What foods are anti-colic for breastfeeding?

Understanding Colic in Infants
Colic is a common yet perplexing condition affecting many newborns, characterized by excessive crying and fussiness, often without an apparent cause. While the exact reasons behind colic remain unclear, many parents and caregivers look for dietary solutions to alleviate their baby’s discomfort. For breastfeeding mothers, the foods they consume can significantly impact their infants’ well-being.
Foods to Embrace for Anti-Colic Benefits
To help reduce the likelihood of colic in breastfed infants, mothers can focus on a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods. This includes:
– Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals. However, it’s important to note that some vegetables, particularly when consumed raw, may contribute to gas and discomfort in babies. For instance, broccoli, onions, and cabbage can be problematic, but cooking these vegetables often makes them easier to digest.
– Whole Grains: Foods like oats, brown rice, and quinoa are excellent sources of fiber and can help maintain digestive health for both mother and baby.
– Lean Proteins: Including sources such as chicken, turkey, and fish can provide necessary nutrients without the added fats that might contribute to colic.
– Healthy Fats: While some fats can induce colic, healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and seeds are beneficial for overall health. Moderation is key, as some individuals may find that these foods can lead to gassiness.
– Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial. Drinking plenty of water supports overall health and can help in the production of breast milk.
Foods to Avoid
While certain foods can be beneficial, others may exacerbate colic symptoms. Breastfeeding mothers should consider limiting or avoiding:
– Dairy Products: Some infants may be sensitive to dairy, leading to increased fussiness and colic-like symptoms.
– Gassy Vegetables: As mentioned, raw vegetables such as cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and green peppers can cause gas and discomfort in babies.
– Processed Foods: Foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can negatively impact both the mother’s health and the baby’s digestion.
– Common Allergens: Foods like wheat, corn, peanuts, and soy are known to be common allergens and may contribute to colic symptoms in sensitive infants.
The Role of Digestive Enzymes
Interestingly, certain fruits like papaya, pineapple, and kiwi contain plant-based digestive enzymes that can aid in breaking down proteins and may help reduce the risk of passing irritants to nursing babies. These fruits are generally considered safe and can be a beneficial addition to a breastfeeding mother’s diet.
Conclusion
Navigating the dietary needs of a breastfeeding mother while addressing infant colic can be challenging. By focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole foods and being mindful of potential irritants, mothers can play a significant role in promoting their baby’s comfort and health. As always, it’s advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare professionals when making significant dietary changes, especially when dealing with colic.

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 not to eat when you have a colic baby?

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.

What food gives baby gas while breastfeeding?

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 to eat while breastfeeding to avoid 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.

Is my breast milk causing colic?

Other foods that your breastfed baby may react to include nuts, soy, eggs, caffeine, garlic, spicy foods, and shellfish. You do not need to stop nursing. Breastfeeding is not a cause of colic, and babies who are fed infant formula get colic, too. Switching to formula may not help and may even make the situation worse.

Can dairy cause colic in breastfed babies?

Good news if you’re a dairy lover and a breastfeeding mum – although cutting out dairy for colic is common advice, ultimately, there’s no convincing evidence linking a mother’s diet to her baby’s colic symptoms.

How can I reduce my breastfed baby’s gas?

If you find yourself with a breastfed baby that has a lot of gas, there are many different things you can try to help them feel better:

1. Burp frequently.
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 foods get rid of colic?

There are also some foods that will encourage a healthy gut and can help prevent symptoms of colic. These include apples, pears, asparagus, carrot, celery, kale, corn, bananas, papaya, celery, beetroot, pumpkin, zucchini, mushrooms, teas (chamomile, dandelion, fennel and cardamom), bone broths and apple cider vinegar.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for 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.

How do you stop colic in breastfed babies?

These are some of the tried and tested techniques that other parents use to relieve colic symptoms in breastfed babies.

1. Burping. Burp (or wind) your baby during and after every feed – have a look at burping your baby for techniques.
2. Sit your baby up. Sit your baby up as straight as possible while feeding.
3. Attachment.
4. Diet.