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Understanding Gassiness in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish infants, but it can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges, such as gassiness in babies. Many new mothers wonder if their diet could be contributing to their baby’s discomfort. While every baby is unique, certain foods consumed by breastfeeding mothers are known to potentially cause gas in their little ones.
Common Culprits of Gassiness
Research indicates that certain foods can lead to increased gas production in breastfed infants. Among the most frequently cited offenders are:
– Dairy Products: Cow’s milk protein is often highlighted as a primary cause of gas and fussiness in breastfed babies. If a mother consumes dairy and notices her baby becoming gassy, it may indicate a dairy allergy or intolerance in the infant. This includes not just milk, but also yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.
– Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are notorious for causing gas in adults, and the same can be true for babies. These vegetables contain complex carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest, leading to increased gas production.
– Legumes: Beans and lentils are another group of foods that can contribute to gassiness. They contain oligosaccharides, which are sugars that can ferment in the gut, causing gas.
– Fruits: Certain fruits, particularly those high in fiber or with natural sugars, can also lead to gassiness. Citrus fruits, prunes, and stone fruits like peaches and plums are known to cause digestive issues in some infants.
– Garlic and Onions: These flavorful additions to meals can also be problematic. They contain compounds that can lead to gas production, which may affect the baby if consumed in significant amounts.
– Carbonated Beverages: If a breastfeeding mother consumes fizzy drinks, the carbonation can lead to increased gas in both the mother and the baby. This is particularly true if the mother experiences bloating or burping after drinking these beverages.
Observing and Adjusting Diet
While many foods can potentially cause gassiness, it’s important to note that not every baby will react the same way. The key is observation. If a mother notices her baby becoming particularly gassy after consuming certain foods, it may be beneficial to eliminate those items from her diet for a few weeks to see if there is an improvement in the baby’s symptoms.
Moreover, it’s essential for mothers to maintain a balanced diet while breastfeeding. Completely avoiding all potential gas-causing foods may not be practical or necessary. Instead, focusing on moderation and being mindful of how specific foods affect the baby can help manage gassiness effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while breastfeeding is a natural process, it can be influenced by the mother’s diet. Foods such as dairy, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, certain fruits, garlic, and carbonated drinks are known to potentially cause gas in breastfed infants. By paying close attention to their baby’s reactions and adjusting their diet accordingly, mothers can help alleviate discomfort and ensure a more pleasant breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their little ones.
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.
What foods are not good for breast milk?
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.) Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor) Sage: (sausage, dressing, wild rice mix, etc)
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 is my breastmilk making my newborn gassy?
Babies often swallow air when sucking on the breast or a bottle, especially if they drink too quickly or don’t have an optimal latch on the nipple. They can also swallow air when crying. Food sensitivities. Hypersensitivities or allergies to certain types of food in mom’s diet are less common causes of baby gas.
What fruits cause colic in breastfed babies?
Apricots, rhubarb, prunes, melons, peaches, and other fresh fruits.
Can overfeeding a breastfed baby cause gas?
Signs of Overfeeding a Breastfed Baby
While spitting up is common, excessive spitting can be a clear sign of overfeeding. Gassiness and Fussiness: An overfed baby might be more gassy and fussy than usual. This is due to the excess air swallowed during feeding or the inability to digest the surplus milk properly.
How do you know if breast milk is not agreeing with baby?
If your baby shows negative symptoms after drinking breast milk. Consider how your baby responds to breast milk after drinking it. 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.
How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?
Monitor your diet closely if you’re breastfeeding. If you feel there are certain foods that might be upsetting your baby’s stomach, try avoiding them for a while. If you notice weight loss, forceful spit up, fussiness or other symptoms, talk to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns.
What foods upset babies while breastfeeding?
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.
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.