What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding a baby gassy?

Understanding Gassiness in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it can come with its challenges, one of which is dealing with a gassy baby. Many new mothers find themselves concerned about their baby’s comfort, especially when they notice signs of gassiness or colic. While it’s important to remember that some gassiness is normal in infants, certain foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet can exacerbate the issue.
Foods to Avoid
Dairy Products: One of the most common culprits linked to increased gassiness in breastfed babies is dairy. If a mother consumes milk, cheese, or yogurt, it may lead to discomfort in her baby, particularly if there is a family history of lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are known for their gas-producing properties. These foods can lead to bloating and gas in the mother, which may subsequently affect the baby. If a mother notices her baby becoming gassy after she consumes these vegetables, it might be wise to eliminate them from her diet for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve.
Beans and Legumes: Foods like beans, lentils, and chickpeas are also notorious for causing gas. While they are healthy and packed with nutrients, they can contribute to gassiness in both the mother and the baby.
Sodas and Caffeinated Beverages: Carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and even some coffees can lead to increased gas production. The carbonation can cause bloating in the mother, which may be passed on to the baby through breast milk.
Wheat and Soy Products: Some mothers may find that wheat and soy products can lead to gassiness in their babies. Keeping a food journal can help identify if these foods are problematic.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Diet
It’s essential for breastfeeding mothers to pay attention to their diet and how it affects their baby. Keeping a food diary can be an effective way to track what is consumed and any corresponding changes in the baby’s behavior. If a specific food seems to correlate with increased gassiness, it may be beneficial to eliminate it temporarily and observe any improvements.
Conclusion
While gassiness in babies is often a normal part of development, certain foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet can contribute to the problem. By being mindful of dairy, cruciferous vegetables, beans, carbonated drinks, and potential allergens like wheat and soy, mothers can help alleviate their baby’s discomfort. Ultimately, every baby is different, and what affects one may not affect another, so careful observation and adjustments are key to finding the right balance.

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 should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

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. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

Is my breastmilk making my baby gassy?

While it’s rare for mom’s diet to be the cause of infant gas, it does happen occasionally. If you suspect that your baby may be sensitive to something in your diet, keep a food log. Track your meals and beverages for several days along with the gas symptoms your baby is exhibiting.

How to make breast milk less gassy?

What are the treatments for breastfed baby gas?

1. Burp frequently. Adding a few extra burps to feeding times is typically an easy adjustment to make.
2. Turn to tummy time.
3. Perform baby massage.
4. Bicycle their legs.
5. Feed while baby’s upright.
6. Check your latch.
7. Try to reduce baby’s crying.
8. Consider over-the-counter remedies.

What foods are not good for breast milk?

Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc. Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.) Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor) Sage: (sausage, dressing, wild rice mix, etc)

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 foods make breastfed babies gassy?

Foods That Make Breastfed Babies Gassy

• Fiber. Foods like bran, beans, and whole grains.
• Fruit. Citrus fruits, prunes, plums, peaches, or apricots.
• Vegetables. Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts.
• Garlic. Garlic-seasoned foods like pasta dishes or garlic bread.
• Dairy.
• Carbonated beverages.

How do you reduce gas in breastfed babies?

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 are the top foods that bother breastfed babies?

Other fruits that may cause fussiness include pineapples, strawberries, kiwis, cherries, and prunes. While these are the eight most common foods that tend to make breastfeeding babies fussy, there are still other foods that can cause discomfort, such as fish, alcohol, peanuts, spicy food, and eggs.

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.