Navigating Reflux in Babies Holistically
- Alex Kelly
- May 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 15
I AM NOT A DOCTOR, and this is not medical advice! Reflux is extremely individualized with many avenues to try and considerations to take into account.
I highly recommend finding a qualified practitioner whom you trust to help you walk through this - in my personal experience I found my IBCLC to be much more helpful and mindful than my pediatrician, especially since it’s usually related to feeding. But that may not always be the case, and my pediatrician is not a holistically minded ped which could have played a part.
What is Reflux?
Reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is when stomach contents like stomach acid and food flow backwards into the esophagus.
There is a ring-shaped valve called the lower esophageal sphincter that relaxes to let food travel from the esophagus to the stomach, and tightens to prevent food from traveling back up.
When that muscular valve isn’t fully developed, or doesn’t open when it should it can cause reflux. Frequent or severe reflux can lead to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Reflux Timeline
Reflux typically begins around 2-3 weeks, peaks at 4-5 months, and fully goes away between 9-12 months. it is uncommon for reflux to start during the first week, or develop after 6 months. In these cases symptoms may point to GERD or another condition.
Reflux Symptoms in Babies
frequent spitting up or vomiting
discomfort or irritability during feeding
potential weight loss or refusal to eat
coughing, gagging, choking
arching back during or after feeding
difficulty swallowing
noisy breathing (stridor)
hoarseness
It’s important to note that reflux isn’t the only thing that can cause these symptoms. Let’s take a look at some avenues you can investigate, as well as some things you can try at home.
A note on formula babies
If you formula feed in any capacity, keep in mind when it comes to babies who may seem sensitive “sometimes you just gotta wait it out! Babies aren’t born with the right enzymes to digest milk from any other mammal besides humans. Eventually as their system matures, they typically grow out of it as they develop the ability to digest more things.” -Teri Mitchell, CNM, IBCLC
Where to Start
In the next section I’m going to cover what I think would be helpful as the first three steps if your baby is showing reflux symptoms:
tongue tie eval
IBCLC
bodywork
I’m going to label them steps one, two, and three. However, I think they are all beneficial, and don’t necessarily need to be done in that particular order.
In fact, if you are working with the above providers who are at the forefront of their specialties and keep up with the most recent research - most likely they will recommend you see the others. We will touch more on that later.
Tongue Tie Eval
A tongue tie, lip, and/or cheek tie can contribute to or mimic reflux symptoms due to difficulty latching and swallowing, leading to air ingestion and increased pressure on the stomach.
Personally, I believe it to be beneficial for all babies to be evaluated for a tie by a properly-trained provider, as many tied infants will quickly learn to overcompensate and show no symptoms or feeding issues, but later can develop swallowing, speech, sleep, breathing, airway, and/or dental issues.
I would not trust just anybody to evaluate or release a tie. Many providers are not properly trained which leads to both over and under diagnosing. Some green flags are if your provider is recommending (if not REQUIRING) bodywork and meeting with an IBCLC (or myofunctional therapy for an older kid). If this isn’t even mentioned, I would be hesitant.
How to Find a Tongue Tie Provider
My no.1 recommendation for finding a tie release provider is searching The Breathe Institutes affiliates. These doctors are trained under Dr. Soroush Zaghi through an extensive hands-on residency. *specifically TBI AFFILIATES. If you can’t find an affiliate in your area, then ambassadors would be the next step.
If you still can’t find anyone you can check here. I have been collecting a list of airway providers. It’s still a work in progress and I can’t vouch for everyone personally or guarantee they all do tie releases or what their tie training is. But they are airway focused, which is a start. And may at least have referrals.
IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) can help with reflux or reflux-like symptoms by assessing feeding patterns, ensuring proper latching and positioning, and providing strategies to help improve feeding efficiency and minimizing air swallowing. They can also help guide in any potential dietary adjustments.
Bodywork
One of the crucial digestive nerves in the body is a cranial nerve called the vagus nerve. This nerve is often damaged during the birth process, or due to the way baby was laying in the womb - resulting in reflux and other stomach issues. A qualified osteopath can manipulate this nerve to open up the interfered communication, and help relax the digestive tract.
*Chiropractors can help as well, but I would advise to seek out one with training in fascia work - especially so if you end up needing a tie release.
Could it be a Dietary Issue?
One of the most common suggestions when dealing with a reflux baby is to cut out cow milk protein either via mom or switching to a non-cow milk formula.
Sometimes the immune system mistakenly identifies milk proteins (like casein and whey) as harmful invaders to the body, triggering an immune response. The exact cause isn’t fully understood (although I have some theories, but they aren’t researched so I won’t share at this time. Lol!), but one belief when it comes to infants is simply due to the fact their immune system isn’t matured yet.
Options to Consider: GOAT MILK / FORMULA
Not all animal milk protein is formulated the same, therefore some people with cow milk protein allergies have no problem with goat-milk. Goat-milk is naturally easier to digest since it forms smaller, softer, and looser curds in the stomach. Goat-milk also contains more A2 casein protein, which is much less inflammatory.
Options to Consider: PLANT MILK / FORMULA
In an ideal world, plant-based milks would not be my first choice. But I understand it’s a non-negotiable for many, and thankfully there are many “better” options out there!
When looking at plant-based milks try and avoid:
Gums (i.e guar, gellan, xanthan, locust bean gum
Oils (i.e rapeseed oil aka canola oil)
Emulsifiers (sunflower lecithin)
Natural Flavors
Sweetened
“Original” if it’s not also labeled “unsweetened”
Probiotics
The human gut is full of bacteria - good and bad. The good bacteria is essential for our health. If the bad bacteria begins to takeover, then digestive disturbances can follow. By implementing a high quality infant probiotic, the beneficial bacteria in the probiotic will help support the gut flora to digest milk, and move it along faster - reducing gas and spit up.
Some infant probiotic options:
10billion CFU: https://amzn.to/456A3Hb
1billion CFU: https://amzn.to/44zJkra
650million CFU: https://amzn.to/4jSxCgb
100million CFU: https://amzn.to/3YD7AF6
Gripe Water
This is an herbal blend of sterile water, sodium bicarbonate, and a variation of fennel, dill, chamomile, licorice, ginger, and mint. It will not treat the cause, but can offer relief while soothing and protecting the digestive tract.
Homeopathy source: Kirsty Richards, registered homeopath (NZ Council of Homeopaths)
KIRSTY’S DOSING GUIDELINES:
General Dosage Guidelines:
30c potency diluted in water for infants
Administer 2-3x daily until improvement is noticed
If symptoms improve, reduce frequency or stop
Always consult a homeopathic practioner for individualized treatment
Natrum Phosphoricum guidelines:
Potency: 6x or 12x (biochemical tissue salt)
Dosage: 2-3 tablets dissolved in water 2-4 times a day
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