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How do I know if my baby is upsetting breast milk?

Understanding Breast Milk Sensitivity in Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial process for both mother and baby, but it can sometimes lead to concerns about whether the milk is upsetting the baby’s tummy. While breast milk is generally well-tolerated, there are signs that may indicate your baby is experiencing discomfort or sensitivity related to it.
Signs Your Baby May Be Upset by Breast Milk
1. Increased Fussiness: If your baby seems unusually fussy or irritable after feeding, it could be a sign that the breast milk is causing discomfort. This fussiness may manifest as crying or difficulty settling down, particularly after feeds.
2. Gassiness: Excessive gas can be another indicator. If your baby appears to be uncomfortable, arching their back or pulling their legs toward their belly, it may suggest that they are experiencing gas pains.
3. Reflux Symptoms: Frequent spitting up or vomiting after feeds can also signal that your baby is having trouble with the breast milk. While some spitting up is normal, excessive amounts may warrant further investigation.
4. Rashes or Skin Reactions: Skin irritations, such as rashes or eczema, can sometimes be linked to sensitivities in breast milk. If you notice any unusual skin reactions, it might be worth discussing with a pediatrician.
5. Changes in Stool: Pay attention to your baby’s stool. If you notice a significant change in color, consistency, or frequency, it could indicate a reaction to something in your breast milk.
Factors Influencing Breast Milk Sensitivity
While breast milk is typically well-tolerated, certain factors can influence how your baby reacts to it. For instance, the mother’s diet can play a role, although research suggests that most foods consumed by breastfeeding mothers do not significantly affect the milk’s composition. However, some babies may be sensitive to specific proteins or allergens that can pass through breast milk, such as dairy or soy.
When to Seek Help
If you observe any of the signs mentioned above, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine whether your baby’s symptoms are related to breast milk sensitivity or if there might be another underlying issue. Additionally, they can provide guidance on dietary adjustments or other strategies to alleviate your baby’s discomfort.
Conclusion
Understanding whether your breast milk is upsetting your baby involves careful observation of their behavior and physical reactions. While breast milk is generally safe and beneficial, being attuned to your baby’s needs and seeking professional advice when necessary can help ensure a positive breastfeeding experience for both you and your little one.

How to tell if baby is comfort nursing?

Your baby is only nursing for comfort nursing when you see these signs:

  1. Flutter sucking, slowing down, stop sucking, or making little sucks.
  2. Still and looking into space while nursing.
  3. Holding the nipple in their mouth but not sucking for milk.
  4. Rooting and sucking lightly at the breast.
  5. Arching and grabbing ears.

How do I know if my breast milk is bothering my baby?

Fussy feeding

  • Comes off the breast or bottle frequently
  • Moves their head side to side when feeding
  • Has trouble latching onto the breast or bottle
  • Makes clicking noises when feeding
  • Appears uncomfortable, even after feeding
  • Brings up a lot of milk
  • Cries during or after feeding
  • Struggles with lots of wind

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

How to know if breastmilk is hurting a 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 is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

Monitor your diet closely if you’re breastfeeding. If you feel there are certain foods that might be upsetting your baby’s stomach, try avoiding them for a while. If you notice weight loss, forceful spit up, fussiness or other symptoms, talk to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns.

What does baby poop look like with a milk allergy?

Green, bloody, or mucus-tinged stool—along with some other issues—could indicate a milk allergy. If you suspect your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, keep an eye out for these common issues that may occur shortly after feeding: wheezing, coughing, swelling, a rash, gas, crying, and unusual poops.

Why is my baby grunting and squirming while breastfeeding?

Many mothers report that the grunting and squirming stop after a few weeks. It is a case-by-case situation, and it is different for every child. The grunting can start right after birth or a month later, but if this phase lasts longer than a few weeks, contact your doctor and ask for guidance and support.

Can my breast milk be upsetting my baby?

You’ll know if your breast milk is upsetting baby if they are unusually gassy or fussy after eating. As you and your baby get acclimated to breastfeeding, you’ll learn what not to eat while breastfeeding if your baby reacts to a certain food or drink.

How do I know if my breastmilk is making my baby fussy?

You’ll know if your breast milk is upsetting baby if they are unusually gassy or fussy after eating. As you and your baby get acclimated to breastfeeding, you’ll learn what not to eat while breastfeeding if your baby reacts to a certain food or drink.

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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