Home » Misc » Breastfeeding foods that make baby fussy

Breastfeeding foods that make baby fussy


Breastfeeding FAQs: Your Eating and Drinking Habits (for Parents)

Breastfeeding is a natural thing to do, but it still comes with its fair share of questions. Here's what you need to know about your eating and drinking habits — and how they may affect your baby — during breastfeeding.

What Should I Eat?

As you did when you were pregnant, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and calcium-rich foods. You’ll need about 450 to 500 extra calories per day while breastfeeding. Follow the recommendations in the MyPlate food guide and you'll be well on your way to giving both you and your baby a nutritious diet.

Breastfeeding can make you thirsty, so keep a water bottle nearby so it's there when you need it.

Do I Need to Take Vitamins?

Your doctor may ask you to continue taking a prenatal vitamin or women’s supplement. 

It’s important to get enough iodine, an important mineral, while breastfeeding. To get enough:

  • Take a supplement with 150 micrograms of iodine per day.
  • Use iodized salt in your cooking.
  • Eat foods that are high in iodine, like seafood and dairy products.

If you are vegan or don't eat fish or dairy, talk to your doctor about getting checked for iodine deficiency.

Can My Baby Have a Reaction to Something I Eat?

It’s possible for your breastfed baby to have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to something you eat or drink.

Foods like beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or some dairy products can cause fussiness, gassiness, or colicky behavior in some babies. Foods like cow's milk, soy, wheat, corn, oats, eggs, nuts and peanuts, and fish or shellfish are common allergy-causing foods.

If you think your baby had a reaction to a food, call your doctor and avoid eating or drinking anything your little one can't seem to tolerate. Keep a journal of exactly what you eat and drink, along with any reactions your baby had. This can help both you and your doctor pinpoint what the problem food, or foods, might be.

Although such a reaction is extremely rare, if your child has trouble breathing or has swelling of the face, call 911 right away.

Is Alcohol Still a "No-No"?

Drinking in moderation — one or two drinks within a 24-hour period — is fine, as long as you wait to feed your baby.

When you drink alcohol, a small amount gets into your breast milk. The amount of alcohol in breast milk depends on the amount of alcohol in the blood. It takes about 2 hours after having one drink for the alcohol to no longer be a concern for your baby. So do not give your baby fresh breast milk for at least 2 hours if you've had one drink, 4 hours if you've had two drinks, and so on.

If you plan to drink more than a few, do so after breastfeeding's been established for about a month and then "pump and dump." This is when you pump your milk and throw it away.

But drinking to excess when you're nursing is not a good idea. Even if you "pump and dump," there are other risks to your baby. Drinking too much changes your ability to be alert and think clearly. It affects how you care for your baby and may prevent you from responding to your baby's needs. It's also a risk factor for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Should I Still Avoid Some Types of Fish?

As during pregnancy, nursing moms should avoid or limit eating fish that is high in mercury. High mercury levels can damage a baby’s developing nervous system.

Can I Have Caffeine?

As with alcohol, it's best to limit caffeine while breastfeeding. One or two cups of coffee a day are fine, but more than one or two servings per day may affect your baby's mood and/or sleep.

Reviewed by: Jamila H. Richardson, BSN, RN, IBCLC

Date reviewed: January 2021

8 Foods to Avoid When Breastfeeding Your Baby

We’ll say it over and over again: breastfeeding is one of the best things that you can do for baby. Breastmilk contains essential nutrients that help to nourish a growing baby and provides unbeatable immunity support. The benefits of breastmilk are far and wide, plus it’s free and provides a wonderful bonding experience. Yet all good things come with some problems every now and then. While breastmilk is the best thing for your baby, it can make your baby fussy. When this happens, it’s understandable to get confused and even a little bit worried—but don’t worry. Often times the reason that your breastfed baby is getting fussy is because of something you’ve eaten that puts strain on your baby’s digestive tract. In this article, we’ll explore eight foods to avoid while breastfeeding as they could be making your breastfed baby fussy.

Common Foods that Make Breastfeeding Babies Fussy

Gas is completely normal for both babies and adults. It’s a byproduct of your gastrointestinal system and isn’t cause for concern. However, as we all know, sometimes gas can be uncomfortable. When it happens to adults, we can take an over the counter medication to help ease discomfort but when it happens to babies, it’s a little different.

Babies can’t directly tell you what’s wrong. The way they communicate is through crying or getting fussy. If you notice a trend where your baby gets fussy after breastfeeding, it’s likely because something you’re eating is upsetting their stomach. Here are some common foods that make breastfeeding babies fussy:

1. Dairy

Dairy is the most likely culprit behind fussiness. Cow’s milk is much harder for underdeveloped bodies to digest and can cause excess gas or discomfort in babies. When you drink milk caseins, the proteins found in dairy, pass through your blood and into your breast milk production. Newborns and young babies cannot digest caseins, so they become fussy and gassy. If your baby is a little older and they’re still getting fussy from dairy, it could be because of an allergy. Try eliminating all forms of processed dairy and see if it makes a difference.  

2. Soy

Soy is another common allergen that babies react to.  Many breastfeeding moms equate fussiness with their soy intake, so if you’re dairy-free and using soy alternatives, you’ll need to consider a different alternative.

3. Wheat and Corn

In addition to dairy and soy, wheat and corn have been known to cause food allergy responses and have subsequently been found as the source of a breastfed baby’s fussiness. If you think that you might be sensitive to wheat or corn, of if you have a family history of allergies in any of these areas, you should consider eliminating them from your diet. This is more difficult than eliminating dairy products, as wheat, corn, and even soy are found in many different processed foods. Make sure that you read the labels and talk to your doctor about alternatives that are safe for breastfeeding.

4. Caffeine

Caffeine gives you a much-needed energy boost during motherhood, but it can actually contribute to problems. A lot of babies are sensitive to caffeine, which causes fussiness.  Your caffeine is transmitted through breastmilk, so try to limit your caffeine intake to one cup of coffee or tea in the morning.

5. Spicy Foods

If you love spicy foods, you’ll probably need to dial it back while you’re breastfeeding. The spices can upset your baby’s stomach and tends to change the way your breastmilk smells and tastes, which could lead to a refusal to eat altogether. The main spicy foods to avoid whilte breastfeeding are garlic, curry, chili pepper, and cinnamon as these are known to cause higher levels of indigestion.2

6. High-fiber Foods

While eating a breastfeeding diet that’s high in fiber is good for mom, it can cause fussiness in your baby. The high fiber content in a baby’s diet can contribute to uncomfortable gas and indigestion, so you’ll want to dial it back a little bit. You can still eat a diet that gives you fiber but try to avoid certain vegetables while you’re breastfeeding such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage.

7. Chocolate

Some women notice that their breastfed baby gets fussy when they eat chocolate. This is completely normal. A lot of times, it’s more-so due to the amount of chocolate that’s eaten, not the chocolate itself.2 If you like to indulge, try limiting yourself to one square of chocolate at a time to help ease your baby’s fussiness.

8. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits can cahuse discomfort in newborn and infant digestive tracks, so it’s best to limit them in your diet until your baby’s older. The acidity of the fruits cause irritation to their digestive tract, which in turn leads to fussiness. 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. To minimize this, don’t overdo it on any one food group. Try to spread out your nutrition and eat a balanced diet filled with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. When you saturate your diet with one food, it can cause digestion difficulty for your baby. They’re digestive tracts are still developing and the best way to help avoid fuss is to keep a balanced diet. For more information on the best foods to eat while breastfeeding, check out this article.

How to Determine Which Foods are Making Your Breastfed Baby Fussy

The hardest part about eliminating the food from your diet that’s making your baby fussy is knowing exactly what it is. Luckily, by following an elimination diet, you can get a better understanding on your baby’s sensitivities. There are three primary steps to determining which foods are making your breastfed baby fussy: getting organized, eliminating certain foods, and testing for confirmation.

Step One: Get Organized

The first step requires you to get a little bit organized. You’ll need to track what you’re eating each day and record how your baby is reacting. Some women go as far as tracking everything they eat while others only focus on the foods that are most likely to create problems listed above. Whatever you decide to do, just be consistent. It’s going to take a few weeks for this process to work, so you’ll need to stay organized and committed. In addition to recording your baby’s fussiness, keep notes on whether they’re crying or colicky, are bloated or suffering from constipation, are gassy, experiencing diarrhea, or have a red ring around the anus.

Step Two: Eliminate Foods

Next, you’ll need to go on an elimination diet for a few weeks. Start by eliminating one of the main foods that cause irritation and fussiness—dairy. Dairy is one of the most common foods that cause babies to get fussy. Abstain from eating any dairy (or at the very least any cow’s milk) for at least 10 to 14 days. Keep an eye on your baby to see if they are still fussy or if they start to calm down and the symptoms go away. If your baby is still fussy, move on to the next food listed above and repeat the process. You’ll need to continue working down the most common foods that cause irritability until your baby’s symptoms go away. When they do, move on to step three.

Step Three: Test Your Results

After you’ve pinpointed the trigger food, it’s time to do a little home experiment to confirm. If all of your baby’s symptoms have subsided, reintroduce the food that you suspect as the cause of fussiness.If your baby starts showing symptoms of discomfort or fussiness within 24 hours of breastfeeding, that food was the culprit and you should remove it from your diet for now. As your baby grows and develops, their stomach will get stronger and adapt to a wider variety of foods. If you have any questions about this process, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor first.  

Conclusion

Breastfeeding your baby is an excellent way to bond, but it means that whatever you consume, your baby consumes. To make sure they’re comfortable, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your healthy diet. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned or have any questions about allergens. If you need a breast pump for your newborn, don’t forget that the Affordable Care Act means that expectant mothers are eligible to receive an electric breast pump covered by their insurance provider! Just head over to our home page and browse our selection.

If you’ve had a fussy baby while breastfeeding and tried any form of an elimination diet to pinpoint the source, head over to our Facebook page today and let us know what food was the culprit! 

How to stop breastfeeding | Philips Avent

search support icon

Search Keywords

Home ›› How to end breastfeeding comfortably for mom and baby

Home ›› How to end breastfeeding comfortably for mom and baby

↑08 ↑ 0


When and how to stop breastfeeding? Like all good things, breastfeeding eventually comes to an end.

Weaning is an important decision for both mother and baby, and the decision is entirely up to them. When the mother and baby are ready to start weaning, there are a few tips and techniques to help make the transition a positive one.

3 Philips Avent products to support you when you stop breastfeeding:

When should I start weaning my baby?


There is no definite and correct period for weaning a child. The mother-child relationship is different for everyone, and weaning is a purely personal decision for mother and baby, which they make when both are ready.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to six months of age. Until a child reaches the age of one year, both solid food and breast milk must be present in his diet. If the baby is weaned before he is one year old, adapted infant formula can be fed instead of breast milk. If a baby is stopped breastfeeding at one year of age or older, infant formula milk products can be given instead. While the recommendations are, many mothers stop breastfeeding before their babies are 12 months old, and others breastfeed for up to two years or longer. The second option is called extended breastfeeding, and it's a completely healthy choice for mothers and babies who want to continue breastfeeding.

Signs that a baby is ready to wean


Mothers often wonder how to stop breastfeeding, because babies rarely just stop suckling. Weaning a baby from the breast is usually a gradual process for both the mother and the baby.

There are several signs that will let you know that the baby is ready to start weaning:

  • disinterest or fussiness during feeding;
  • reducing the duration of feedings;
  • child is easily distracted while feeding;
  • the child plays while suckling, eg pulling or biting the breast;
  • baby suckles lightly but does not extract milk.

How do I wean a baby?

When mom and baby decide it's time to stop breastfeeding, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the transition smoother.

Here are our tips for weaning your baby when the time is right:

1. Wean gradually. When you decide to wean a baby, remember the main thing: do it gradually. This is necessary so that both mother and baby can adapt to physical and emotional changes. In addition, the gradual cessation of breastfeeding helps mothers avoid problems such as engorgement and general breast discomfort.

2. Express milk. To prevent breast engorgement when breastfeeding is stopped, the mother may need to express her milk, especially if the baby is less than a year old. One way to reduce and gradually stop breast milk production is to express less and less milk so that less milk is produced. Since pumping stimulates the flow of milk, it is important to use the pump for a shorter time than the duration of feeding the baby. Gradually, milk production will decrease and eventually stop completely.

Check out the Natural Motion Electronic Breast Pump, which combines nipple stimulation and pumping like a baby does for natural and gentle pumping.​

3. Reduce the number of daily feedings by one every week. We recommend eliminating one of the daily feedings each week, such as feeding at noon or at another time, depending on which one the child likes the least. The latter, as a rule, exclude feeding before bedtime and immediately after waking up.

During the weaning period, the mother's breasts will continue to produce milk until she completely stops breastfeeding.

During this period, mums will love these soft bra pads to keep their clothes dry and clean all day long.

Check out this Natural bottle with an ultra-soft, breast-like nipple to help make the transition from breast to bottle easier.

4. Extra hugs may be needed. In addition to the physical changes that stopping breastfeeding brings, moms and babies will also experience emotional changes. During this period, you should hug the baby more often and express your love to him. Caress and other acts of love can help mother and baby retain the closeness and togetherness that breastfeeding has given them.

5. Introduce complementary foods at your baby's usual feeding times. Another way to help your baby adjust to change is to give him complementary foods at his usual feeding times. Babies who are a year old or older can substitute cow's milk for breast milk or offer other foods if the baby has already switched to solid foods.

We also recommend watching the webinar "How to End Breastfeeding Comfortably and Painlessly: Tips and Tricks".

Although weaning is the natural end to breastfeeding, a mother can make a huge difference in her baby's life at this stage. Along with a new sense of pride in a child who is growing and developing, it is quite natural for a mother to feel sadness. Breastfeeding creates a special bond between mother and baby. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers often find it difficult to say goodbye to breastfeeding.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask a specialist for their opinion.

Philips Avent Articles & Tips

Baby+ App

Download the app and track your baby's development and growth with trackers and keep those special moments forever.

Download app:

You are leaving the Philips Healthcare (“Philips”) official website. Any links to third party websites that may be included on this site are provided solely as a convenience to you. Philips makes no warranties regarding any third party websites or the information they contain.

I understand

You are about to visit a Philips global content page

Continue

You are about to visit the Philips USA website.

I understand

Which drinks help with lactation?

Here are some tasty options to keep your breastmilk and mood going strong!

  • Water. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is recommended that you drink more water than usual while breastfeeding. …
  • Infused water. …
  • Seltzer. …
  • Herbal tea. …
  • Almond milk. …
  • Fruit juice. …
  • Vegetable juice. …
  • Beer?

Therefore, how many pastries should I eat per day during lactation?

It may be helpful to cut back and have only one or two lactation cookies per day as a quick fix. If you feel like you need more ingredients to boost your milk production, try eating the ingredients in different forms.

Also a question: what fruits help to produce breast milk?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends the following fruits because they are all excellent sources of potassium and some also contain vitamin A:

  • cantaloupe.
  • melon.
  • bananas.
  • mango.
  • apricots.
  • prunes.
  • oranges.
  • red or pink grapefruit.

Also, does drinking water increase breast milk? A common myth about breast milk is that the more water you drink, the better your milk production will be, but this is not true. “ Just increasing the amount of liquid will not affect the volume of milk, unless you remove it,” said Zoppi. Drink enough water to quench your thirst, but don't overdo it.

Also, does Blue Gatorade help with milk production?

There is no evidence that any flavor of Gatorade increases supply. . Some moms have reported online that it has helped, but we see just as many moms who don't see any change. These moms just don't have the habit of writing about it.

Do Milky Mama's emergency brownies work?

Not only do they taste amazing, they really improve milk flow and the creamy texture of my milk! So far I have ordered from Milky Mama 3 times and my baby girl is not yet 4 months old. I'm an underproducer so I'm eat 1 emergency brownie a day to keep up ! … Milky Mama definitely helped my supply!

Contents

What is the best biscuit for lactation?

Best Overall: Majka Cookie Bites for Breastfeeding

While rest and fluids are key for milk production, a snack that combines lactagogues, healthy fats, and fiber can boost energy as well as production milk.

Is peanut butter good for lactation?

It may sound easy to eat one scoop of peanut butter, but it's the perfect snack for breastfeeding when you're breastfeeding and hungry. Peanut butter will help you boost your energy levels in anticipation of your next meal. Peanut butter is a source of healthy fats and aids in milk production.

Is an apple good for a nursing mother?

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is important when you are breastfeeding (and when you are not breastfeeding). Fresh fruits and vegetables are ideal, but you can also eat frozen if fresh is not available. Apples are a great reserve as you can easily find them all year round. .

Which foods reduce lactation?

Sage, mint, oregano, lemon balm, parsley and thyme Large amounts are said to reduce milk flow during breastfeeding. But don't panic: as long as you don't eat a lot of them, you'll probably be fine.

How to make breast milk fatter?

Squeezing and massaging the breast from the chest wall down to the nipple during feeding. and/or pumping helps push fat (formed on the back of the breast in the ducts) down to the nipple more quickly. Eat more healthy unsaturated fats like nuts, wild salmon, avocados, seeds, eggs, and olive oil.

Can I drink water at the same time while breastfeeding?

Drink water.

Keep a glass or bottle of water near your snack plate. The process of breastfeeding triggers a hormonal response that can make you feel thirsty when milk comes out. while Breastfed babies don't need water to stay hydrated Some babies tend to breastfeed more when it's hot outside.

Which foods reduce milk production?

Top 5 foods/drinks to avoid if you are low on milk:

  • Carbonated drinks.
  • Caffeine - coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
  • Vitamin C and Vitamin B Excess - Supplements or drinks with excess Vitamin C or B (vitamin water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus/juice.)

Which color of Gatorade helps breast milk?

There is no evidence to indicate any connection between Gatorade - green or any other color - and increased milk supply.

How can I increase my milk supply per night?

Take care of yourself with some sleep, drink more water and even tea during breastfeeding and enjoy physical contact with your baby . Over time, these small steps can lead to a significant increase in breast milk production.

Is tea good for a nursing mother?

You can still drink coffee or Torch while breastfeeding. However, stick to 2 cups of coffee or tea a day. Caffeine has been shown to pass into breast milk and may interfere with your baby's sleep.

Does tea increase breast milk?

Another option is to increase your fluid intake. fenugreek tea which may also help increase breast milk production.

How to quickly increase breast milk?

Read on to find out how to increase your milk supply quickly!

  1. Nurse on request. Your amount of milk depends on supply and demand. …
  2. Power pump. …
  3. Make cookies for breastfeeding. …
  4. Drink Premama Breastfeeding Support Mix. …
  5. Breast massage during breastfeeding or pumping. …
  6. Eat and drink more. …
  7. Get more rest. …
  8. Offer both sides when breastfeeding.

Are bananas good for lactation?

The amount of B6 in breast milk changes rapidly with diet. Eating fish, starchy vegetables (eg potatoes) and non-citrus fruits (eg bananas) will help you reach your recommended B6 requirements.

Is yogurt good for lactation?

Low fat dairy

Whether you prefer yogurt, milk or cheese, dairy products are an important part of healthy breastfeeding. Milk contains vitamin D, which strengthens bones. In addition to protein and B vitamins, dairy products are one of the best sources of calcium.

Are bananas good for breastfeeding?

The amount of B6 in breast milk changes rapidly with diet.

Learn more