Why is my baby struggling to digest breast milk?

Understanding Digestive Struggles in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is often heralded as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, providing a perfect blend of nutrients tailored to their developmental needs. However, some babies may struggle to digest breast milk effectively, leading to concerns for parents. Understanding the potential reasons behind these digestive issues can help alleviate worries and guide appropriate responses.
Common Causes of Digestive Issues
1. Immature Digestive System:
Newborns have immature digestive systems that are still developing. This can lead to difficulties in breaking down the components of breast milk, particularly lactose, which is the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk. While most infants can digest lactose without issues, some may experience temporary lactose intolerance, especially if they are premature or have other underlying health conditions.
2. Sensitivities to Maternal Diet:
Although breast milk is generally well-tolerated, some babies may exhibit sensitivities to certain foods consumed by their mothers. For instance, if a breastfeeding mother consumes dairy, her baby might react negatively if they have a sensitivity to cow’s milk proteins. However, research indicates that the impact of maternal diet on breast milk composition is minimal, and most mothers can eat a varied diet without affecting their baby’s digestion significantly.
3. Overactive Letdown or Oversupply:
Some mothers experience an overactive letdown reflex or an oversupply of milk, which can overwhelm a baby’s ability to manage the flow. This can lead to gulping air while feeding, resulting in gas and discomfort. Babies may struggle to digest the milk properly if they are swallowing too much air or if the milk is flowing too quickly for them to handle.
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER):
Another potential issue is gastroesophageal reflux, where milk flows back into the esophagus after feeding. This can cause discomfort and lead to fussiness during and after feeds. While reflux is common in infants, it can sometimes complicate their ability to digest breast milk comfortably.
When to Seek Help
If your baby is consistently struggling with digestion, showing signs of discomfort, or not gaining weight appropriately, it’s essential to consult a pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can help identify specific issues, whether they relate to feeding techniques, maternal diet, or potential medical conditions.
Conclusion
While breast milk is designed to be easily digestible, various factors can contribute to a baby’s struggles with digestion. Understanding these factors can empower parents to seek appropriate support and make informed decisions about their baby’s feeding. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If concerns persist, professional guidance is invaluable in ensuring both mother and baby thrive during this crucial period.

How do you fix milk digestion problems?

Using lactase enzyme tablets or drops.
Over-the-counter tablets or drops containing the lactase enzyme (Lactaid, others) might help you digest dairy products. You can take tablets just before a meal or snack. Or the drops can be added to a carton of milk. These products don’t help everyone who has lactose intolerance.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

Monitor your diet closely if you’re breastfeeding. If you feel there are certain foods that might be upsetting your baby’s stomach, try avoiding them for a while. If you notice weight loss, forceful spit up, fussiness or other symptoms, talk to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns.

How can I help my baby digest breast milk?

Baby digestion and routine
When breastfeeding, follow a gas free diet for the first 6/8 weeks. Break to burp frequently during and after feeds, in-line with the speed of milk flow. As frequently as 2 to 5 minutes if milk flow is fast and 5-10 minutes at a slower, steadier pace.

Why is my baby unable to digest breast milk?

Lactose intolerance is the reduced ability to digest milk sugars, due to insufficient amounts of the gut enzyme called lactase. Breastfed babies can be lactose intolerant, because lactose is found in breast milk as well as baby formula. Diarrhoea can be a symptom of lactose intolerance in babies.

How to help baby digest breast milk?

Baby digestion and routine
When breastfeeding, follow a gas free diet for the first 6/8 weeks. Break to burp frequently during and after feeds, in-line with the speed of milk flow. As frequently as 2 to 5 minutes if milk flow is fast and 5-10 minutes at a slower, steadier pace.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

What causes digestive problems in breastfed babies?

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.

Does breastmilk lose nutrients when pumped?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), freshly expressed breast milk can be safely kept at room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. Generally, when freshly pumped, breast milk is at its peak regarding nutrients.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

How do I know if my baby is not tolerating breast milk?

MSPI symptoms

​fussiness or excess crying before, during and after a feeding	​stools may be infrequent, watery, have mucous, or be bloody
​reflux	​spitting up
​nasal congestion	​skin rash, eczema, hives, dry skin
​weight loss	​repeated vomiting
​sudden waking with discomfort	​