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Colic is a common condition in newborns, characterized by prolonged periods of crying and discomfort, often due to gas pains. It can affect babies as young as a few days old and the symptoms can last for the first few months of life. As a new mother you may feel overwhelmed and think that it is due to some foods in your diet. Generally, the foods a mother eats do not directly affect a breastfeeding baby in terms of colic or gas pains. However, if you are feeling particularly concerned about your diet, certain foods can be consumed with caution to see if there is any improvement in your baby’s symptoms.
1. Spices: Indian cooking uses spices such as red chilli powder, black pepper and garam masala. These spices add flavour to your meals but they can also affect some babies. Try reducing the spice content in your food for a few days to see if it makes a difference to your baby’s crying and discomfort.
2. Leafy and Cruciferous Vegetables: Certain vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli etc. are known for their gas producing properties. These are packed with nutrients and should not be eliminated entirely. Cooking these vegetables thoroughly and incorporating them into dishes like soups or mixed vegetables with lighter spices can help in reducing their gas producing effect.
3. Dals and Legumes: Rajma, Chana, Masoor Dal, Toor Dal are staples in the Indian diet and also a rich source of protein especially for vegetarian mothers. Consuming adequate protein for a breastfeeding mother is essential as it helps the post-partum recovery. If you find that your baby is becoming fussy after you have consumed these foods, try soaking them overnight and cooking them with digestive spices like asafoetida, cumin seeds and ginger. These spices help in digestion and may reduce the gas forming effects of dals and legumes.
4. Dairy Products: Dairy products often cause digestive discomfort. If your baby is lactose intolerant or is sensitive to cow or buffalo milk, avoid dairy products like milk, cheese, yoghurt and paneer completely for a week or so & see if there is any improvement. Keep in mind that there should be no milk even in your tea or coffee.
5. Caffeine: Caffeine in moderation is generally safe but too much caffeine can sometimes cause irritability or sleep disturbances in babies. Cut down on caffeinated beverages and switch to herbal teas with ajwain or fennel.
Keep in mind that every baby is different and what affects one might not affect another. Generally, foods consumed by a breastfeeding mother do not cause colic or gas in the baby. However, if you are very concerned, try these dietary modifications for a few days and see if there is a difference in your baby’s comfort levels.
By
Sonali Shivlani
Sonali Shivlani is a pregnancy and parenting consultant with over 20 years of experience. As the founder of Baby360degrees – www.baby360degrees.com, she offers both online and offline pregnancy and parenting classes, and is a visiting consultant at PD Hinduja Hospital and Women’s Hospital, Khar, Mumbai. Sonali is also the Executive Director of CAPPA India, a training institute which trains and certifies birth professionals across the country. She has authored multiple books, serves on the expert panel of several parenting websites and has been a guest speaker at national and international events and conferences.
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