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What foods cause spit up in breastfed babies?

Understanding Spit-Up in Breastfed Babies
Spitting up is a common occurrence among breastfed infants, often attributed to the immaturity of their digestive systems. This physiological phenomenon, sometimes referred to as uncomplicated reflux, typically arises because the baby’s stomach is still developing, making it easier for contents to flow back into the esophagus. While spitting up is usually harmless, certain foods consumed by breastfeeding mothers can exacerbate the issue, leading to increased fussiness or discomfort in their babies.
Foods That May Contribute to Spit-Up
While every baby is different, some foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet are known to potentially cause issues. Here are some of the most commonly cited culprits:
1. Dairy Products: Many babies can be sensitive to dairy, which may lead to increased spit-up or discomfort. This sensitivity can manifest as fussiness after feedings, suggesting that the proteins in cow’s milk are affecting the baby.
2. Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea,Common Foods that Can Cause Spit-Up in Breastfed Babies
Breastfed babies can sometimes experience increased spit-up or fussiness due to certain foods in the mother’s diet. Some of the most common culprits include:
– Dairy products: Cow’s milk proteins in the mother’s diet can be difficult for some babies to digest, leading to increased spit-up and gas.
– Spicy, fried, or high-fat foods: These can trigger reflux and spit-up in babies.
– Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and other acidic foods: The acidity in these foods can irritate a baby’s sensitive digestive system.
– Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate, caffeine can overstimulate a baby’s system and cause fussiness and spit-up.
– Gassy vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and beans can produce gas in babies.
– Nuts and nut butters: These are common allergens that may trigger spit-up or other digestive issues in some infants.
It’s important to note that not all babies will react the same way to these foods. Some may be able to tolerate them without issue, while others may experience increased spit-up, gas, or fussiness. If you notice a pattern of spit-up after consuming certain foods, it’s best to avoid or limit those items in your diet.

How do I know if my baby has reflux or just spitting up?

This usually causes discomfort and crying in your baby, whereas spitting up doesn’t bother them. GER can involve spitting up and/or occasional vomiting. But if your baby is mostly vomiting rather than spitting up, that could be a sign of GERD or another condition.

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.

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 avoid spit-up after breastfeeding?

How Can I Keep My Baby From Spitting Up?

  1. Burp your baby after each feed from each breast.
  2. Keep your baby upright after feedings for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Don’t jiggle, bounce, or actively play with your baby right after feedings.
  4. Keep your baby’s head above their feet while feeding.

What foods are babies sensitive to in breastmilk?

Babies love the flavors of foods that come through in your milk. Sometimes, though, a baby may be sensitive, not allergic, to something you eat, such as dairy products like milk and cheese. Soy, eggs, wheat, corn, beef and nuts are also common causes of food sensitivity.

What causes breastfed babies to spit up a lot?

Some babies can become distracted when feeding at the breast, pulling off to look around. This can cause babies to swallow air and spit up more often. Breastmilk oversupply or forceful let-down (milk ejection reflex) can cause reflux-like symptoms in babies.

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 can cause reflux in breastfed babies?

Citrus fruit, tomatoes, caffeine containing drinks (tea, coffee, coke) and chocolate may also need to be avoided by the breast-feeding mother of a reflux baby. Remember that all babies are different and different babies react to different foods – the list above is a guideline only.

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.

What food to avoid if baby has reflux?

Foods that can trigger reflux:
Food allergies can cause swelling in the lining of the esophagus. Your healthcare provider might recommend eliminating some foods, such as dairy, wheat, soy, egg, nuts, and fish. It is important to work with your healthcare provider to make sure the diet meets your child’s needs.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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