What foods should breastfeeding moms eat to prevent colic?

Understanding Colic in Infants
Colic is a common yet distressing condition affecting many newborns, characterized by prolonged periods of excessive crying without an obvious cause. While the exact origins of colic remain elusive, research suggests that a breastfeeding mother’s diet can significantly influence her baby’s digestive comfort. For mothers seeking to alleviate colic symptoms in their infants, understanding which foods to embrace and which to avoid is crucial.
Foods to Embrace
A well-rounded diet is essential for breastfeeding mothers, not only for their health but also for the well-being of their babies. To promote a calmer digestive system in infants, mothers should focus on incorporating the following food groups:
– Fruits and Vegetables: These are rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Opting for easily digestible options like bananas, apples, and cooked carrots can be beneficial. Leafy greens are also important, but some may need to be consumed in moderation depending on the baby’s reaction.
– Whole Grains: Foods such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole grain bread provide necessary fiber, which can aid digestion and help maintain a healthy gut.
– Lean Proteins: Sources like chicken, turkey, and fish are excellent choices. They provide essential amino acids without the heaviness that can sometimes accompany red meats.
– Low-Fat Dairy: If tolerated, low-fat dairy products can be a good source of calcium and protein. However, some mothers may need to monitor their intake of dairy, as it can sometimes contribute to colic symptoms in sensitive infants.
Foods to Avoid
While a diverse diet is beneficial, certain foods can exacerbate colic symptoms in infants. Mothers should consider limiting or avoiding the following:
– Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are known to cause gas and bloating, which can lead to discomfort in babies. If a mother notices increased fussiness after consuming these vegetables, it may be wise to eliminate them temporarily.
– Beans and Legumes: Similar to cruciferous vegetables, beans can produce gas and may contribute to colic symptoms. Mothers might want to avoid these for a few weeks to see if there’s an improvement in their baby’s comfort.
– Spicy Foods: Spices can sometimes irritate a baby’s digestive system. If a mother enjoys spicy cuisine, it may be beneficial to reduce spice levels or avoid them altogether while breastfeeding.
– Caffeine and Alcohol: Both substances can affect a baby’s sleep patterns and overall mood. Limiting caffeine intake and avoiding alcohol can help maintain a more stable environment for the infant.
Hydration and Overall Wellness
In addition to focusing on specific foods, breastfeeding mothers should prioritize hydration. Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining milk supply and overall health. Staying hydrated can also help in the digestion process, potentially reducing the likelihood of colic symptoms in infants.
Conclusion
Navigating the challenges of breastfeeding while managing colic can be daunting for new mothers. By adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while being mindful of potential triggers like certain vegetables and spicy foods, mothers can play a proactive role in their baby’s comfort. Each infant is unique, so it may take some time to identify which dietary adjustments yield the best results. Ultimately, a thoughtful approach to nutrition can lead to a happier, healthier breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• 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.)

Does mother’s diet cause colic?

The preliminary data suggest a correlation between infantile colic in breastfed infants and their mother’s consumption of cow’s milk and allergenic products (evidence level A). Use of hypoallergenic diets by breastfeeding mothers may help to reduce colicky symptoms in some infants.

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.

Which food is best for breastfeeding mothers?

Foods that are high in protein, calcium, and iron are especially beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. Examples include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats are also important for a balanced diet.

Does cutting out dairy help a gassy baby?

Dairy Or Milk Products
The intake of certain milk or soy proteins can potentially cause gas in breastfed infants. However, if you discover that dairy is the culprit for your little one’s gassiness, they may just have a dairy allergy.

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.

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 foods make breastfed babies gassy?

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?

Vegetables

• Avocado.
• Beets.
• Sprouts.
• Celery.
• Corn.
• Carrots.
• Pumpkin.
• Sweet Potato.