Breastmilk makes baby spit up??

Question

I was wondering if this is something that has happened to other mothers. It seems that my breastmilk makes my 4 month old baby spit up/ throw up. I have had to supplement with formula since he was born and he spits up more with the breastmilk. The dr said it is reflux and has taken all dairy out of my diet as well. I just had my wisdom teeth out so I stopped breastfeeding for a total of three days...all free of him spitting up. Now that I have started breastfeeding again it has started again...any ideas on what is causing this??

The dr also told me to switch to soy formula since he wasn't able to tolerate the dairy

You know..I don't want stupid answers I just want to know what some other opinions are since I have asked the pediatricians office many times..please don't give me stupid answers..especially when my self esteem isn't very high..how mean can you get??

Answer 1

If the baby didn't improve with your removal of dairy from your diet, s/he most likely has a true lactose sensitivity (not enough of the enzyme needed to digest the quantity of lactose in a BFing feeding or seveal ounces of regular formula.
I would try lactose free formula before soy. If the baby does better with the lactose free formula, there is your answer.

I know there are many 'lactivists' (who I may disagree with on this issue and most are still great moms regardless, I just want the best nurition life long, not only in the first year or two) who say lactose intolerance is non-existent- trust me, it exists. If you happen to be of eastern european or Jewish descent, it is a more likely possibility.

*When people say 'lactose intolerance would cause failure to thrive at birth" etc., they are basing that statement on total lactose intolerance- well, total lactose intolerance is incompatible with life and it should be clear that is generally not what people are talking about when they say 'lactose intolerant". The enzyme is present, just not in sufficient quantity to digest large amounts of lactose. It often gets worse throught the first year or two of life and then the child begins to 'outgrow' it. My middle daughter was made quite sick by all milk products until about three years of age, then it began to subside, she now has no problem with lactose breakdown.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Breastmilk makes baby spit up??
I was wondering if this is something that has happened to other mothers. It seems that my breastmilk makes my 4 month old baby spit up/ throw up. I have had to supplement with formula since he was born and he spits up more with the breastmilk. The dr said it is reflux and has taken all dairy out...

Answer 4

It could be something in your diet. But I agree, if it was dairy, then the baby would be spitting up with the formula as well, unless you're using soy formula.

My baby had reflux. I was told to feed him in a semi-upright position, then to keep him upright for 30 minutes after each feeding. I also elevated the head of his crib to help the milk stay down. When I started him on solids (at about 4 months for him - different for every baby), he grew out of it

There are other things in your diet that you might try taking out to experiment how he reacts. Some things that may upset him are gassy foods like broccoli, cabbage, etc. Also spicy foods might upset him as well. Then there's chocolate, beans, orange juice, and nuts (my baby hates my milk when I eat peanut butter or any other nuts).

Answer 5

First of all, spitting up is a normal phenomenon in newborns. They strain and grunt which increases intra- abdominal pressure and overcomes a relatively weak gastro-esophageal valve. If your baby is growing and gaining well and seems comfortable most of the time, don't worry too much about it.

Any milk curdles in the stomach as a normal digestive process. Breast mild generally produces the smallest and softest curds. Larger curds formed with some formulas may impede some regurgitation. BUT, this s NOT a digestive advantage, and not a valid reason to stop nursing.

I would earnestly urge you to continue to breast feed, but if you are miserable with it, switch to formula and don't feel guilty.

Answer 6

Baby Spitting Up Breast Milk

Answer 7

He isn't lactose intolerant that would cause failure-to-thrive at birth. It is pretty much impossible to miss.

It could just be that the formula is thicker so it stays down? I'm at a loss though because babies usually spit up breastmilk less because it leaves the stomach faster, etc.

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/reflux.html
Some causes of excessive spitting up

* Breastmilk oversupply or forceful let-down (milk ejection reflex) can cause reflux-like symptoms, and usually can be remedied with simple measures.

* Food sensitivities can cause excessive spitting. The most likely offender is cow's milk products (in baby's or mom's diet). Other things to ask yourself: is baby getting anything other than breastmilk - formula, solids (including cereal), vitamins (fluoride, iron, etc.), medications, herbal preparations? Is mom taking any medications, herbs, vitamins, iron, etc.?

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T106004.asp
Breastfeed your baby. GER is much less severe in the breastfed baby, and a breastfed mother is able to cope better, for the following reasons:

* Breastmilk empties from the stomach twice as fast as formula.
* Breastmilk is generally more intestine-friendly than formula.
* Breastfed babies naturally feed more frequently and breastmilk is a natural antacid.
* Mothers enjoy the relaxing effect of maternal hormones while breastfeeding.

Minimize air swallowing and gas. If breastfeeding, be sure baby has a tight seal (See Latch-on Basics). If bottlefeeding, try bottles and nipples which minimize air swallowing. Simethicone (Mylicon) drops are marginally effective. This substance breaks up large stomach bubbles into smaller stomach bubbles, which are easier to pass. Excess air in the stomach and intestines acts as a pneumatic pump, so when the stomach contracts it can cause stomach contents to reflux.

Milk Protein vs Lactose Intolerance:
http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/lactose.html
http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fa/inflact.html
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/lactose-intolerance.html
http://www.cryingoverspiltmilk.co.nz/Food/LactoseIntolerancevsMilkProteinAllergy.htm

Answer 8

maybe your let down is very high- if it were the lactose the formula would be making him spit up because formula is made from cows milk. try nursing him longer on one side and not swtiching sides during a feed. he can be getting too much foremilk and not enough hind milk- if your son is gaining weight then there is no reason to worry ore ven supplement- this is coming from the words of my own ped who has a 2 1/2 months old who spits up a lot but is gaining great- foremilk also has more lactose in it

Answer 9

My son had the same issue!!! I breastfed him for 3 months..he spit up every time with the breast milk. I just thought it was normal baby spit up after eating.. Then I switched to formula at 4 months and the first time I fed him he didn't spit it up, he has not spit up since.. strange because I have heard babies spit up more when you put them on formula.

Answer 10

I don't know the answer but I'm curious to see what others say. You would think that if it was reflux he'd do the same thing whether it was breastmilk or formula.

I wonder...what kind of formula is he on?

**It sounds like he might be lactose intolerant if the soy formula isn't causing problems but your breastmilk is. And just for safety's sake, give the dr a call and run it past her/him to see what they think.**