Breastfeeding an Infant With Acid Reflux or GERD

Breastfed babies with reflux and GERD generally seem to cope better than those who are formula fed. Perhaps this is because they get more comfort from the closeness that nursing provides over bottle feeding or because breast milk acts as a natural antacid. Perhaps it is because breast milk is digested much easier and faster than formula or because suckling is soothing. For whatever the reason if you are having a difficult time nursing your newborn with reflux and have considered quitting and switching to formula, or think that your baby will do better on formula, we're here to tell you...DON'T.  Don't quit.  Just about anyone you talk to who has switched, and any expert who knows anything about reflux and breastfeeding will tell you that switching from breastfeeding to formula will almost undoubtedly make reflux worse.