Can what I eat upset my breastfed babys stomach?

Can What I Eat Upset My Breastfed Baby’s Stomach?
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but many new mothers often wonder about the impact of their diet on their little ones. The question of whether what you eat can upset your breastfed baby’s stomach is a common concern, and the answer is nuanced.
Understanding the Connection Between Maternal Diet and Baby’s Discomfort
Your diet can indeed affect your breastfed baby. When you consume certain foods, compounds from those foods can pass into your breast milk, potentially leading to discomfort for your infant. This discomfort may manifest as fussiness, gas, or colic-like symptoms. For instance, some mothers report that their babies become gassy or irritable after they consume dairy, caffeine, or certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.
Common Culprits of Discomfort
While every baby is different, there are several foods that are frequently cited as potential troublemakers. Dairy products are often mentioned, as some babies may be sensitive to lactose or proteins found in cow’s milk. Similarly, caffeine can lead to increased fussiness or difficulty sleeping if consumed in excess, with recommendations suggesting that two to three cups of coffee per day is generally safe.
Other foods that might cause issues include spicy foods, citrus fruits, and certain beans, which can contribute to gas. It’s important to note that while some mothers may find that their babies react negatively to these foods, others may not notice any adverse effects at all.
Identifying Food Sensitivities
If you suspect that your diet is upsetting your baby’s stomach, it can be helpful to keep a food diary. Track what you eat and note any changes in your baby’s behavior or digestion. This method can help you identify patterns and pinpoint specific foods that may be causing discomfort. If you notice a correlation, consider eliminating those foods from your diet for a period to see if your baby’s symptoms improve.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
It’s always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or a lactation consultant if you have concerns about your diet and its effects on your baby. They can provide personalized advice and help you navigate any dietary changes you might consider. Additionally, they can assist in ruling out other potential causes of your baby’s discomfort, ensuring that you are addressing the right issues.
Conclusion
In summary, while what you eat can potentially upset your breastfed baby’s stomach, the effects vary widely among infants. By being mindful of your diet and observing your baby’s reactions, you can make informed choices that promote both your health and your baby’s comfort. Remember, breastfeeding is a journey, and finding the right balance may take some time and experimentation.

Can what I eat make my breastfed baby sick?

Even a baby who has never been formula fed, and has never had any food besides breast milk may show signs of food allergy including: diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, colic, eczema, constipation and poor growth. Babies can develop allergies to foods that you are eating while you are breastfeeding.

Can a mom’s diet upset a breastfed baby’s stomach?

Now, in certain uncommon situations, babies can have a reaction to something in the breastfeeding parent’s diet. The top three culprits are dairy, soy, and wheat. But we don’t see too many babies reacting to foods like broccoli, cabbage, etc.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting baby?

If your baby shows negative symptoms after drinking breast milk. Consider how your baby responds to breast milk after drinking it. 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.

What foods upset babies while breastfeeding?

What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding

• 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
• 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
• 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
• 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
• 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
• 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.

What upsets baby’s stomach when breastfeeding?

The eight common allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, fish and shellfish. One of the most common food sensitivities among breastfed babies is dairy. “There is a lot of hidden dairy in foods,” Rebecca said.

What foods cause bad gas in breastfed babies?

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.

How to tell if baby isn’t tolerating breast milk?

Fussiness before eating because of hunger, during the feeding and then more fussy as they become more uncomfortable can be common. “Children with MSPI may cry 18 hours or more a day and may develop weight loss, congestion, repeated vomiting, reflux, and certain kinds of skin rashes.

How do I know if dairy is affecting my breastfed baby?

It is common for breastfeeding parents to blame their diet when the baby is more fussy than usual. However, it is important to note that usually if a baby has an intolerance to a food you are consuming, there will be another sign of distress such as rash, forceful spit up, or blood or mucous in the baby’s stool.

Why is my baby’s stomach upset after breastfeeding?

One common cause of an unsettled baby is lactose overload. These babies gain weight well but have lots of ‘wind’ and usually don’t settle after feeds. This is often mistaken for reflux. Research has shown a link between symptoms of reflux and an allergy or intolerance to cows’ milk protein.

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.