What foods should I avoid when breastfeeding for gas?

Understanding Gas in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it can come with its challenges, one of which is dealing with gas in babies. Many new mothers wonder about the impact of their diet on their little ones, particularly when it comes to foods that may contribute to gas. While every baby is different, certain foods are commonly associated with increased gas production in breastfed infants.
Foods to Avoid for Reducing Gas
1. Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are notorious for causing gas. These vegetables contain complex carbohydrates and fiber that can be difficult for some babies to digest. If your baby seems particularly gassy or fussy, it may be beneficial to eliminate these from your diet for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve.
2. Legumes: Beans and lentils are healthy but can lead to increased gas production. They contain oligosaccharides, which are sugars that can ferment in the gut, leading to gas. If you notice your baby is experiencing discomfort, consider reducing your intake of these foods.
3. Dairy Products: Some breastfeeding mothers find that dairy can cause gas in their babies. This could be due to lactose intolerance or sensitivity. If you consume a lot of milk, cheese, or yogurt, and your baby is gassy, it might be worth trying a dairy-free diet for a short period.
4. Spicy Foods: While many enjoy the flavor of spicy dishes, these can sometimes irritate a baby’s digestive system. If you love spicy food, monitor your baby’s reactions after you eat these meals.
5. Carbonated Beverages: Drinks that are carbonated can lead to gas in both mothers and babies. The bubbles in these drinks can cause bloating and discomfort, so it’s advisable to limit or avoid them while breastfeeding.
6. Allergenic Foods: Certain foods, such as eggs, wheat, fish, peanuts, and tree nuts, may cause allergic reactions in some infants, leading to gas and discomfort. While the evidence is not definitive, if you suspect a food allergy, it may be wise to consult with a healthcare provider and consider an elimination diet.
7. Sugary Foods: High-sugar foods can also contribute to gas. They can lead to an imbalance in gut bacteria, which may result in increased gas production. Opting for a balanced diet with less sugar can be beneficial for both you and your baby.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Diet
It’s important to remember that every baby is unique, and what causes gas in one infant may not affect another. Keeping a food diary can help you track what you eat and how your baby reacts. If you notice a pattern, you can make informed decisions about your diet.
If your baby continues to experience gas despite dietary changes, it may be worth consulting a pediatrician. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help rule out any underlying issues.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding, being mindful of your diet can play a significant role in your baby’s comfort. By avoiding certain gas-inducing foods, you can help create a more pleasant feeding experience for both you and your little one.

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 cause colic in babies?

Some studies have found that particular foods eaten by the motherincluding cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, chocolate, onions and cow’s milkcan cause an attack of colic in her breastfed infant.

Which fruits should I avoid while breastfeeding?

You may have heard that it helps to avoid certain foods while breastfeeding – such as citrus fruits, orange juice, spices (cinnamon, curry, chili pepper), spicy food, and “gassy” veggies (cabbage, onion, broccoli, cauliflower) – but there’s no convincing scientific evidence to support that advice.

How do I reduce gas in my breast milk?

Burp your baby during and after a feeding
Take a break between sides or even during a feed to get a burp or two out. You may choose to burp your baby while they are in a seated position, with their head supported by the cradle of your hand.

What foods make breastfed babies gassy?

Foods That Make Breastfed Babies Gassy

• Fiber. Foods like bran, beans, and whole grains.
• Fruit. Citrus fruits, prunes, plums, peaches, or apricots.
• Vegetables. Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts.
• Garlic. Garlic-seasoned foods like pasta dishes or garlic bread.
• Dairy.
• Carbonated beverages.

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 is best for gas while breastfeeding?

Medicines to treat gas and bloating, such as Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta, and others, are safe to take while breastfeeding. They contain simethicone, which is sometimes given to infants. It is also not absorbed into the mother’s system, so wouldn’t be transmitted in breast milk.

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.

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 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.)