What causes gas in a breastfeeding mother?

Understanding Gas in Breastfeeding Mothers
Gas in breastfeeding mothers can be a common concern, often linked to dietary choices and physiological changes that occur during this period. While the focus is frequently on the baby’s gas, it’s essential to recognize that mothers can also experience increased gas due to various factors.
Dietary Influences
One of the primary causes of gas in breastfeeding mothers is their diet. Foods that are high in fiber, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, are known to contribute to gas production in the digestive system. When these foods are consumed, they can lead to increased fermentation in the gut, resulting in gas buildup.
Moreover, certain foods may not only affect the mother but can also influence the baby through breast milk. If a mother consumes foods that are known to cause gas, her baby might experience similar discomfort. This is particularly true for foods that are difficult to digest or that contain certain sugars, such as lactose in dairy products, which can lead to gas and fussiness in breastfed infants.
Physiological Changes
Breastfeeding itself can also contribute to gas in mothers. The process of lactation involves hormonal changes that can affect digestion. For instance, the hormone relaxin, which is elevated during breastfeeding, can relax the muscles in the digestive tract, potentially leading to slower digestion and increased gas production.
Additionally, if a breastfeeding mother is not latching her baby correctly, it can lead to the baby swallowing more air during feeds. This not only causes gas in the baby but can also create discomfort for the mother as she may feel bloated or gassy herself.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Stress and lifestyle choices can further exacerbate gas issues. New mothers often face significant stress, which can impact digestion and lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Stress can alter gut motility and increase the likelihood of gas buildup.
Furthermore, habits such as eating quickly or talking while eating can cause mothers to swallow air, contributing to gas. It’s advisable for breastfeeding mothers to eat slowly and mindfully to minimize this risk.
Conclusion
In summary, gas in breastfeeding mothers can stem from a combination of dietary choices, physiological changes due to lactation, and lifestyle factors. By being mindful of their diet and managing stress, mothers can help alleviate gas discomfort for themselves and their babies. If gas persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to rule out any underlying issues.

What can I take for gas while breastfeeding?

Medicines to treat gas and bloating, such as Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta, and others, are safe to take while breastfeeding. They contain simethicone, which is sometimes given to infants. It is also not absorbed into the mother’s system, so wouldn’t be transmitted in breast milk.

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.

What should I eat to avoid gas in my baby?

Eat differently
If you’re breastfeeding, and your baby seems particularly fussy when you eat a certain food, you may want to try to reduce the amount of gassy foods you’re eating. This often includes dairy products and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli.

How much weight do you lose immediately after giving birth?

Approximately 11 to 13 pounds are lost immediately following childbirth, and an additional four to five pounds are typically lost during the next several weeks. Overall, it is typical for women to gain 24 to 30 pounds during pregnancy.

Which foods cause gas in breastfed babies?

Gassy Foods
Common culprits include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Bloating, burping, and passing gas are normal. But if your baby is gassy or has colic, avoid these foods for a few weeks to see whether they relieve the symptoms.

Why do I get so gassy when breastfeeding?

For breastfed babies, gas might be caused by eating too fast, swallowing too much air or digesting certain foods. Babies have immature GI systems and can frequently experience gas because of this. Pains from gas can make your baby fussy, but intestinal gas is not harmful.

What foods should breastfeeding mothers eat to prevent colic?

It is most important to consume a diet with plenty of water and an adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy sources.

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.

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.

How to get rid of 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.