Foods To Eat While Breastfeeding To Avoid Colic

I'll never forget the arrival of my baby girl, Ashely. I was over the moon when she finally arrived. I was so excited to take care of her and make sure she was healthy and happy.

But one evening, after I had done everything to take care of her, I settled into my rocking chair to nurse her. At first, everything seemed fine - Ashley latched on and was nursing well. But then, she started to fuss and wiggle in my arms. I tried to soothe her by singing a lullaby, but her cries only got louder and more desperate.

I felt so worried and confused - I didn't know what was wrong with my little girl. I tried everything I could think of - I burped her, changed her diaper, gave her a bath, and rocked her gently. But nothing seemed to help, and her cries just got more and more intense.

It was so stressful and overwhelming - I felt like I was failing as a mother, unable to provide the comfort that my baby needed. It was such a helpless feeling, watching her suffer and not knowing how to help her.

Determined to find a solution, I reached out to my Mom. I shared my concerns about Ashley's incessant crying and explained everything I had tried to soothe her. Without missing a beat, my Mom suggested that Ashley might be suffering from colic and recommended that I talk to her pediatrician about it.

Determined to find a solution, I talked with my baby's doctor and was advised to monitor my diet while breastfeeding. This was a long time ago and I've learned so much since this experience.

But I still vividly remember the helplessness I felt when I couldn't console my baby's cries.

We all know breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mom and baby, but colic can sometimes disrupt this special time. As I'm now a mother of five, a certified lactation counselor, a registered nurse, a holistic health coach, and a holistic doula, I understand the challenges that new mothers face when dealing with colic in their breastfed infants.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss the importance of eating an anti-colic diet for breastfeeding mothers, foods to avoid to prevent colic, and the role of digestive enzymes in supporting healthy digestion and reducing colic symptoms.

Calm Nights Ahead: Understanding Colic and Its Causes

Colic is a term used to describe excessive, unexplained crying in otherwise healthy infants. While the exact cause of colic in most babies is still unclear, it's believed that factors such as food sensitivities, gassiness, allergies, and an underdeveloped digestive system may contribute to the problem. In some cases, colic may be linked to substances in the mother's breast milk, which could cause an allergic reaction or irritation in the baby's gastrointestinal tract.

The Breastfeeding-Colic Connection: What Every New Mother Should Know

While breastfeeding is the most natural and recommended way to feed your baby, it doesn't guarantee a colic-free experience. Colic is a common condition in infants, characterized by excessive crying and fussiness, usually starting around two weeks of age and lasting until three to four months.

Some substances in a breastfeeding mother's milk, such as allergens or irritants from her diet, may contribute to colic symptoms in some infants. By identifying and addressing these potential triggers, breastfeeding mothers can take steps to reduce colic symptoms in their colicky babies.

The No-Go List: Foods That Cause Colic and Gas in Breastfed Babies

Certain foods in a breastfeeding mother's diet can potentially cause colic in babies. Here's a list of some common culprits of colic-causing foods that you should consider avoiding or reducing in your diet:

1. Dairy products: Cow's milk proteins can sometimes cause an allergic reaction or food sensitivity in infants, leading to colic symptoms. Breastfeeding mothers may need to avoid or limit their intake of milk, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt.

2. Caffeine: High amounts of caffeine from coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks, or energy drinks can make their way into breast milk and potentially cause colic in sensitive infants.

3. Cruciferous vegetables: While healthy, vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower have great health benefits they can also produce gas, which may contribute to colic in some babies.

4. Spicy foods and highly seasoned foods: Some babies may be sensitive to spicy foods or strong flavors in their mother's breast milk, especially if these foods were not consumed during pregnancy.

5. Nuts and peanuts: Allergies to nuts and peanuts are common, and exposure through breast milk can cause colic in some infants.

It's important to note that every baby is different, and what may cause colic in one infant may not affect another. If you suspect there is food in your diet that is causing colic in your baby, try eliminating that food for a couple of weeks to see if there's an improvement in your baby's symptoms.

Gentle and Effective: How Digestive Enzymes Can Help Relieve Colic While Breastfeeding

Digestive enzymes play an essential role in breaking down the nutrients in the food we eat, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. These enzymes are naturally present in our digestive system, and their activity is crucial for maintaining overall health.

Breast milk contains various digestive enzymes, such as amylase and lipase, that help break down nutrients for the infant's developing digestive system. However, some mothers may benefit from additional digestive enzyme support to ensure they're passing on the most easily digestible nutrients to their babies.

Incorporating plant-based digestive enzymes, such as those found in papaya, pineapple, and kiwi, can help break down proteins and reduce the risk of passing irritants to nursing babies. This, in turn, can help alleviate colic symptoms in sensitive infants.

Soothing Your Baby's Tummy: Tips To Avoid Colic in Breastfed Babies

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for colic, there are several strategies you can try to help soothe a colicky baby and reduce colic symptoms:

1. Monitor your diet: As mentioned earlier, certain foods in a breastfeeding mother's diet may contribute to colic in some babies. Keep a food diary to identify potential triggers and consider eliminating or reducing those foods.

2. Offer a pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can provide comfort and help calm a colicky baby.

3. Hold and soothe your baby: Holding your baby close to your body and gently rocking, walking, or swaying can provide comfort and help alleviate colic symptoms.

4. Try different feeding positions: Experiment with various feeding positions to find the one that works best for you and your baby. Some positions may help reduce the amount of air your baby swallows, which can contribute to colic.

5. Burp your baby regularly: Make sure to burp your baby during and after feeding to release any trapped gas that could cause discomfort.

6. Tummy massage: Gently massaging your baby's tummy in a clockwise motion can help release trapped gas and provide relief from colic discomfort.

7. Consider a probiotic supplement: Some research suggests that probiotics may help reduce colic symptoms in breastfed infants. Talk to your pediatrician before giving your baby any supplements.

Superfoods for Motherhood: A Natural Solution for Colic Relief

Superfoods for Motherhood is a nutrient-dense drink blend designed specifically for women trying to conceive, pregnant, or who are breastfeeding. This unique superfood blend contains plant-based digestive enzymes from papaya, pineapple, and kiwi that help break down proteins, reducing the risk of passing irritants to nursing babies.

Many customers have reported significant improvements in their babies' colic symptoms after incorporating Superfoods for Motherhood into their daily routine. In addition to providing digestive enzyme support, this drink offers essential nutrients, helps support milk supply, prevents clogged ducts, and addresses common nutrient deficiencies in breastfeeding women.

AMAZING FOR BABIES TUMMIES

"My newborn was struggling so much with gassiness and colicky pain after eating. I started drinking this drink and she literally has no pain after eating now! It’s truly amazing." ~ Grace Ann B.

By incorporating Superfoods for Motherhood into your daily regimen, you can provide your body with the necessary support to nourish both you and your baby, promoting a happier breastfeeding journey and potentially reducing colic symptoms in your little one.

Frequently Asked Questions on Colic and Breastfeeding

In this section, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about colic and breastfeeding to help you better understand this common condition and how to manage it. From the role of a mother's diet to common triggers of colic, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in!

What foods cause colic in breastfed babies?

Foods that may cause colic in breastfed babies include dairy products, caffeine, cruciferous vegetables, spicy and highly seasoned foods, and nuts and peanuts. Keep in mind that every baby is different, and what may cause colic in one infant may not affect another.

Does breastfeeding make colic worse?

Breastfeeding itself does not make colic worse. However, certain substances in a mother's breast milk, such as allergens or irritants from her diet, may contribute to colic symptoms in some infants.

How do you stop colic in breastfed babies?

There is no guaranteed solution for colic, but strategies like monitoring your diet, offering a pacifier, holding and soothing your baby, trying different feeding positions, burping your baby regularly, tummy massage, and probiotic supplements may help alleviate colic symptoms.

Can my breast milk cause baby colic?

It is possible that certain substances in your breast milk, such as allergens or irritants from your diet, can contribute to colic symptoms in some infants. Monitoring your diet and eliminating potential trigger foods can help reduce the risk of further colic episodes.

What should I eat if my baby has colic?

Focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Consider eliminating or reducing potential colic-trigger foods, such as dairy products, caffeine, cruciferous vegetables, spicy and highly seasoned foods, and nuts and peanuts.

What foods can cause colic in babies?

Foods that may cause colic in some breastfed babies include dairy products, caffeine, cruciferous vegetables, spicy and highly seasoned foods, and nuts and peanuts.

How do I know if my baby is reacting to something in my breast milk?

Symptoms of a reaction to something in your breast milk may include excessive fussiness, crying, gas, diarrhea, or a rash. If you suspect a food in your diet is causing a reaction in your baby, try eliminating that food for a couple of weeks to see if there's an improvement in your baby's symptoms.

Are digestive enzymes safe when breastfeeding?

Yes, plant-based digestive enzymes, such as those found in papaya, pineapple, and kiwi, are generally considered safe when breastfeeding. These enzymes can help break down proteins and reduce the risk of passing irritants to nursing babies, potentially helping to alleviate colic symptoms.

An Anti-Colic Diet for Breastfeeding Mothers: Foods to Avoid and Digestive Enzymes to Embrace

An anti-colic diet involves being mindful of the foods you are consuming while breastfeeding. By embracing the support of digestive enzymes you promote a healthier, more comfortable experience for both you and your baby. By avoiding potential colic-triggering foods and incorporating a nutrient-dense solution like Superfoods for Motherhood into your daily routine, you can provide your body with essential nutrients and digestive enzyme support.

Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Monitoring your diet, keeping track of potential food triggers, and experimenting with different feeding techniques can help you tailor your approach to your baby's specific needs. With patience, persistence, and a focus on your baby's well-being, you can navigate the challenges of breastfeeding and colic to create a nurturing, loving bond with your little one.