How can I reduce my breastfed babys gas?

Understanding Gas in Breastfed Babies
Gas is a common concern for parents of breastfed infants, often leading to discomfort and fussiness. While it can be distressing, it’s important to remember that gas is a normal part of a baby’s digestive process. Almost all babies experience gas at some point, and understanding its causes and potential remedies can help ease both the baby’s discomfort and the parents’ worries.
Causes of Gas in Breastfed Babies
Gas in breastfed babies can stem from several factors. One primary cause is the swallowing of air during feeding. If a baby is not latched properly, they may swallow more air, leading to increased gas. Ensuring that the baby has a good seal on the breast can help minimize this issue.
Additionally, certain foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet can contribute to gas in her baby. Foods such as beans, broccoli, and dairy products are known to potentially cause gas. If a baby seems particularly gassy or fussy after feedings, it may be worth discussing dietary adjustments with a pediatrician.
Strategies to Reduce Gas
1. Check the Latch: A proper latch is crucial. Ensure that your baby’s lips are flanged out and that they are taking in more breast than just the nipple. This can help reduce the amount of air swallowed during feeding.
2. Burping Techniques: Regularly burping your baby during and after feedings can help release trapped air. Try different positions, such as holding your baby upright against your shoulder or sitting them on your lap while supporting their chin.
3. Gentle Tummy Massage: A gentle tummy rub can help stimulate digestion and relieve gas. Use circular motions on your baby’s belly, which can encourage the passage of gas.
4. Probiotics: Some studies suggest that probiotics may help ease colic and gas in infants. Discuss with your pediatrician whether infant probiotic drops could be beneficial for your baby.
5. Monitor Your Diet: Pay attention to your own diet and note any changes in your baby’s gas patterns. If you suspect certain foods are causing issues, consider eliminating them temporarily to see if there’s an improvement.
6. Positioning During Feeding: Try to keep your baby in a more upright position while breastfeeding. This can help reduce the amount of air they swallow and aid in digestion.
When to Seek Help
While gas is typically not a cause for concern, if your baby shows signs of severe discomfort, has difficulty feeding, or exhibits other unusual symptoms, it’s important to consult a pediatrician. They can help determine if there are underlying issues that need to be addressed.
In conclusion, while gas in breastfed babies can be a common and frustrating issue, there are several strategies parents can employ to help alleviate discomfort. By ensuring proper feeding techniques, monitoring dietary influences, and employing gentle remedies, parents can help their little ones find relief and enjoy a more comfortable feeding experience.

What foods make breastmilk 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.

How do I reduce gas in my breast milk?

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 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 can I add to milk to avoid gas?

Lactase enzyme supplements may help people whose excess gas is caused by lactose intolerance. Lactase is the enzyme that helps people digest dairy products, so can make people less gassy after eating meals that include dairy.

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 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.

Why is my breast milk making my baby gassy?

Causes of baby gas
Your baby’s tummy is still developing and learning to digest, so food doesn’t break down completely yet. Swallowing air. 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.

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.

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 foods should breastfeeding mothers eat to prevent colic?

Vegetables

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