What Should I Know About Gas in Breastfed Babies?

As a new parent, you may be surprised to find that your breastfed newborn is quite gassy. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal! Many breastfeeding newborns experience gas, and it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of gas in breastfed babies, provide tips to help your little one feel more comfortable, and discuss when to seek medical attention.

Why Do Breastfed Babies Get Gassy?

There are several reasons why your breastfed newborn may be gassy:

1. Swallowing air while breastfeeding: When your baby latches onto your breast, they may swallow air along with the breast milk. This can cause gas to build up in their tummy, leading to discomfort and fussiness.
2. Immature digestive system: Newborns have an immature digestive system that’s still learning how to process breast milk. This can lead to gas and other digestive issues.
3. Overactive letdown: If you have an overactive letdown reflex, your baby may gulp and swallow air while trying to keep up with the fast flow of breast milk.
4. Sensitivity to certain foods: Some breastfed babies may be sensitive to certain foods in their mother’s diet, such as dairy, spicy foods, or cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
5. Incorrect latch: If your baby isn’t latching onto your breast correctly, they may swallow more air while breastfeeding, leading to gas and discomfort.
6. Feeding position: Certain breastfeeding positions, such as lying flat on your back, can cause your infant to swallow more air while nursing.
7. Crying and fussiness: When babies cry, they tend to swallow more air, which can lead to gas and discomfort. This can create a vicious cycle, where the baby cries because they’re gassy, and then becomes gassier because they’re crying.
8. Oversupply of breast milk: If you have an oversupply of breast milk, your little one may gulp and swallow air while trying to keep up with the fast flow of milk. This can lead to gas, spit-up, and discomfort.
9. Foremilk-hindmilk imbalance: If your infant is only getting the foremilk (the milk that comes out first) and not enough of the hindmilk (the milk that comes out later), they may experience gas and discomfort. Foremilk is higher in lactose and lower in fat, while hindmilk is higher in fat and more calorie-dense.
10. Tongue-tie or lip-tie: If your baby has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, they may have difficulty latching onto your breast correctly, which can cause them to swallow more air while breastfeeding and lead to gas and discomfort.

Signs of Gas in Breastfed Babies

How do you know if your breastfed newborn is gassy? Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Crying and fussiness, especially after breastfeeding
• Squirming or pulling up their legs
• Bloated or hard tummy
• Excessive burping or passing gas
• Difficulty sleeping
• Spitting up more than usual
• Refusing to eat or pulling away from the breast
• Arching their back or seeming uncomfortable while breastfeeding
• Hiccups or sneezing frequently
• Grunting or straining while trying to pass gas or have a bowel movement

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What Should I Know About Drying Up My Breastmilk Supply?

Tips to Relieve Gas in Breastfed Babies

If your breastfed newborn is gassy, there are several things you can do to help relieve their discomfort:

1. Burp your infant frequently: Burping your baby during and after breastfeeding can help release trapped air and prevent gas buildup. Try burping them every 5-10 minutes during feedings, or whenever they take a break from nursing.
2. Try different breastfeeding positions: Some breastfeeding positions, such as the side-lying position or the football hold, can help reduce the amount of air your little one swallows while nursing. Experiment with different positions to see what works best for you and your baby.
3. Massage your baby’s tummy: Gently massaging your infant’s tummy in a clockwise direction can help move gas through their digestive system and relieve discomfort.
4. Use a warm compress: Placing a warm compress on your baby’s tummy can help soothe and relax their muscles, making it easier for gas to pass.
5. Consider your diet: If you suspect that certain foods in your diet may be contributing to your baby’s gas, try eliminating them for a few days to see if it makes a difference. Common culprits include dairy, spicy foods, and cruciferous vegetables.
6. Try infant gas drops: Over-the-counter infant gas drops, such as simethicone, can help break up gas bubbles in your little one’s digestive system and relieve discomfort.
7. Use a pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can help soothe your infant and reduce the amount of air they swallow while crying.
8. Avoid overfeeding: Overfeeding can cause your baby to swallow more air and lead to gas and spit-up. Watch for signs that your little one is full, such as turning away from the breast or falling asleep, and stop breastfeeding when they’re done.
9. Try bicycle legs: Gently cycling your infant’s legs in a bicycle motion can help move gas through their digestive system and relieve discomfort.
10. Use a baby wrap or carrier: Wearing your little one in a wrap or carrier can help soothe them and reduce crying, which can in turn reduce the amount of air they swallow and help prevent gas.
11. Consider probiotics: Some studies suggest that probiotics may help reduce gas and other digestive issues in breastfed babies. Talk to your pediatrician about whether probiotics may be right for your infant.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While gas is usually nothing to worry about, there are some cases where you should seek medical attention. Contact your pediatrician if:

• Your baby’s gas is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Your infant is not gaining weight or is losing weight
• Your little one’s gas is severe and doesn’t improve with home remedies
• Your baby seems to be in a lot of pain or discomfort
• You notice blood in your infant’s stool
• Your baby has a hard, swollen, or tender tummy
• Your little one is refusing to breastfeed or is eating less than usual
• Your infant is having fewer wet or dirty diapers than usual

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for breastfed babies to be gassy?

Yes, it’s completely normal for breastfed babies to be gassy. In fact, most infants experience gas at some point, regardless of whether they’re breastfed or formula-fed.

Can my diet cause gas in my breastfed baby?

Yes, certain foods in your diet can cause gas in your breastfed baby. Common culprits include dairy, spicy foods, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. If you suspect that your diet may be contributing to your little one’s gas, try eliminating the suspected foods for a few days to see if it makes a difference.

How can I tell if my baby is gassy?

Common signs of gas in breastfed babies include crying and fussiness (especially after breastfeeding), squirming or pulling up their legs, a bloated or hard tummy, excessive burping or passing gas, difficulty sleeping, spitting up more than usual, and refusing to eat or pulling away from the breast.

Can breastfeeding positions affect gas in babies?

Yes, certain breastfeeding positions can cause your infant to swallow more air while nursing, leading to gas and discomfort. Positions that keep your little one’s head higher than their stomach, such as the side-lying position or the football hold, can help reduce the amount of air they swallow.

How often should I burp my breastfed baby?

It’s a good idea to burp your breastfed baby every 5-10 minutes during feedings, or whenever they take a break from nursing. This can help release trapped air and prevent gas buildup.

Can infant gas drops help relieve gas in breastfed babies?

Yes, over-the-counter infant gas drops, such as simethicone, can help break up gas bubbles in your little one’s digestive system and relieve discomfort. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician before giving your baby any medication.

Why does my breastfed baby get gassy at night?

There are a few reasons why your breastfed baby may get gassy at night. One reason may be that they’re consuming more breast milk at night, which can lead to more gas production. Another reason may be that they’re swallowing more air while breastfeeding due to being tired or fussy. Additionally, infants tend to be more relaxed at night, which can make it easier for gas to pass through their digestive system.

Can a foremilk-hindmilk imbalance cause gas in breastfed babies?

Yes, a foremilk-hindmilk imbalance can cause gas and discomfort in breastfed babies. Foremilk is higher in lactose and lower in fat, while hindmilk is higher in fat and more calorie-dense. If your little one is only getting the foremilk and not enough of the hindmilk, they may experience gas, fussiness, and green, frothy stools.

How can I prevent my baby from swallowing air while breastfeeding?

To prevent your infant from swallowing air while breastfeeding, make sure they have a deep latch and are positioned correctly at the breast. Try different breastfeeding positions, such as the side-lying position or the football hold, which can help reduce the amount of air your little one swallows. Burp your baby frequently during and after feedings, and avoid overfeeding by watching for signs that your infant is full.

Can a tongue-tie or lip-tie cause gas in breastfed babies?

Yes, a tongue-tie or lip-tie can cause gas and discomfort in breastfed babies. If your little one has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, they may have difficulty latching onto your breast correctly, which can cause them to swallow more air while breastfeeding and lead to gas and discomfort. If you suspect that your infant has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, talk to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

Conclusion

Gas is a common issue for breastfed newborns, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. By understanding the causes of gas and trying some simple remedies, you can help your little one feel more comfortable and less gassy. Remember, every baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another. Be patient, stay calm, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant if you have any concerns. With a little time and patience, you and your baby will find a rhythm that works for both of you.