Can tomatoes cause reflux in breastfed babies?

Understanding the Impact of Tomatoes on Reflux in Breastfed Babies
The question of whether tomatoes can cause reflux in breastfed babies is a nuanced one, as it involves both maternal diet and the individual sensitivities of infants. While tomatoes are a staple in many diets, their potential effects on breastfeeding and infant reflux warrant careful consideration.
Tomatoes and Acid Production
Tomatoes are known for their acidity, which can lead to increased acid production in the stomach. This characteristic has raised concerns among breastfeeding mothers about whether consuming tomatoes could exacerbate reflux symptoms in their babies. According to experts, while tomatoes can indeed increase stomach acid, the impact on breastfed infants is not straightforward. The need to avoid tomatoes is often described as individually based, meaning that not all babies will react negatively to their mother’s consumption of tomatoes.
Breast Milk Composition
Importantly, research indicates that acidic foods, including tomatoes, do not significantly alter the composition of breast milk. Studies suggest that the pH of maternal plasma remains unchanged by the consumption of such foods, implying that the acidity of tomatoes does not directly transfer to breast milk. This means that while a mother may experience increased acid production, it does not necessarily translate to reflux issues for her baby.
Individual Sensitivities
Reflux in infants can be influenced by various factors, including the baby’s individual digestive system and any underlying conditions. Some babies may be more sensitive to certain foods consumed by their mothers, leading to discomfort or reflux symptoms. Therefore, if a breastfeeding mother notices that her baby seems fussy or experiences reflux after she consumes tomatoes, it may be worth considering an elimination diet to assess the impact.
General Dietary Recommendations
For mothers concerned about reflux in their breastfed babies, it is often recommended to monitor their diet closely. While tomatoes may not universally cause reflux, other foods such as citrus fruits and high-fat dairy products are more commonly associated with exacerbating reflux symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help mothers identify any correlations between their diet and their baby’s discomfort.
In conclusion, while tomatoes can increase stomach acid, their effect on breastfed babies is not definitive and varies from one infant to another. Mothers should remain attentive to their baby’s reactions and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice on managing reflux during breastfeeding.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

Can tomatoes upset breastfed babies?

Lycopenes (found in tomatoes) transfer into breast milk, and too much can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

How I cured my baby’s reflux breastfeeding?

Helping your baby with reflux

1. get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
2. hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
3. burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
4. make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)

Do tomatoes make breast milk acidic?

Similarly, acidic foods like citrus fruits, pineapple, and tomatoes do not affect breast milk, as these foods do not change the pH of maternal plasma10).

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

Can tomatoes cause reflux in babies?

Certain foods may be causing acid reflux, depending on your infant’s age. For example, citrus fruits and tomato products increase acid production in the stomach. Foods like chocolate, peppermint, and high fat foods can keep the LES open longer, causing the contents of the stomach to reflux.

What causes reflux in breastfed babies?

Babies who are not latching effectively for breastfeeds may have reflux. This can be because they are taking in air when feeding or when crying. Sometimes, babies just need to be in a slightly different position to latch more deeply. Sometimes it can be a result of physiological issues such as a tongue tie.

What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding a baby gassy?

If you notice that each time you eat something your baby becomes fussy, try avoiding the food for a while and see what happens. Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

What foods make reflux worse in breastfed babies?

Citrus fruit, tomatoes, caffeine containing drinks (tea, coffee, coke) and chocolate may also need to be avoided by the breast-feeding mother of a reflux baby. Remember that all babies are different and different babies react to different foods – the list above is a guideline only.

Can tomatoes upset baby stomach?

“Tomatoes can increase acid production in the stomach and worsen reflux; however, the need to avoid tomatoes and tomato products is individually based,” says Chow. “If it doesn’t bother your child, there’s no need to avoid them.”