What should a mother of a colic baby eat?

Understanding Colic in Infants
Colic is a term that describes prolonged periods of excessive crying in infants, often without any clear cause. It typically affects about one in five newborns and can be a source of significant stress for new parents. While the exact cause of colic remains elusive, some studies suggest that dietary choices made by breastfeeding mothers may play a role in alleviating or exacerbating the condition.
The Role of a Mother’s Diet
For mothers breastfeeding colicky babies, what they eat can have a direct impact on their infant’s comfort. A balanced diet is crucial, and it should include plenty of water, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. These foods not only support the mother’s health but also contribute to the quality of breast milk.
However, certain foods may need to be avoided. Some mothers have reported that their infants exhibited signs of colic after they consumed specific items. Common culprits include:
– Dairy products: Many infants are sensitive to proteins found in cow’s milk, which can lead to digestive discomfort.
– Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, caffeine can affect a baby’s sleep patterns and overall mood.
– Spicy foods: These can sometimes irritate a baby’s digestive system.
– Cruciferous vegetables: Foods like broccoli and cauliflower may cause gas, which can be uncomfortable for babies.
Recommendations for Dietary Adjustments
To help manage colic, mothers may consider adopting a hypoallergenic diet. This involves eliminating common allergens such as dairy, eggs, wheat, and nuts from their diet. While some studies suggest that simply cutting out cow’s milk may not be sufficient, a more comprehensive elimination approach could yield better results.
Additionally, keeping a food diary can be beneficial. By tracking what is consumed and noting any changes in the baby’s behavior, mothers can identify potential triggers more effectively. If a particular food seems to correlate with increased crying or discomfort, it may be wise to avoid it for a period.
Staying Hydrated and Balanced
In the midst of managing a colicky baby, it’s essential for mothers to prioritize their own nutrition and hydration. Staying well-hydrated and consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help maintain energy levels and overall well-being, which is crucial for coping with the challenges of caring for a fussy infant.
Conclusion
While colic can be a frustrating experience for both babies and their parents, dietary adjustments by breastfeeding mothers may offer some relief. By focusing on a balanced diet, avoiding potential irritants, and staying hydrated, mothers can contribute positively to their baby’s comfort. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

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.

What not to eat when you have a colic baby?

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.

Will my baby be gassy if the mother is gassy?

According to Estevane, digestive discomfort or gassiness in babies is primarily due to the baby’s immature digestive system, not mom’s diet. Most babies’ bodies will naturally handle gas more easily as they grow and increase their activity.

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.

How do parents survive colic babies?

Sometimes a baby needs a little time alone—and you may need it, too. Take a stress break. Ask a friend or relative to watch the baby while you walk, bathe, and calm yourself so you can better handle crying. A colic support group can help you cope until your baby outgrows crying.

What is the best feed for colic?

Feeding Recommendations – Tympanic (gaseous) Colic

• Hay is preferable over haylage which, like grass, ferments more quickly in the hindgut producing more gas.
• Take care with access to spring or rich pasture.
• Avoid long spells of inactivity and keep the horse moving to encourage gut motility.

Does mom’s diet affect baby 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.

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 breastfeeding mothers eat to prevent colic?

Diet. There is no evidence that changing your diet will help – however, some breastfeeding mums say that cutting down on spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol has made a difference for them. If you are mixed feeding (combining breast and bottle feeding), have a look at our guide to colic and bottle feeding.

What should a mother eat when a baby has 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.