How do you get rid of gas after breastfeeding?

Understanding Gas in Breastfed Babies
Gas is a common issue for breastfed babies, often causing discomfort and fussiness. While it can be distressing for both the baby and the parents, understanding the causes and effective remedies can help alleviate the situation.
Breast milk is generally well-tolerated by infants, but certain factors can lead to increased gas. Babies may swallow air while nursing, especially if they are feeding too quickly or are upset. Additionally, some foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet can contribute to gas in her baby. Foods like beans, broccoli, and dairy products are known to be gas-producing and may affect the baby through breast milk.
Strategies for Relief
To help relieve gas in a breastfed baby, several strategies can be employed:
1. Tummy Time: Increasing tummy time can be beneficial. This practice not only strengthens the baby’s muscles but also helps them pass gas more easily. When babies are on their stomachs, gravity assists in moving gas through their digestive system.
2. Gentle Massage: A gentle stomach massage can also provide relief. Parents can rub the baby’s tummy in a circular motion, which may help to ease discomfort and encourage the release of trapped gas.
3. Burping Techniques: Proper burping techniques are crucial. After feeding, holding the baby upright and gently patting or rubbing their back can help expel any air swallowed during nursing. This can significantly reduce the amount of gas that builds up.
4. Adjusting Feeding Positions: Sometimes, the position in which a baby is fed can contribute to gas. Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions may help minimize air intake. For instance, keeping the baby’s head higher than their stomach during feeding can reduce the likelihood of swallowing air.
5. Dietary Adjustments: If gas persists, breastfeeding mothers might consider evaluating their diet. Keeping a food diary can help identify any specific foods that may be causing gas in the baby. Consulting with a pediatrician about potential dietary changes can also be beneficial.
6. Bicycling Legs: Moving the baby’s legs in a bicycling motion can stimulate their digestive system and help release gas. This simple exercise can be done during playtime and is often enjoyable for the baby.
Conclusion
While gas in breastfed babies is a common concern, there are effective strategies to help alleviate discomfort. By incorporating tummy time, gentle massages, proper burping techniques, and possibly adjusting the mother’s diet, parents can provide relief for their little ones. If gas issues persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is always advisable to consult a pediatrician for further guidance.

How can I reduce my postpartum gas?

Home remedies

1. Drink plenty of fluids, like water — at least eight to 10 glasses a day.
2. Drink warm liquids, like herbal tea or warm lemon water, each morning.
3. Get as much rest as possible.
4. Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber.
5. Consider eating prunes, which have a natural and mild laxative effect.

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 should I avoid while breastfeeding a baby gassy?

Certain foods such as dairy, soy or wheat may contribute to gassiness in your little one. Keep a food journal while breastfeeding of what you eat to see if you can pinpoint the culprit in your diet.

How long does a postpartum belly take to go away?

While the uterus shrinks back to its normal size within about six weeks, it may take several months to a year or more for the belly to reduce in size and for a person to feel like their pre-pregnancy self in terms of abdominal tone and shape.

How long does postpartum gas last for?

You also may have painful gas. This may happen for a few days after you give birth. What you can do: Eat foods that are high in fiber.

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 make breastmilk 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.

Why am I so gassy after having a baby?

Birth-related injury
If you have experienced vaginal or rectal tearing following childbirth or if you’ve had an episiotomy, you may feel afraid to release your bowels, which can lead to constipation, gas, and bloating.

How to release gas from the stomach?

Here are some quick ways to expel trapped gas, either by burping or passing gas.

1. Move around. Walk around or exercise.
2. Get a massage. Try gently massaging the painful spot, which can stimulate gas to move downward and out of the body.
3. Do yoga poses.
4. Drink more liquids.
5. Try herbs.
6. Try baking soda.
7. Drink apple cider vinegar.

How do I stop gas after breastfeeding?

What can I do to help my baby with gas?

1. Make sure your baby has a good latch so he doesn’t swallow too much air.
2. Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas.
3. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly.
4. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet.