How do I know if my breast milk is causing gas?

Understanding Gas in Breastfed Babies
Experiencing gas in breastfed babies is a common concern for many new parents. While it can be distressing to see your little one uncomfortable, understanding the potential causes can help you determine if your breast milk is the culprit.
Signs Your Breast Milk May Be Causing Gas
1. Fussiness and Discomfort: If your baby seems particularly fussy or squirmy after feedings, it could indicate gas discomfort. This is often accompanied by crying or difficulty settling down.
2. Changes in Stool: A true milk protein allergy can manifest through symptoms such as green stools with mucus or blood, alongside persistent gas and irritability. If you notice these signs, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider.
3. Feeding Patterns: Pay attention to how your baby feeds. If they are gulping milk due to a strong let-down reflex, they may be swallowing excess air, leading to gas. A poor latch can also contribute to this issue, as it may cause your baby to swallow more air during feedings.
Dietary Influences
Your diet can significantly impact your breast milk and, consequently, your baby’s digestive comfort. Certain foods are known to cause gas in breastfed babies. If you notice a pattern of increased gas after consuming specific items, it may be worth adjusting your diet. Common culprits include:
– Dairy Products: Some babies may react to proteins found in cow’s milk, leading to gas and other gastrointestinal issues.
– Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can contribute to gas production.
– Legumes: Beans and lentils are also known for causing gas.
Observing and Adjusting
To determine if your breast milk is causing gas, consider keeping a food diary. Track what you eat and any corresponding changes in your baby’s behavior or digestive health. If you suspect a particular food is causing issues, try eliminating it from your diet for a week or two to see if there’s an improvement.
Additionally, ensure that your baby is latching correctly. A proper latch not only helps with effective feeding but also minimizes the amount of air swallowed during feedings. If you notice signs of a poor latch, such as clicking sounds or your baby frequently falling off the breast, consulting a lactation expert may be beneficial.
Conclusion
While gas in breastfed babies is common, being attentive to your baby’s cues and your dietary choices can help you identify potential causes. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is always a prudent step. Understanding your baby’s needs and making small adjustments can lead to a more comfortable feeding experience for both you and your little one.

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 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 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 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.

Is my breastmilk making my baby 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 bottle feeding position reduces gas?

Some positioning tips: Feed your baby as upright as possible; lay your child on their back and pedal their legs with your hands to help expel gas from below; if your child is awake after a feeding, place them on their belly. Increase tummy time.

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.

How do I know if my baby is not tolerating breast milk?

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 long does postpartum gas last?

Postpartum gas should only last a few days, but if you notice it lasting longer, you have pain with pooping or hemorrhoids, consider scheduling with a pelvic PT to assess what may be the root cause for you.

What foods cause 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.