Maternal gas can be a severe cause of discomfort and pain for babies.
The infant’s digestive system is delicate for up to a year after birth.
Babies depend primarily on breast milk or formula milk for nutrition.
New parents and babies struggle with issues caused by maternal gas. The pain caused by gas may disturb the baby’s sleep and trigger excessive crying.
There is no definite answer to the question “does breastfeeding cause gas?’
Breastfeeding mothers are generally advised to stay away from food and drink that could cause gas in their bodies.
The gas in the mother’s body may flow into the infant’s body during breastfeeding.
What is Maternal Gas?
Studies show that formula-fed babies develop gas and other digestive issues more frequently than breastfed babies.
Several factors could trigger maternal gas. Improper latching and crying can also cause gas in babies.
When babies cry, they gulp a lot of air.
This air might flow into the digestive system or stomach and cause problems.
Further, their immature and underdeveloped stomachs and digestive systems are highly vulnerable to gastric issues.
The gas may not necessarily result from breast milk.
How to prevent and Manage Issues
The answer to the question “does breastfeeding cause gas?” is yes.
While babies are bound to experience maternal gas and related issues to some level, there are ways to prevent unnecessary problems.
You can also manage the situation to prevent it from worsening.
If you are a breastfeeding mother, you can pay attention to the following points to avoid gas-related issues in your baby.
Correct Latching Techniques
Improper latching is a predominant cause of maternal gas.
Improper latching triggers gastric issues and hinders smooth breastfeeding.
Your baby may not be able to consume the required quantity of milk if the latch is incorrect.
If there are gaps in the latch, air could enter the baby’s mouth and then the stomach as the baby tries to breastfeed.
Ensuring that the latching technique is proper and effective will help minimize issues.
Oversupply and Undersupply Issues
If there is an oversupply, the baby may gulp down excessive quantities of milk.
Gulping can easily cause gas trouble for the baby.
Infants tend to breastfeed whenever they are allowed to and for as long as they are allowed to feed.
The flow of excessive milk into the baby’s stomach may cause digestive problems and maternal gas.
Undersupply will also have the baby gulping for milk.
When there is an undersupply, the baby is likely to gulp excessive amounts of gas into his or her stomach.
Hence it’s essential to complement breastfeeding with additional formula feeding if the milk supply is inadequate.
Check Your Diet
Nutrients from the mother are passed on to the baby through breast milk.
Hence mothers are generally advised to stay away from acidic foods or foods that cause gastric reactions to prevent maternal gas in babies.
Eating in moderation will help prevent several maternal gas issues.
Consult Your Doctor
If your baby is experiencing problems related to maternal gas, it’s essential to consult a neonatologist or a pediatrician at the earliest.
Your doctor will help you identify and correct the issue that’s causing maternal gas.