How to avoid colic in breastfed babies?

Understanding Colic in Breastfed Babies
Colic is a term that evokes concern among new parents, often characterized by prolonged periods of excessive crying in otherwise healthy infants. While the exact cause of colic remains elusive, it typically manifests in babies around two weeks of age and can last until they are about three to four months old. For breastfeeding mothers, understanding how to potentially mitigate colic symptoms through dietary choices can be crucial.
The Role of Maternal Diet
One of the most significant factors that breastfeeding mothers can control is their diet. Research suggests that certain foods consumed by nursing mothers may contribute to colic symptoms in their babies. Common culprits include dairy products, nuts, soy, eggs, caffeine, garlic, spicy foods, and shellfish. By eliminating these items from their diet, mothers may observe a reduction in their baby’s colic symptoms.
Moreover, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential. Some studies indicate that a nutritious diet can help manage colic, suggesting that what mothers eat can influence their baby’s comfort. It’s advisable for mothers to keep a food diary to track any correlations between their diet and their baby’s crying patterns.
Feeding Techniques and Environment
In addition to dietary adjustments, the way a baby is fed can also impact colic. Ensuring that the baby is latched correctly during breastfeeding can help minimize air intake, which may reduce gas and discomfort. Additionally, feeding in a calm environment can help soothe the baby. Stress and overstimulation can exacerbate crying, so creating a peaceful feeding atmosphere is beneficial.
Other Strategies to Alleviate Colic
While dietary changes are a proactive approach, there are other strategies that can help soothe a colicky baby. Techniques such as swaddling, gentle rocking, and using a pacifier can provide comfort. Some parents find that gas relief drops or natural remedies can also be effective.
It’s important for parents to remember that colic is not a reflection of their parenting abilities. The crying is often a phase that many babies outgrow, typically by the time they reach three to four months.
Conclusion
Navigating the challenges of colic can be daunting for new parents, especially when breastfeeding. By being mindful of their diet, employing effective feeding techniques, and utilizing soothing strategies, mothers can play a significant role in alleviating their baby’s discomfort. While colic can be distressing, understanding its nature and potential remedies can empower parents during this challenging phase.

Why do babies get colic when breastfed?

The cause of colic may not be known, but many things are thought to contribute to colic in breastfed babies, such as the nursing parent’s diet, overactive letdown, and an overabundant breast milk supply.

What foods make breastfed babies 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.

What position should I breastfeed to prevent colic?

Try laid-back breastfeeding. This position has you reclining on your back (flat or at an angle) while baby is belly-to-belly with you. While you are on your back and baby’s head is above the breast, gravity helps to slow the flow of milk.

What age is worst for colic?

Episodes of colic usually peak when an infant is about 6 weeks old and decline significantly after 3 to 4 months of age. While the excessive crying will resolve with time, managing colic adds significant stress to caring for your newborn child.

What is the root cause of colic in babies?

What Causes Colic? Doctors aren’t sure what causes colic. It may be due to digestion problems or a sensitivity to something in the baby’s formula or that a nursing mom is eating. Or it might be from a baby trying to get used to the sights and sounds of being out in the world.

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.

What should breastfeeding mothers eat to avoid colic?

A breastfeeding mother’s diet should include plenty of water and an adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy sources.

How to relieve colic naturally?

Things you can try to soothe your baby

1. hold or cuddle your baby when they’re crying a lot.
2. sit or hold your baby upright during feeding to stop them swallowing air.
3. wind your baby after feeds.
4. gently rock your baby over your shoulder.
5. gently rock your baby in their Moses basket or crib, or push them in their pram.

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.

What is the 3-3-3 rule colic?

The most commonly accepted definition of colic, which originated in 1954,4 describes using the “rule of three”: crying for more than three hours per day, for more than three days per week, and for more than three weeks in an infant that is well-fed and otherwise healthy.