Page Content
- What is the best position to breastfeed to avoid gas?
- Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?
- How do I know if my breastfed baby has a food intolerance?
- What foods to avoid when breastfeeding gassy babies?
- How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?
- What foods are not good for breast milk?
- What foods upset babies while breastfeeding?
- Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?
- What should a mother eat when a baby has gas?
- How do I know if my breast milk is causing gas?
Understanding Gassiness in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish infants, but it can sometimes lead to discomfort for babies, particularly in the form of gas. Many mothers report that certain foods they consume can contribute to their breastfed baby’s gassiness. Understanding which foods might be culprits can help alleviate this issue.
Common Foods That Cause Gas
Several foods are frequently cited as potential triggers for gassiness in breastfed babies. Dairy products are often at the top of the list. Many mothers notice that when they consume milk, cheese, or yogurt, their babies may become gassy and fussy. This reaction is likely due to the proteins in dairy, which can be difficult for some infants to digest.
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are also known for their gas-producing properties. These vegetables contain complex carbohydrates that can lead to increased gas production in both mothers and their babies. Similarly, beans and legumes are notorious for causing gas due to their high fiber content and specific sugars that can be hard to digest.
Other foods that may contribute to gassiness include garlic, onions, and spicy foods. These ingredients can alter the flavor of breast milk and may lead to digestive discomfort for some babies.
The Role of Food Journals
To pinpoint specific triggers, many experts recommend keeping a food diary. By tracking what you eat and noting any changes in your baby’s behavior, you can identify patterns that may indicate which foods are causing gas. This method allows for a more tailored approach to managing your diet while breastfeeding.
Trial and Error Approach
It’s important to remember that every baby is different. While some may react strongly to dairy, others might not show any signs of discomfort. Therefore, a trial and error approach is often necessary. If you suspect a particular food is causing gas, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks and observe any changes in your baby’s symptoms.
Conclusion
Managing gassiness in breastfed babies can be a challenging aspect of motherhood. By being mindful of your diet and understanding which foods may contribute to your baby’s discomfort, you can take proactive steps to create a more comfortable feeding experience. If issues persist, consulting with a pediatrician or a lactation consultant can provide additional guidance tailored to your specific situation.
What is the best position to breastfeed to avoid gas?
Use positions for feeding that keep baby’s head higher than her tummy, such as a laid-back position or having baby diagonally across your chest in a cradle hold. Avoid positions that have baby bending at the waist, putting more pressure on her tummy.
Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?
Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.
How do I know if my breastfed baby has a food intolerance?
Even a baby who has never been formula fed, and has never had any food besides breast milk may show signs of food allergy including: diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, colic, eczema, constipation and poor growth. Babies can develop allergies to foods that you are eating while you are breastfeeding.
What foods to avoid when breastfeeding gassy babies?
Certain foods such as dairy, soy or wheat may contribute to gassiness in your little one. Keep a food journal while breastfeeding of what you eat to see if you can pinpoint the culprit in your diet.
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 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)
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.
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.
How do I know if my breast milk is causing gas?
Common symptoms of gas in breastfed babies:
Spitting up (while typically completely normal): May be a sign of gas build up within the stomach. Trapped gas bubbles can push some breastmilk back up. Excessive flatulence (again, usually completely normal and a natural way to relieve the pressure of gas)