What in breastmilk causes colic?

Understanding Colic in Breastfed Babies
Colic is a distressing condition that affects many infants, characterized by prolonged periods of crying and apparent discomfort. While the exact cause of colic remains elusive, research suggests that certain components in breast milk, influenced by a breastfeeding mother’s diet, may play a role in exacerbating the symptoms.
The Role of Diet in Breast Milk Composition
Breast milk is a complex fluid, rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds that are crucial for an infant’s development. However, the mother’s diet can significantly alter its composition. Foods that are known to potentially affect breast milk include those that are spicy, garlicky, or otherwise pungent. These foods can impart distinctive flavors to the milk, which may lead to feeding aversions or increased gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive infants.
Moreover, some studies indicate that specific dietary components might contribute to digestive issues in breastfed babies. For instance, certain proteins or allergens from the mother’s diet can be transferred into breast milk, potentially leading to intolerances or allergies in the infant. This can manifest as colic-like symptoms, where the baby experiences discomfort due to gas or other digestive disturbances.
Microbial and Molecular Factors
Recent research has also explored the intricate biological networks within human milk that could influence colic. The presence of microbes, micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs), and cytokines in breast milk may interact with the infant’s developing gut microbiome, potentially affecting digestion and leading to colic symptoms. The balance of these components is crucial, as an imbalance could contribute to gastrointestinal distress.
The Complexity of Colic
Despite these insights, it is important to note that colic is a multifactorial condition. While breast milk composition and maternal diet are significant factors, they are not the sole contributors. Colic typically affects infants between three to six weeks of age and can persist for several months, indicating that developmental factors and individual infant physiology also play critical roles.
In conclusion, while breast milk is designed to nourish and protect infants, certain dietary choices by breastfeeding mothers can influence its composition and potentially contribute to colic symptoms. Understanding these dynamics can help parents and healthcare providers manage and alleviate the distress associated with colic in breastfed babies.

Can cutting out dairy help colic?

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 10 infants with infantile colic were fed breast milk and cow’s milk formula, untreated and treated with lactase (21). The study found no evidence that low lactose milk reduced the daily duration and severity of colic.

Why is my baby grunting and squirming while breastfeeding?

Many mothers report that the grunting and squirming stop after a few weeks. It is a case-by-case situation, and it is different for every child. The grunting can start right after birth or a month later, but if this phase lasts longer than a few weeks, contact your doctor and ask for guidance and support.

Why is my breast milk making my baby gassy?

For breastfed babies, gas might be caused by eating too fast, swallowing too much air or digesting certain foods. Babies have immature GI systems and can frequently experience gas because of this. Pains from gas can make your baby fussy, but intestinal gas is not harmful.

Can dairy in breastmilk cause colic?

This was confirmed by another study, which also demonstrated the reappearance of colic in a majority of such babies, after dairy foods were reintroduced into the mother’s diet. Many of these babies developed colic when their mothers were given whey from cow’s milk.

What foods to avoid breastfeeding gas?

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.

What fruits cause colic in breastfed babies?

Apricots, rhubarb, prunes, melons, peaches, and other fresh fruits.

What is the root cause of colic in babies?

What Causes Colic? Doctors aren’t sure what causes colic. It may be due to digestion problems or a sensitivity to something in the baby’s formula or that a nursing mom is eating. Or it might be from a baby trying to get used to the sights and sounds of being out in the world.

Can exclusively breastfed babies get colic?

Colic is a very common condition affecting 1 in 5 babies, regardless of whether they’re breast or formula-fed.

What causes colic in breast milk?

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.

What should a breastfeeding mother 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.