Why is my breastmilk making my newborn gassy?

Understanding Gassiness in Breastfed Newborns
For many new mothers, the joy of breastfeeding can be accompanied by concerns, particularly when their newborns seem gassy or fussy. It’s a common scenario that raises questions: Why is my breastmilk making my newborn gassy?
The Nature of Infant Digestion
Newborns have immature digestive systems that are still developing. This means they are not yet efficient at breaking down the components of breast milk. As a result, they may swallow air while feeding, which can lead to gas buildup. This is a natural part of their adjustment to feeding and digestion.
Factors Contributing to Gassiness
1. Feeding Technique: Babies often swallow air during feedings, especially if they are feeding too quickly or if the milk flow is too forceful. A strong letdown can cause the baby to gulp, leading to more air intake.
2. Maternal Diet: While the idea that certain foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet can cause gas in her baby is prevalent, research suggests that this is not a universal truth. Most babies do not react negatively to their mother’s diet, although some may be sensitive to specific foods like dairy or certain vegetables.
3. Breast Milk Composition: Breast milk is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants, but its composition can vary based on maternal diet and other factors. Some components may be harder for a baby to digest, potentially leading to gas.
4. Normal Development: It’s important to remember that gassiness is a normal part of infant development. Almost all babies experience gas at some point, and it often resolves as their digestive systems mature.
Managing Gassiness
To help alleviate gassiness in your newborn, consider the following strategies:
– Feeding Position: Ensure your baby is in a comfortable position that minimizes air swallowing. Keeping them upright during and after feedings can help.

– Burping: Regularly burp your baby during and after feedings to help release any trapped air.
– Dietary Adjustments: If you suspect that certain foods in your diet may be affecting your baby, consider keeping a food diary and discussing it with a healthcare provider. However, be cautious about making drastic changes without guidance.
– Pacing Feedings: If your baby tends to gulp milk quickly, try to slow down the feeding pace. This can help reduce the amount of air swallowed.
Conclusion
While it can be concerning to see your newborn experiencing gas, it’s a common issue that many breastfeeding mothers face. Understanding the reasons behind it—ranging from the baby’s developing digestive system to feeding techniques—can help you manage the situation more effectively. If gassiness persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consulting a pediatrician is always a good step to ensure your baby’s health and comfort.

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.

How can I reduce my baby’s gas while breastfeeding?

What can I do to help my baby with gas?

1. Make sure your baby has a good latch so he doesn’t swallow too much air.
2. Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas.
3. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly.
4. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet.

Can overfeeding a breastfed baby cause gas?

Signs of Overfeeding a Breastfed Baby
While spitting up is common, excessive spitting can be a clear sign of overfeeding. Gassiness and Fussiness: An overfed baby might be more gassy and fussy than usual. This is due to the excess air swallowed during feeding or the inability to digest the surplus milk properly.

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.

How to reduce gas in a breastfed baby?

Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet. Try to learn which foods work and don’t work for you and your baby, and remember, each baby is uniquely different.

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.

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	​

What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding a baby gassy?

If you notice that each time you eat something your baby becomes fussy, try avoiding the food for a while and see what happens. Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

Why is my breast milk making my baby gassy?

Babies often swallow air when sucking on the breast or a bottle, especially if they drink too quickly or don’t have an optimal latch on the nipple. They can also swallow air when crying. Food sensitivities. Hypersensitivities or allergies to certain types of food in mom’s diet are less common causes of baby gas.

What does baby poop look like with a milk allergy?

Green, bloody, or mucus-tinged stool—along with some other issues—could indicate a milk allergy. If you suspect your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, keep an eye out for these common issues that may occur shortly after feeding: wheezing, coughing, swelling, a rash, gas, crying, and unusual poops.