SOS breastfeeding: my baby is regurgitating my milk! How serious is it?

The Breastfeeding Period: A Common Source of Questions for Moms

One of the most frequent concerns during breastfeeding is: Is my baby drinking enough breast milk? It’s true that measuring this scientifically isn’t easy, especially when spit-up, reflux, or even GER (Gastroesophageal Reflux) come into play.

Do you know why babies spit up and what you can do to reduce it?

Does Your Baby Spit Up a Lot? Could It Be GER?

It’s a natural process: some babies keep everything down, while others constantly spit up. Why? Simply because the small muscle that closes the top of the stomach is not yet strong in most babies. As a result, what they ingest often comes back up—especially since their diet is entirely liquid. Scientifically, this is called GER (Gastroesophageal Reflux).

This phenomenon affects both breastfed and bottle-fed babies and does not hinder their healthy growth. In most cases, the regurgitated milk is simply excess and represents only a small portion of their total intake.

Could Your Baby Be Spitting Up Because You Have Too Much Milk?

Some mothers produce a large quantity of milk or have what’s called a Strong Let-Down Reflex (SLR).

In these cases, the baby may be overly full and simply spit up the excess milk. This is especially common if the baby drinks too quickly and swallows air along with the milk—something that happens frequently with SLR.

Tip:
If you feel like you have an oversupply and are often leaking or engorged, you can pump your milk to donate it or store it for later use. Over time, your supply will regulate, and your milk flow will balance out.

What’s the Best Breastfeeding Position for a Baby with GER?

It’s best to use physiological breastfeeding positions where the baby is in a semi-upright position. It also helps to keep the baby upright (in your arms or a baby carrier) for 15 to 20 minutes after feeding.

Studies suggest that after a feed, it’s best to avoid seats or bouncers that position the baby at a 45-degree angle, as this puts pressure on the esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening reflux.

Source:
Leche League France, Françoise Railhet