Foods that increase milk supply

If your milk supply is low, it may be due to an incorrect latch from your baby. Breastfeeding depends on how much milk your baby removes. If the latch is not good, less milk is extracted, which can decrease your milk production.

It is also recommended to avoid consuming too much spicy food or foods that may cause gas or bloating, as they can sometimes affect your baby through breast milk. Some babies may be sensitive to certain foods in their mother’s diet, such as dairy, so it’s important to pay attention to your baby’s reactions after you eat certain foods.

Additionally, it’s best to avoid foods that may cause allergies in babies, such as peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish. If allergies run in your family, it’s especially important to be cautious about introducing these foods into your diet while breastfeeding.

Best foods to eat while breastfeeding

Have a balanced diet while breastfeeding, following the dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy in your meals for a healthy diet.

It’s important to stay hydrated while breastfeeding, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Opt for healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, yogurt, and fruit to keep your energy levels up.

Some foods that are particularly beneficial for breastfeeding mothers include oatmeal, leafy greens, salmon, eggs, and almonds. These foods are rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, which are important for both you and your baby.

Avoid foods that are high in sugar, caffeine, and artificial additives, as these can be passed on to your baby through breast milk. Instead, focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to support your health and the health of your little one.

Fussy, colicky, gassy baby

Your diet can affect your baby if they are sensitive to certain foods. If your baby reacts poorly after you eat something new, avoid it for two weeks. If necessary, eliminate foods your baby seems to be sensitive to.

Food allergies in breastfed babies

Common allergens for babies include peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, fish, and shellfish. Dairy sensitivity is often seen in breastfed babies. If your baby shows signs of dairy intolerance, read labels and remove dairy from your diet.

What should I know about gas in breastfed babies?

Gas in babies is common and usually not harmful. Learn about the causes and ways to relieve gas in your baby.

Common causes of gas:

An improper latch, crying, strong let-down, an immature digestive system, or a food sensitivity in the mother’s diet can cause gas in babies.

Common symptoms of gas:

Burping, spitting up, flatulence, bloating, and discomfort are typical signs of gas in babies.

Not sure how to help your baby with gas? Reach out to our team for support and advice.

What can I do to help prevent gas in my breastfed baby?

There are several things you can do to help prevent gas in your breastfed baby:
1. Make sure your baby is latched on correctly during feeding to prevent them from swallowing air.
2. Burp your baby frequently during and after feeds to help release any trapped gas.
3. Avoid overfeeding your baby, as this can lead to excess gas.
4. Try different breastfeeding positions to see if any are more effective at preventing gas.
5. If you have a forceful let-down, try expressing some milk before feeding to reduce the flow.
6. Consider eliminating certain foods from your diet that may be causing gas in your baby, such as dairy or gas-producing vegetables.
By following these tips, you can help prevent gas in your breastfed baby and make feeding a more comfortable experience for both of you.

Consider using breast compression during feeding:

Breast compression can help to increase milk flow and ensure that your baby is getting enough milk while feeding. It can also help to reduce gas and improve digestion in your baby.

Monitor your baby’s feeding cues:

It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s cues during feeding to ensure that they are getting enough milk and are comfortable. Look for signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking on hands, and signs of fullness, such as turning away from the breast or falling asleep.

Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet:

Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support your milk supply. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can also help to ensure that you and your baby are healthy and getting all the essential nutrients you need.

Get support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group:

If you have any concerns or questions about breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group. They can provide guidance, information, and reassurance to help you and your baby successfully breastfeed.

What can I do to help alleviate gas in my breastfed baby?

Apply gentle pressure to your baby’s belly

Tummy Time: Help relieve gas by gently pressing on your baby’s belly. You can also try the Forearm Hold position.

Burp your baby during and after feeding

Pause between feedings to burp your baby. Experiment with different burping positions to help release gas bubbles.

Try infant massage or bicycle baby’s legs

Massage your baby’s belly or move their legs in a cycling motion to help release gas.

Do gas drops like simethicone help?

Simethicone may help break down gas bubbles, but its effectiveness varies. Always consult your baby’s doctor before trying any gas-relief remedy.

Let’s Chat!

Our experts are here to assist you on your feeding journey. Chat with our lactation consultants and nutritionists, who are also moms, from Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm (ET).

Gas is a normal part of digestion, but when it builds up, it can cause discomfort in babies. Excess gas can be caused by various factors such as swallowing air while feeding, dietary sensitivities, inadequate burping, or incorrect formula preparation.

Signs and symptoms of infant gas

Signs of gas in babies:

Restlessness, bloating, and a distended abdomen.

Remedies to relieve gas

Strategies for managing gas in babies:

Use infant gas drops, burp frequently, massage the abdomen, try tummy time, and consider switching formulas under medical guidance.

Swallowing air during feeding

Tips to reduce gas in babies:

Select anti-colic bottles, feed in an upright position, burp during and after feeds, and avoid vigorously shaking formula.

Is gripe water a safe treatment for infant gas?

Avoid using gripe water due to lack of FDA regulation and ingredient variability among brands.

Can probiotics help relieve infant gas?

Consider probiotics to support gut health after consulting with a pediatrician.

Additionally, it’s important to ensure proper feeding techniques, such as ensuring a good latch during breastfeeding or proper bottle feeding, to prevent excess air intake. Keeping track of foods that may be causing gas in breastfeeding mothers can also help alleviate gas in infants. Finally, promoting regular bowel movements through adequate hydration and a balanced diet can aid in reducing gas discomfort in babies.

Infant gas: formula-fed vs. breastfed

Breast milk is easily digestible, reducing gassiness in breastfed babies. If gas persists, consider switching to a hypoallergenic formula or adjusting breastfeeding techniques.

Can a breastfeeding mother’s diet cause infant gas?

Some reports suggest babies may react to changes in the mother’s diet, but research on this topic is limited.

Additional tips for reducing infant gas:

• Try burping your baby more frequently during feedings
• Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to excess gas
• Ensure a proper latch during breastfeeding to prevent excess air intake
• If using formula, make sure to mix it properly to prevent air bubbles
• Consider using probiotics or gas drops recommended by your pediatrician

Colic and infant gas

Colic and gas in babies may cause discomfort, but they are not always related. Differentiate between gas and colic based on the duration and intensity of crying.

Gassy babies may experience discomfort at different times, while colicky babies have prolonged periods of fussiness, often in the evening. Gas discomfort is usually alleviated with home remedies, whereas colic can persist despite soothing attempts. Colic generally resolves by three months of age, while infant gas can occur at any time.

Why are infants gassy?

Gas is a normal product of digestion and can lead to discomfort, bloating, and pain when it accumulates. Common reasons for excess gas in babies include swallowing air during feeds, sensitivity to formula or food in the mother’s diet, inadequate burping, and improper formula preparation.

Signs and symptoms of infant gas

Signs of excess gas in babies include restlessness, squirming, and a bloated or distended abdomen.

Remedies to relieve gas

Managing excess gas in infants can involve using gas drops with simethicone, frequent burping, abdominal massages, bicycling legs, tummy time, and considering a switch to hypoallergenic formula if necessary.

Swallowing air during feeding

To reduce gas buildup, feed your baby in an upright position, choose a bottle with anti-colic features, burp your baby frequently, and ensure proper preparation of infant formula.

Is gripe water a safe treatment for infant gas?

Avoid using gripe water due to variations in ingredients and lack of FDA regulation.

Can probiotics help relieve infant gas?

Some pediatricians recommend probiotics to support gut health in children, although research on their effectiveness is limited. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting new supplements.

Infant gas: formula-fed vs. breastfed

Breastfed babies generally experience fewer issues with gassiness compared to formula-fed babies. If gas issues persist or are linked to food sensitivities, consider switching to a hypoallergenic formula. Seek advice from a healthcare provider.

Can a breastfeeding mother’s diet cause infant gas?

Some reports suggest that changes in the mother’s diet can affect a baby’s gassiness, but research on this topic is limited.

Colic and infant gas

Colic is characterized by prolonged, intense crying in babies. Differentiate between infant gas and colic based on when discomfort occurs and how long symptoms last. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your baby’s health.