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What are the best non gassy foods to eat while breastfeeding?

Understanding Non-Gassy Foods for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding is a beautiful yet challenging journey for many mothers, and diet plays a crucial role in both maternal health and the well-being of the baby. One common concern among breastfeeding mothers is the potential for their diet to cause gas in their infants. While some foods are known to contribute to gassiness, there are plenty of non-gassy options that can help mothers maintain a balanced diet without discomfort for their little ones.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods are notorious for causing gas, and it’s wise for breastfeeding mothers to be mindful of these. Common culprits include beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. These foods can lead to bloating and gas in both mothers and babies, potentially exacerbating issues like colic in infants. If a mother notices her baby is particularly gassy or fussy, it may be beneficial to eliminate these foods from her diet for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve.
Non-Gassy Food Options
Fortunately, there are many delicious and nutritious foods that are less likely to cause gas. Here are some excellent choices for breastfeeding mothers:
– Fruits: Opt for fruits that are generally well-tolerated, such as bananas, apples, pears, and berries. These fruits provide essential vitamins and fiber without the gassy side effects associated with others like melons or prunes.
– Vegetables: Non-cruciferous vegetables are a safe bet. Consider carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, and bell peppers. These vegetables are not only low in gas-producing compounds but also rich in nutrients.
– Whole Grains: Foods like oats, quinoa, and brown rice are excellent sources of fiber and can help maintain digestive health without causing gas.
– Lean Proteins: Incorporating lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish can provide necessary nutrients without the gassy effects of red meats or processed meats.
– Non-Gassy Foods to Eat While Breastfeeding
As a breastfeeding mother, it’s important to be mindful of the foods you consume, as they can impact your baby’s digestion and comfort. While some foods may cause gas and discomfort in your little one, there are plenty of non-gassy options that can be enjoyed during this special time.
Lean Proteins: Opt for lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish, which are easy to digest and less likely to cause gas.
Whole Grains: Choose whole-grain breads, cereals, and pasta, which are high in fiber but less likely to cause bloating compared to refined grains.
Fruits and Vegetables: Enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as berries, melons, leafy greens, and carrots. These are packed with essential nutrients and generally well-tolerated by breastfed babies.
Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil, which can provide essential fatty acids without the gassy side effects.
Probiotics: Consider adding probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or fermented vegetables to your diet, as they can help support your baby’s gut health.
It’s important to note that every baby is different, and what may cause gas in one infant may not affect another. If you notice your baby experiencing discomfort after you consume certain foods, try eliminating them from your diet for a few weeks to see if it helps.
Remember, maintaining a balanced and varied diet is crucial for your own health and the well-being of your breastfed baby. By focusing on non-gassy options, you can ensure your little one is getting the nourishment they need while keeping them comfortable.

How can I make my breast milk less gassy?

What are the treatments for breastfed baby gas?

  1. Burp frequently. Adding a few extra burps to feeding times is typically an easy adjustment to make.
  2. Turn to tummy time.
  3. Perform baby massage.
  4. Bicycle their legs.
  5. Feed while baby’s upright.
  6. Check your latch.
  7. Try to reduce baby’s crying.
  8. Consider over-the-counter remedies.

What should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding

  • 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
  • 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
  • 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
  • 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
  • 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
  • 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.

What foods to avoid when breastfeeding a gassy baby?

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.

Do eggs cause gas in breastfed babies?

Other potentially allergenic foods – including eggs, wheat, peanuts, soy, fish, and tree nuts – might cause gas and other symptoms. However, the few studies that have been done have come to conflicting conclusions. There’s no guarantee that eliminating these foods from your diet will help with your baby’s gas.

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 foods cause colic in babies?

Some studies have found that particular foods eaten by the motherincluding cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, chocolate, onions and cow’s milkcan cause an attack of colic in her breastfed infant.

Why am I extremely gassy while breastfeeding?

Though a baby’s gas is not commonly linked to mom’s diet, there are certain gas-inducing foods that could give both a breastfeeding mom and her baby excess gas. These include: Fiber. Foods like bran, beans, and whole grains.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

  • Carbonated beverages.
  • Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
  • Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

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.

Which fruit is not good for feeding a mother?

Strawberries. Kiwifruit. Pineapple. The gassy veggies like onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers.

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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