Why does breastfeeding make my stomach upset?

Understanding Stomach Upset During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often heralded as a natural and beneficial way to nourish infants, but it can sometimes lead to discomfort for mothers, particularly in the form of stomach upset. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including dietary choices, physiological changes, and the dynamics of breastfeeding itself.
Dietary Influences
One of the primary reasons breastfeeding may cause stomach upset is the mother’s diet. Foods consumed by breastfeeding mothers can directly affect their digestive health and, in turn, the baby’s comfort. Certain foods, particularly those high in fiber or known to cause gas, can lead to gastrointestinal distress. For instance, vegetables like broccoli and beans, while nutritious, can produce gas in both the mother and the baby due to undigested carbohydrates reaching the large intestine, where gut bacteria ferment them.
Moreover, some mothers may find that dairy products, spicy foods, or caffeine can trigger digestive issues. If a mother notices a pattern of discomfort after consuming specific foods, it may be beneficial to adjust her diet accordingly.
Physiological Changes
The act of breastfeeding itself can also contribute to stomach upset. Hormonal changes during lactation can affect digestion. For example, the hormone relaxin, which helps prepare the body for childbirth, can also relax the muscles of the digestive tract, potentially leading to slower digestion and discomfort. Additionally, the physical act of breastfeeding can sometimes lead to an overactive letdown reflex, where milk flows too quickly for the baby to handle, causing both the baby and the mother to experience discomfort.
Stress and Anxiety
Another factor that can exacerbate stomach issues during breastfeeding is stress. New mothers often face a myriad of challenges, from sleep deprivation to the pressures of caring for a newborn. Stress can significantly impact digestive health, leading to symptoms such as bloating, cramping, and nausea. This connection between mental health and physical symptoms is well-documented, and managing stress through relaxation techniques or support systems can be crucial for overall well-being.
Conclusion
In summary, if breastfeeding is causing stomach upset, it may be worthwhile for mothers to examine their dietary habits, consider the physiological changes occurring in their bodies, and address any underlying stress. By making mindful adjustments and seeking support, many mothers can alleviate discomfort and enjoy a more pleasant breastfeeding experience.

What helps an upset stomach while breastfeeding?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends kaolin-pectin products (such as Kaopectate) or loperamide products (such as Imodium) for nursing mothers with diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate compounds (such as Pepto Bismol) contain enough aspirin ingredients that they may not be safe for your baby.

Can breastmilk cause upset stomach?

When milk flows too forcefully or quickly, your baby may fill up on foremilk. The higher lactose content in foremilk can cause your baby to become gassy or pass loose stools. Your baby may also have abdominal pain.

Why can’t you take Pepto Bismol while breastfeeding?

But experts advise to avoid taking Pepto Bismol while breastfeeding. The main concern about taking Pepto Bismol while breastfeeding is that your baby may be exposed to the salicylates in the medication. Salicylates can trigger Reye’s syndrome in children under 15.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

Can breastmilk upset babies’ tummy?

Your breast milk doesn’t exactly make your baby gassy. “Preventing gas, fussiness and colic might take a bit of trial and error and eliminating and reintroducing certain foods and drinks into the mom’s diet,” Rebecca said.

Why does breastfeeding hurt my stomach?

“Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that has many effects in a postpartum mother,” Carroll says. “It stimulates the uterus to contract, which causes those cramps.”

Why does breastfeeding make me sick to my stomach?

It goes away for most (but not all) moms by the end of the 6th-8th week. If nausea during breastfeeding begins when baby is older, consider the possibility of pregnancy. Nausea that occurs with the milk let-down may be related to the release of oxytocin.

What is dysregulated breastfeeding?

Because a vigorous sucking pattern without stopping is a new descriptor for a dysregulated breastfeeding pattern, this study has identified a behavior that—if future research is supportive—care providers and lactation specialists should assess.

Why can’t you eat chocolate while breastfeeding?

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.

Can breastfeeding cause digestive issues?

There is limited scientific research proving that certain foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet cause intestinal issues in their babies. Some babies might react to particular foods in mom’s diet, but this doesn’t mean there’s a special list of foods out there for moms to avoid while breastfeeding.