Can bf technique contribute to reflux and gassiness?

[fanjobiscuits]

If so how and how can I minimise/prevent this?

Yes it can. A poor latch can result in air being swallowed when feeding.

There may be an underlying cause where there is a poor latch. Tongue tie being a common one.

Article from Dr Kotlow who is a leading expert

Agree, check the latch. As far as I know (not a doctor, but had a child with 6 months of epic reflux!) it can't contribute to reflux, which is something to do with the epiglottis not closing, but can cause reflux-style voms. I think if the latch isn't right the baby won't get enough of the fatty hind milk, will be hungry again soon and end up drinking too much in volume of the runnier milk to try and fill up, which will come back up again.

Definitely have your baby checked for tongue tie but get a professional to check the latch. Ours wasn't corrected until I went to a specialist clinic at six weeks, by which time I'd been told by plenty of people my latch was fine. It was very different latching the baby on with the help of a professional to at home on the sofa.

Thanks both. Can anyone recommend a good professional/centre in sw London who could help with this?

Do you mean help by assessing for tongue tie?

Tongue and lip tie plus general bf check - but have an offline recommendation now who I have booked in with. Happy to share if it helps anyone else.

Thanks for the help and input, everyone.