How can I reduce gas while breastfeeding?

Understanding Gas in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is often heralded as the best source of nutrition for infants, yet many mothers find themselves grappling with an unexpected challenge: gas in their breastfed babies. This common issue can lead to discomfort for the little ones and concern for their mothers. Understanding the causes and implementing strategies to reduce gas can significantly improve the breastfeeding experience for both parties.
The Role of Maternal Diet
One of the primary factors influencing gas in breastfed babies is the mother’s diet. Certain foods consumed by breastfeeding mothers can contribute to gas in their infants. Common culprits include dairy products, spicy foods, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower), and citrus fruits. These foods can lead to increased gas production in the baby’s digestive system, resulting in fussiness and discomfort after feedings.
To mitigate this, mothers may consider keeping a food diary to track their diet and their baby’s reactions. If a particular food seems to correlate with increased gas, it might be wise to eliminate it temporarily and observe any changes in the baby’s behavior.
Feeding Techniques Matter
In addition to dietary adjustments, the way a baby is fed can also impact gas levels. Babies often swallow air while nursing, especially if they are not latched properly or if the nipple size is too large. This can lead to increased gas. To combat this, mothers can try paced bottle feeding if using a bottle, which mimics the natural breastfeeding process and helps regulate the flow of milk. Ensuring a proper latch during breastfeeding is equally crucial; a good latch minimizes air intake and promotes more effective feeding.
Additional Comfort Measures
Beyond dietary changes and feeding techniques, there are several comfort measures that can help alleviate gas in breastfed babies. Gentle tummy massages can aid digestion and relieve discomfort. Additionally, tummy time can help babies expel gas naturally. Holding the baby upright after feedings can also reduce the likelihood of gas buildup.
Conclusion
While gas in breastfed babies can be a source of worry for new mothers, understanding its causes and implementing practical strategies can make a significant difference. By being mindful of their diet, refining feeding techniques, and employing comfort measures, mothers can help soothe their gassy babies and enhance their breastfeeding journey. Ultimately, patience and observation are key, as every baby is unique and may respond differently to various interventions.

What is the best position to breastfeed to reduce gas?

And upright breastfeeding positions like laid-back breastfeeding and cradle hold are also good if your child is frequently gassy.

What position should I breastfeed to avoid gas?

Use positions for feeding that keep baby’s head higher than her tummy, such as a laid-back position or having baby diagonally across your chest in a cradle hold. Avoid positions that have baby bending at the waist, putting more pressure on her tummy.

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.

Why is my breastmilk making my baby gassy?

Babies often swallow air when sucking on the breast or a bottle, especially if they drink too quickly or don’t have an optimal latch on the nipple. They can also swallow air when crying. Food sensitivities. Hypersensitivities or allergies to certain types of food in mom’s diet are less common causes of baby gas.

What foods make breastfed babies gassy?

Food sensitivities and gas in breastfed babies
Some moms swear that when they eat foods such as dairy products, broccoli, cabbage, bananas, eggs, or garlic, their babies are gassy and fussy for up to the next 24 hours.

How do I get rid of gas while breastfeeding?

Relieving Gassy Babies

1. Burp twice. Try to coax two burps out of your baby instead of just one.
2. Sit upright. Hold your baby in an upright position while burping.
3. Tummy time. Laying your baby on their tummy will help to push gas out.
4. Bicycle exercises.
5. Massage the tummy.
6. Adjust baby’s latch.

What foods should breastfeeding mothers eat to prevent colic?

Vegetables

• Avocado.
• Beets.
• Sprouts.
• Celery.
• Corn.
• Carrots.
• Pumpkin.
• Sweet Potato.

Will my baby be gassy if the mother is gassy?

According to Estevane, digestive discomfort or gassiness in babies is primarily due to the baby’s immature digestive system, not mom’s diet. Most babies’ bodies will naturally handle gas more easily as they grow and increase their activity.

What should a mother eat when a baby has gas?

Some babies also may become fussy with the consumption of gas-producing foods (broccoli, cabbage, beans, etc.). If you notice this you may want to substitute other vegetables and lean proteins into your diet. Some foods may cause an allergy in an infant also, although this area needs additional research.

Does breastfeeding cause a lot of gas?

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.