How long does the reflux last?
Mild reflux is not completely normal in babies in the first months of life, but at first it is not a cause for great concern. The problem usually subsides after a few weeks to months, as certain anatomical structures mature and the interaction of the various nerves and organs becomes more coordinated.There is particular cause for concern if additional symptoms such as breathing difficulties, vomiting blood and failure to thrive occur. If the symptoms do not improve after about half a year, a doctor should be consulted again.
The situation is different for children who show an anatomical anomaly. This may have to be treated surgically. Afterwards, however, it is often possible that the symptoms will disappear. In the first months of life, the symptoms can usually be treated conservatively, in more severe cases with medication, so that the babies can develop undisturbed.
What influence does breastfeeding and baby food have?
Breastfeeding and baby food both have an influence on the baby’s reflux. In general, it can be said that neither one nor the other variant can completely avoid the symptoms. Children who eat baby food tend to suffer more often from reflux.
Probably the baby food is slightly less well tolerated than natural breast milk. In addition, the bottle is usually fed in slightly larger quantities. Thus, the food remains longer in the stomach and thus increases the reflux symptoms.
Conversely, a strong milk donor reflex of the mother can lead to the fact that the children drink particularly hastily. This has the consequence that they inadvertently swallow a lot of air and have to burp it after the meal again. The belching in turn promotes reflux, since the sphincter muscle between the esophagus and stomach must be opened for this.
Does the mother’s diet during breastfeeding influence the baby’s reflux?
The mother’s diet during breastfeeding has an influence on the baby’s reflux if the baby has a food intolerance. Everything the mother ingests can also enter the breast milk and thus be fed to the baby. For example, babies often suffer from an intolerance to cow’s milk.
If the mother drinks a lot of cow’s milk during the breastfeeding period, the babies also get a lot of it and may have an upset stomach. Similar correlations can also be found with other intolerances. Alcohol consumption and smoking by the mother also have a negative effect on reflux problems. The child absorbs the ingredients through breast milk and is therefore more likely to suffer from reflux.
