On the Coast – Families Issue 101 I August/September 2019 | Page 27

becomes all about what the mother is
eating and drinking. 30% of babies with
severe reflux have issues with cow’s
milk protein so this should be the first
thing investigated. The breastfeeding
mother can eliminate dairy (cows milk,
yoghurt, cheese) for a period of 14 days
and observe changes with the reflux. If
the reflux improves the breastfeeding
mother can then re-introduce yoghurt,
cheese and milk one at a time, a few days
apart and observe if the reflux returns
with only one or all of the potential
triggers and the diet can be adjusted
accordingly. Babies drinking cows milk
formula can try goats milk formula as an
alternative, as goats milk protein is often
more tolerable in sensitive babies. If dairy
is not tolerated at all and the baby is
formula fed, there are dairy free options
available. For breastfeeding mothers
and older babies, if dairy is not tolerated
there are many other excellent sources
of calcium such as green leafy vegetables,
nuts and seeds, nut butters, tahini and
sardines.
If eliminating dairy doesn’t improve
the reflux, some other common food
irritants are wheat containing food
and high salicylate containing food.
It’s best to undergo any elimination
diet especially when breast feeding or
treating a baby, under the strict guidance
of a qualified, experienced nutritionist or
naturopath as it’s important to be aware
of all nutrient groups that are required
for the healthy growth and development
of the baby. Experienced naturopathic
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practitioners can also prescribe natural
medicine to help soothe and support
the gastrointestinal health of the baby.
Simple remedies such as strong infusions
of chamomile and fennel tea for the
breast feeding mum and probiotics
for both mum and baby can make
improvements, and there are a number
of stronger medicinal herbs which are
safe and effective for treating babies
with reflux and other gastrointestinal
discomforts which can be prescribed by
an experienced practitioner.
There is always a time and place for
pharmaceutical grade medications and
sometimes it may be the best and only
option. However in the case of reflux
(as opposed to acute life threatening
conditions) there are several other
natural medicines and approaches
which may be worth trying first,
as there are some undesirable side
effects that may occur with
taking pharmaceutical reflux
medications longer term.
For example the
minerals iron and
calcium are broken
down and absorbed
in the stomach and when
pharmaceutical ‘ant acids’
are prescribed to reduce
stomach acid, it can lead to reduced
absorption of iron and calcium which are
two very important nutrients for babies
and children. These medications should
be a last resort when all other options
have been thoroughly investigated
first. As with any medication, read all
ingredients and inserts so you are fully
aware of what you are putting in your
baby’s body.
Whether your baby experiences
mild or severe reflux, it needs to be
addressed to help your baby become
more comfortable. Working together
with your doctor and naturopath can
offer the best comprehensive
approach.
Diana Arundell is a university-qualified naturopath and consults from her Avoca Naturopath clinic.
She has a special interest in fertility and pregnancy health, digestive health, immune function and family
wellness programs. She was a nutrition lecturer at Macquarie University for 10 years, and is an accredit-
ed Journey Practitioner. For further information please contact Diana Arundell at Avoca Naturopath
on 0410 465 900.
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