Should I use thickener

[mythreelittlemonkeys]

My DD had really awful reflux when few weeks old so bad she used to stiffen up and refuse to feed etc...but all gone now...except she int he last 2 weeks constantly puking either watery substance or curdy stuff...saw a CHN today (not my normal one) who witnessed this and after I said DD been a bit fussy on the breast told me to give her thickener...now DD is solely bf and I worried about giving her anything - should I use this thickener stuff??

[RISA]

It is understandable that you are questioning whether to introduce something new into your bubs diet especially seeing she is solely breastfed, it's a concern I think many mum's face. Thickeners can help keep the milk down and ease the discomfort for reflux babies. It is important to know that what works for one baby might not work for another, with aides such as thickeners it is often a matter of trial and error. Thickeners can be given to your baby directly off a spoon before (and sometimes even during or after a feed) or in a bottle mixed with expressed breast milk. Before making your decision it would be a good idea to speak to your pharmacist or even your doctor to discuss the pro's and con's of thickeners.

When breastfeeding a reflux baby it is a good idea to keep them as upright as possible during and after the feed. Try holding your baby in a sitting position facing you to feed. This can be a tricky skill to master but if it works it is worth the effort! Also try changing your babies nappy before a feed and while doing so roll them from side to side rather than lifting their legs up.

Take care.