What foods cause acid reflux in breastfed babies?

Understanding Acid Reflux in Breastfed Babies
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition in infants, often causing discomfort and distress. While it can be concerning for parents, it’s important to note that many cases are mild and may not require medical intervention. However, for breastfeeding mothers, understanding how their diet can influence their baby’s reflux is crucial.
Foods That May Contribute to Acid Reflux
Certain foods consumed by breastfeeding mothers can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms in their babies. Here are some key categories of foods to consider:
1. Highly Acidic Foods:
Foods that are high in acidity can lead to increased reflux symptoms. This includes citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, as well as tomatoes and tomato-based products. Vinegar and strawberries are also known to be problematic for some infants. These foods can alter the pH balance in breast milk, potentially leading to discomfort for the baby.
2. Spicy Foods:
Spices can be a double-edged sword. While they add flavor to meals, they can also irritate the digestive system. Ingredients such as chili powder, hot peppers, and horseradish may trigger reflux symptoms in sensitive infants. Mothers may want to monitor their intake of these foods to see if there’s a correlation with their baby’s discomfort.
3. Fatty Foods:
High-fat foods, particularly red meats, can slow down digestion and increase the likelihood of reflux. While it’s not necessary to eliminate red meat entirely, opting for leaner cuts can be beneficial. Foods that are fried or greasy should also be approached with caution, as they can contribute to digestive issues.
4. Dairy Products:
Some babies may be sensitive to dairy, which can lead to increased gas and reflux. If a breastfeeding mother consumes a lot of dairy, it might be worth considering a temporary elimination to see if it improves the baby’s symptoms.
Monitoring and Adjusting Diet
Identifying which foods may be causing reflux can be a process of trial and error. Mothers are encouraged to keep a food diary, noting what they eat and any subsequent changes in their baby’s behavior or symptoms. This can help pinpoint specific triggers.
It’s also important to remember that every baby is different. What causes reflux in one infant may not affect another. Therefore, personalized adjustments to a breastfeeding mother’s diet are often necessary.
Conclusion
While acid reflux can be a challenging issue for breastfeeding mothers and their babies, understanding the potential dietary triggers can help manage symptoms effectively. By being mindful of highly acidic foods, spicy dishes, fatty meats, and dairy products, mothers can make informed choices that may alleviate their baby’s discomfort. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider for tailored advice is recommended, especially if reflux symptoms persist or worsen.

What foods make your breast milk acidic?

Over time, however, eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages — such as soda; alcohol; caffeine; grains, including millet, rice, oatmeal, rye pastas and flour; as well as nuts — can compromise these buffering systems.

How I cured my baby’s reflux breastfeeding?

Helping your baby with reflux

1. get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
2. hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
3. burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
4. make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)

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 should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

What makes reflux worse in breastfed babies?

The wrong size and shape teat can make reflux much worse. Too fast and your baby will gulp and take in large air bubbles, too slow and more air than milk is sucked in. Sucking with little reward can frustrate and exhaust your baby.

What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding a baby gassy?

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.

Does mother’s diet affect baby reflux?

Sometimes, an elimination trial of dairy from the mother’s diet can help reduce baby reflux; keeping a food diary can help spot patterns in case there are any other food intolerances to be considered. Elimination diets are best done with support from a health professional.

What can be mistaken for reflux in babies?

Colic and silent reflux are two very difficult conditions to deal with in your baby’s early stages of development. Both of these conditions are extremely common in newborns and share some similar symptoms, hence why they are often confused with one another.

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 breastfeeding a baby with acid reflux?

Foods to avoid when breastfeeding a baby with acid reflux

Avoid or Consumer in Moderation	Guidance
High-caffeine beverages (coffee, energy drinks)	Limit caffeine intake, opt for decaffeinated options or herbal tea
Alcoholic beverages	Avoid alcohol while breastfeeding
Very spicy dishes	Mildly seasoned or spiced foods