences reflux, parents can quickly become worried that breastmilk is the problem.
Let’s discuss.
What we call reflux can be categorized into two distinctions medically: “GER” (Gastroesophogeal Reflux) and “GERD” (Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease). Medical doctors consider GER “normal” and GERD worth medicating.
But when it comes to infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics says infants are being overmedicated for GERD when they’re really experience GER. As a lactation consultant, I appreciate that the AAP recognizes the risks of common relfux medications and recommends extreme caution in using them. In practice, though, my experience is these medications are still being over prescribed and are very rarely effective, leaving parents feeling hopeless. As a breastfeeding mother, I want you to feel equipped to navigate reflux in a way that doesn’t feel like a lifetime sentencing of long, miserable nights with a screaming baby. And I don't ever want you feeling like you choosing to breastfeed your baby is "the problem".
I teach parents to consider reflux a symptom, not a diagnosis.
Reflux is a common symptom of aerophagia, dysbiosis, nervous system dysregulation, and even zinc deficiencies! There are a myriad of holistic approaches to resolving reflux symptoms in both formula and breastfed babies.
When a mother tells me her baby is experiencing reflux symptoms and medication isn’t helping, the very first thing I assess for is aerophagia. Aerophagia quite literally means “eating air”, and that’s exactly what happens. When babies are, for one reason or another, swallowing air as they eat, it causes extreme discomfort and reflux symptoms. Sometimes burping just isn’t enough to combat the amount of air these babies are taking in. Identifying aerophagia will typically lead to me recommending an individualized plan for improving oral function and implementing adaptive feeding techniques to reduce air intake. This can include position changes, feeding techniques, and more. At Little Bear Lactation, we take a whole-body wellness approach for both mom and baby as we navigate breastfeeding challenges. This means that solving your breastfeeding issues will often go beyond teaching you a different latch technique or feeding position.
Inside of the Confident MamaBear Society, you will have unlimited access to education and tools to effectively navigate common breastfeeding challenges like reflux (in fact there’s an entire module specifically on reflux!). You will learn what “normal breastfeeding” looks like, why some symptoms are a sign of breastfeeding challenges, and tools and tips for confidently navigating those challenges.
In addition to having access to the regularly-updated arsenal of pure information, you’ll also have access to an off-facebook community where there is no censorship, and we can freely discuss concerns you have about making informed decisions as a mother. Not to mention, you'll be invited to monthly LIVE Support Groups where you can have your breastfeeding questions answered, plus you’ll receive Exclusive Invitations to members-only monthly Workshops with various specialty topics designed to help you.
If you’re ready to stop depending on nonsensical medical advice from sell-out physicians, and instead, get to the root cause of your baby’s breastfeeding concerns and challenges, come on over the the Confident MamaBear Society where you can ask your questions, peruse the arsenal of information, and get the support you deserve. Let’s unleash your inner Fierce Mama Bear!
Jaimie Zaki is a nurse, mom of 5, birth doula, author, holistic IBCLC, and founder of The Confident Mama Bear Society. Jaimie inspires mothers to shut out the toxic whispers of the world while learning to embrace their God-given maternal intuition, and confidently make decisions to navigate breastfeeding and thrive in motherhood. Jaimie has a special interest in helping pregnant mothers prepare for breastfeeding, and helping breastfeeding mothers navigate oral restrictions that impact breastfeeding. Jaimie resides in Texas, serving families in the Abilene area and supporting mothers accross the country virtually!
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