Breastfeeding Diet

Did someone say Milk and Cookies???
Breastfeeding Diet: There is nothing more bothersome and earth-shattering than a newborn who will not stop crying. Been there, my first daughter Emma was super fussy from week 2 on to about 2 months. Looking back, I am confident, it was the fact that I started formula supplementing at that time because I was returning to work. Regardless of what caused the hours of crying, it was a stressful time for our family.

This leads me to one of the common questions from moms with fussy babys: "What foods do I need to avoid while breastfeeding".

The answer to this question is tricky. Tackling the breastfeeding diet, lets give it a go. Some researchers say that breastmilk is not affected by the foods you eat since it has to be digested by you before making it to your breastmilk. I say, well when was the last time you breastfed researchers? Because I can surely tell you that when I drank milk with either daughter they were screaming. What I tell moms comes from my personal experience and years of professional observation: it takes about 2 hours from whatever you eat or drink to make it to your breastmilk. So if your baby becomes irritable it was the last thing you ate, not something yesterday.

The idea is moderation. Don't go overboard on any one food item and keep it a little mild for a week or two. Give the baby time to adjust to having to digest foods. In other words, dont drink and entire gallon of milk in one day, or eat an entire bag of hersheys kisses. And if you are dying for spicy asian, italian, mexican or the like : go for lunch that way if your baby is fussy, you will not be up all night with a fussy baby. Two hours to make it to the milk then about 4-6 to clear from the belly if it upsets their tummy.

Common gas producing or fussy baby producing foods

  • Cows milk: if daddy or mommy are lactose intolerant baby will likely be so as well (use soy or lactose free instead
  • Onions and garlic: especially fast food tacos and ceasar salad dressing
  • Fruit juices: Orange #1, then cranberry, pineapple and apple (no problems seen with 1 glass per day and if diluted)
  • Chocolate :dark chocolate is the worst or commercial bought pies/cakes because they often add instand coffee to richen)
  • Caffeine: this one can go either way fussy baby or sleepy baby
These are the main culprits, but I have heard a few reports of random foods like tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, watermelon so it could be ANYTHING

Disclaimer: This list does not imply that you should avoid these foods. Simply use caution and moderation. If you should have a fussy baby, these are the common culprits and you can use this list for your "process of elimination".

Fussy baby tips:

  • Keep a food journal
  • Try to isolate the foods/drinks making baby uncomfortable
  • Learn the I love you tummy massage.
  • Take a break
  • Call a friend or lactation consultant for support

Link to I love you massage video

Please note that food ALLERGY is totally different than gas producing food sensitivity. Signs of a food allergy could includerash, hives, eczema, diaper rash, wheezing, difficulty breasthing, cold like symptoms, red or swollen eyes ,tongue or lips, vomitting or diarrhea. If any of these symptoms occur seek medical attention immediately.

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