Do lentils make breastfed babies gassy?

Introduction
The dietary choices of breastfeeding mothers can significantly influence their infants’ digestive comfort. Among the various foods consumed, lentils are often a topic of discussion regarding their potential to cause gas in breastfed babies. This article aims to explore the relationship between lentils in a breastfeeding mother’s diet and the gastrointestinal reactions of her infant.
Understanding Lentils
Lentils are a type of legume that are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a staple in many diets around the world. They are particularly known for their health benefits, which include promoting heart health, aiding in digestion, and providing a good source of energy. However, lentils also contain certain complex carbohydrates, specifically oligosaccharides, which can be difficult for some individuals to digest.
The Science Behind Gas Production
When a breastfeeding mother consumes lentils, the oligosaccharides they contain can pass into her digestive system, where they may not be fully broken down. Instead, these carbohydrates reach the colon, where gut bacteria ferment them. This fermentation process produces gas, which can lead to bloating and discomfort in the mother.
However, the question remains: does this gas production affect breastfed babies? The answer varies. While the gas itself does not transfer to breast milk, the digestive changes in a breastfeeding mother can lead to alterations in the composition of her milk, including changes in lactose levels, which could potentially lead to gas in the baby.
Infant Digestive Sensitivity
Newborns and infants have immature digestive systems, making them more sensitive to the foods their mothers consume. Some babies may react to certain foods, including lentils, with increased gas or discomfort. Common signs that a baby may be experiencing gas include fussiness, crying, and difficulty sleeping. It’s important to note that every baby is different, and while some may experience discomfort after their mother eats lentils, others may not show any signs at all.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
If a breastfeeding mother suspects that lentils are causing gas in her baby, she might consider the following steps:
1. Monitor Diet: Keep a food diary to track the consumption of lentils and any corresponding symptoms in the baby.
2. Gradual Introduction: If lentils are a regular part of the diet, introduce them gradually to see if the baby’s digestive system can adapt.
3. Consulting a Pediatrician: If gas and discomfort persist, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician for tailored advice and potential dietary adjustments.
Conclusion
In summary, while lentils are a nutritious addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet, they can potentially lead to increased gas in some breastfed babies due to the complex carbohydrates they contain. Understanding individual sensitivities and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help mothers navigate their dietary choices while ensuring their babies remain comfortable and healthy.

What vegetables should you avoid while breastfeeding?

Common culprits include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Bloating, burping, and passing gas are normal. But if your baby is gassy or has colic, avoid these foods for a few weeks to see whether they relieve the symptoms.

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.

What should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

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.

Are lentils bad for breastfeeding?

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, other cruciferous vegetables, beans and lentils are wonderfully nutritious. They also contain raffinose, a particular sugar that ferments in our intestines and causes gassiness. However, raffinose doesn’t transfer to breast milk so it’s only you who will become gassy.

How do you know if breast milk is not agreeing with a baby?

MSPI symptoms

​fussiness or excess crying before, during and after a feeding	​stools may be infrequent, watery, have mucous, or be bloody
​reflux	​spitting up
​nasal congestion	​skin rash, eczema, hives, dry skin
​weight loss	​repeated vomiting
​sudden waking with discomfort	​

Can lentils upset baby’s stomach?

Many parents find that the following foods contribute to baby gas more than others: Fibrous foods such as beans and lentils. High-fiber vegetables like leafy greens, cauliflower, broccoli, or brussels sprouts. Dairy, including yogurt, milk, cheese, or ice cream.

What foods cause colic in babies?

Some studies have found that particular foods eaten by the motherincluding cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, chocolate, onions and cow’s milkcan cause an attack of colic in her breastfed infant.

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.

What foods should breastfeeding mothers eat to prevent colic?

It is most important to consume a diet with plenty of water and an adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy sources.