Do you have a gassy breastfed baby? Did you know gassiness in breastfed infants is often caused by gas-causing foods consumed in the mother’s diet? There are some specific foods to avoid when breastfeeding a gassy baby. In this post, we’ll look at a list of foods to stay away from to help prevent baby gas.
It can be really frustrating when your baby is suffering from gassiness. A little gas here and there is no big deal, but when your baby is crying in pain from trapped gas on a regular basis, then it’s time to make some changes.
So many Moms don’t even realize there are some general foods to avoid while breastfeeding. Consuming these foods can affect your baby and make breastfeeding tougher. All babies and all Mamas are different, so what affects one baby, may not affect another baby the same way. It’s important to watch your baby and be mindful of how what you consume affects them.
Figuring out what to eat when breastfeeding so that you make milk all day can feel like a full time job. That’s why we have lots of resources here to help you eat healthy for your milk supply with less stress!
Keep on reading to become familiar with the main 12 foods to avoid when breastfeeding a gassy baby.
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Foods to Avoid while Breastfeeding to Prevent Gas
To prevent your breastfed baby from having excessive gas, consider moderating or avoiding these 12 foods while breastfeeding. And if you wondering what you CAN eat, check out this breastfeeding diet plan for ideas with all breastfeeding-friendly foods.
Remember, your baby may not be sensitive to all these foods. It can be helpful to track what you are eating for a few days. You only need to drop these foods from your diet if there is a correlation with their gassiness.
1 – Beans and Legumes
High in fiber, beans, and legumes might give some breastfed infants flatulence. Complex carbohydrates are present in foods like kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils, which may be difficult for a baby’s growing digestive tract to process. Having fewer of these foods or choosing smaller servings will alleviate your baby’s intestinal gas symptoms.
2 – Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, asparagus, and cabbage are examples of cruciferous vegetables that are known to cause gas in both adults and infants. Raffinose, a complex sugar in these plants that is challenging to digest, causes more gas to be produced.
Even though these veggies provide a wealth of nutritional advantages, nursing moms may want to cut back on their consumption or find different ways to cook them to reduce their baby’s gassiness.
3 – Spicy and Acidic Foods
Some breastfeeding newborns may become gassy and fussy when their mothers eat acidic or spicy foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and chili peppers. These meals may aggravate a baby’s sensitive digestive tract, increasing gas production. Plus these are among the foods that cause reflux in breastfed babies too.
Consider avoiding spicy or acidic meals for a while if you notice a pattern of your infant getting gassy after eating them and keep an eye out for any changes in their symptoms.
4 – Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as cow’s milk, cheese, and yogurt, are frequently to blame for the gassiness and digestive problems that affect breastfed infants. Dairy proteins might cause sensitivity in certain newborns, which can cause pain and a lot of flatulence.
Eliminating milk products from your diet for a while while keeping an eye on your baby’s symptoms can be useful if you think your baby has a dairy intolerance. Don’t worry I’ve got lots of dairy free lactation recipes for every meal you can try!
5 – Gas-Producing Beverages
Gas bubbles and much air can enter your baby’s digestive system when they consume certain carbonated beverages like soft drinks and fizzy drinks via breast milk.
Additionally, sorbitol and mannitol, two artificial sweeteners commonly used in sugar-free energy drinks, can have a laxative effect and may cause more gas in breastfed babies. Instead, choose beverages with natural flavors, such as water or herbal teas, or some of these drinks that increase milk supply.
6 – Onions and Garlic
Even though they are healthy and tasty foods, gas and fussiness in breastfeeding infants can occasionally result from the usage of onions and garlic. These fragrant vegetables contain substances that can travel into breast milk and alter the flavor and odor of the fluid.
To reduce gassiness, keep an eye on how your breastfed baby responds to onions and garlic and modify your intake accordingly.
7 – Processed and High-Fat Foods
Foods that are processed and heavy in fat can be difficult for a baby’s digestive tract to process. Additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats are frequently found in fried foods, fast food, and processed snacks, which may cause gas and stomach discomfort in breastfeeding infants.
Reduce your intake of processed foods and high-fat foods and choose whole, nutrient-dense foods instead. Here’s a list of some of the best foods for breastfeeding, with a free printable you can get by signing up below.
8 – Caffeine and Chocolate
Two well-known stimulants that can have an impact on both the new mother and the child are caffeine while breastfeeding and chocolate. The baby may get agitated, restless, and have trouble sleeping if the mother has too much caffeine intake, which can transfer through the breast milk. Chocolate includes caffeine and other stimulants, making it a potential cause of a baby’s gassiness.
If caffeine makes your baby feel gassy, try consuming small amounts or eliminating it and paying attention to how they react.
9 – Citrus Fruits and Juice
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are examples of citrus fruits with high acid content. Some babies might be sensitive to acidity, which would cause gastrointestinal distress and increased gas output.
If you think citrus fruits might be the cause of gas in your baby, try temporarily cutting them out and see how your baby reacts. Try some of these juices for breastfeeding instead.
10 – Allergenic Foods
The foods their mothers eat can cause allergies in some newborns. Nuts, shellfish, eggs, and wheat are typical allergen-causing foods. Consult a medical expert to discuss the potential of temporarily removing certain foods from your diet if you fear your baby is experiencing an allergic reaction or food sensitivity.
11 – Oatmeal
Oatmeal is commonly recommended to breastfeeding Moms to help increase milk supply. However, many Moms report that their babies are gassy after regularly eating oatmeal.
If you are eating a lot of oatmeal and your baby is constantly gassy this food may be the culprit.
The good news is there’s an easy way to prevent gas and still get the benefits of oatmeal while breastfeeding. It’s as simple as soaking your oats before eating. These lactation overnight oats are a great recipe to try!
12 – Quinoa
Quinoa is a highly nutritious superfood that is often recommended to include in your diet for protein and fiber. However, many Moms find that this food causes gas for them and their babies.
If you enjoy consuming quinoa regularly, you can try rinsing the quinoa before cooking for 2 minutes to help reduce the saponins that cause gas. Or alternatively, try eating only freshly cooked quinoa, as cold leftover quinoa can build up resistant starch which causes gas.
Remember, each baby is unique, and it may take time and careful observation to identify specific foods that contribute to gassiness and disturb the digestive system.
Gassy Baby Breastfeeding Diet
Keeping a food diary and noting any changes in your baby’s symptoms can help identify specific triggers. It’s essential to maintain a well-balanced breastfeeding diet including whole grains and other nutritious foods while avoiding potential trigger foods.
Prioritize consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods to ensure both you and your baby receive adequate nourishment. These breastfeeding diet tips can help.
While nursing, being aware of the food you eat can help your baby feel less gassy. You might be able to lessen your baby’s discomfort by avoiding certain foods that are known to cause gas and reflux, such as:
- cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus)
- beans
- dairy products (milk, cheese, butter)
- spicy and acidic foods
- caffeine
- and processed high-fat foods
Keep in mind to have a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and pay attention to how your baby responds to various meals. You will discover the strategy that works best for you and your baby with some time and patience.
Breastfeeding friendly recipes you CAN eat:
If you think your baby’s gassiness is severe or ongoing, you should seek medical advice from a healthcare provider or lactation consultant. They can offer individualized advice and support in choosing the best course of action in light of the unique requirements of your baby.
More Breastfeeding Resources
Here at Birth Eat Love our goal is to make healthy eating easier for busy Moms during postpartum and breastfeeding.
6 Ways Coconut Can Help Breastfeeding Moms
Beginner Breastfeeding Tips for 1st Time Moms
Lactation Recipes for Making More Breast Milk
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