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Does corn cause gas in breastfed babies?

Understanding Gas in Breastfed Babies: The Role of Corn
The question of whether corn can cause gas in breastfed babies is a nuanced one, reflecting the complexities of infant digestion and maternal diet. While many parents may notice their little ones becoming fussy or gassy after certain meals, the relationship between a breastfeeding mother’s diet and her baby’s gas is not always straightforward.
The Digestive Process and Breast Milk
Breast milk is primarily composed of nutrients derived from a mother’s blood, rather than directly from her digestive tract. This means that while some foods can influence the composition of breast milk, the impact of specific foods on gas production in babies is often less direct than one might assume.
Common Culprits of Gas
Research indicates that certain foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet can lead to increased gassiness in infants. Common offenders include dairy products, soy, wheat, and certain vegetables like beans and broccoli. Corn, while not typically highlighted as a major gas-causing food, can still contribute to digestive discomfort in some cases. This is particularly true if the mother has a sensitivity or allergy to corn, which could potentially affect her baby.
Individual Reactions Vary
It’s important to note that each baby is unique, and their reactions to foods can vary widely. Some babies may be more sensitive to certain foods than others. For instance, while one baby might experience gas after their mother consumes corn, another may not show any signs of discomfort. This variability can make it challenging for mothers to pinpoint the exact cause of their baby’s gassiness.
Signs of Gas in Babies
Parents should be aware of the signs that may indicate their baby is experiencing gas. Symptoms can include fussiness, squirming, and difficulty feeding. If a mother suspects that her diet is affecting her baby’s comfort, it may be helpful to keep a food diary to track what she eats and any corresponding changes in her baby’s behavior.
Conclusion: Monitoring and Adjusting Diet
In conclusion, while corn is not universally recognized as a primary cause of gas in breastfed babies, it can contribute to discomfort in some cases, particularly if there is an underlying sensitivity. Mothers are encouraged to monitor their diets and their babies’ reactions closely. If gas becomes a persistent issue, consulting with a pediatrician or a lactation consultant can provide tailored advice and support. Ultimately, understanding the interplay between diet and infantDoes Corn Cause Gas in Breastfed Babies?
The evidence suggests that corn is not a common cause of gas in breastfed babies. According to the information gathered from various reputable sources, the foods that are more likely to cause gas in breastfed infants include dairy products, soy, wheat, eggs, nuts, and certain vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
While it’s possible that some babies may be sensitive to corn and experience gas or other digestive issues after their mother consumes it, this does not appear to be a widespread problem. The reason is that the components in breastmilk that could potentially cause gas in babies are not directly derived from the mother’s digestive tract, but rather from what passes through her bloodstream.
In general, gas is a very common and normal occurrence in breastfed babies. It is often caused by the natural process of digestion and the development of the baby’s digestive system. Mothers are advised to pay attention to their baby’s reactions after consuming certain foods, but corn does not seem to be a major culprit when it comes to causing gas in breastfed infants.

Is it hard for babies to digest corn?

Yes. It is normal to see corn kernels that look whole or undigested in baby’s poop, and baby is still getting valuable nutrition from the corn. The outer shell of corn is made from an insoluble fiber called cellulose, which is difficult to digest.

What causes extreme gas in breastfed babies?

Common causes of gas discomfort in breastfed babies:
An incorrect latch while nursing leads your baby to swallow too much air. Excessive crying fills your baby’s belly with air. Strong let-down or oversupply, causing baby to gulp quickly and swallow air. Constipation.

Does corn upset breastfed babies?

Foods like beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or some dairy products can cause fussiness, gassiness, or colicky behavior in some babies. Foods like cow’s milk, soy, wheat, corn, oats, eggs, nuts and peanuts, and fish or shellfish are common allergy-causing foods.

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.

Does corn make baby gassy?

If you find your baby reacting to something in your diet, cow’s milk products, soy, wheat, corn, eggs and peanuts are often the culprits. Brassica veggies (such as cauliflower, broccoli or brussels sprouts) can sometimes give your baby gas.

Can corn cause trapped gas?

Starches. Most starches, including potatoes, corn, noodles, and wheat produce gas as they are broken down in the large intestine. (Rice is the only starch that does not cause gas.)

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.

What foods make a breastfed baby gassy?

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.

Can a breastfeeding mom eat corn?

Allergies in baby
The most common foods that cause allergies are dairy products, soy products, wheat and eggs. Less common foods that cause allergies include fish, nuts, peanuts or corn. A baby could develop an allergy to any food you eat.

What foods should be avoided 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.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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