Colic & Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Among the many concerns an expecting or new mother may have, one of the most common and challenging is colic in breastfed babies—a condition that affects about one in five infants and can be both puzzling and frustrating. In this article, we’ll explore what colic is and how it may be linked to mum's breastfeeding diet, including potential intolerance to certain foods. We’ll also share gentle tips on dietary adjustments, including foods to avoid, to help reduce colic symptoms. Understanding colic and its potential nutritional connections can empower you to make choices that comfort you and your little one.

Colic In Breastfed Babies

Colic is one of the more challenging problems a new parent can face. Colicky babies often have their episodes in the evening, making it even more challenging for already-tired parents who desperately want peace and quiet. Naturally, it’s heartbreaking to watch your infant suffer and not know why, and colic is all the more frustrating because it doesn’t seem to have any particular trigger. The baby’s behavior during these episodes can be unpredictable, and no amount of soothing seems to help.

What is Colic and How Does it Affect Babies?

According to medical research, infantile colic is defined as an infant crying intensely for three or more hours a day, three or more days a week, for three or more weeks. The peak of colic happens when an infant is about six weeks old and declines after it reaches three or four months of age. It can happen to any baby, whether breastfed or given baby formula, male or female, premature or full-term.

Symptoms of colic include: 

• Intense, often high-pitched crying that resembles screaming or an expression of pain 
• Crying without an obvious cause, such as hunger or a dirty diaper
• Intense fussiness that continues even after the crying stops or declines 
• Predictable timing of crying episodes that occur especially in the late afternoon or early evening 
• Facial discoloration such as a reddened face or pale mouth 
• Body tension in the legs, arms, fists, back, or abdomen 
• Colic episodes followed by a bowel movement or passing of gas that may bring temporary relief 
• The baby closing their eyes tight or opening them wide, furrowing their brow, or even holding their breath 
• Crying that disrupts eating and sleeping patterns  

It’s important to note that colic is a condition that occurs in otherwise healthy babies. If your baby is intensely crying regurarly, it’s important to rule out the possibility of a non-colic cause that is leading to pain or discomfort in your baby, such as illness. If your infant experiences excessive crying, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to see if an underlying cause can be found instead of assuming that it must be colic. Together, you will be able to determine if your baby does indeed have colic.

Can Mother's Milk Cause Infant Colic?

Understanding the actual cause of colic can be incredibly challenging, not to mention the frustrating aspect of it all. Mothers, especially those who are breastfeeding, are often considered a vulnerable group in research due to the potential risks to both mother and baby. As a result, conducting clinical research on mothers and their infants in certain areas is considered unethical, making it even harder to pinpoint the real reason behind colic.

The exact cause of infant colic is unknown, but multiple factors may contribute. These include gastrointestinal distress, food allergies, sensitivities in the mother's diet, overstimulation, acid reflux, or a genetic predisposition to conditions like migraines.

Recent studies suggest that a mother's diet may affect colic, especially when certain allergens are involved. Removing foods like dairy has shown some promise in reducing symptoms for some babies, but the evidence is mixed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises consulting a pediatrician before making dietary changes.  

Learn more: Can Your Diet Affect The Quality of Breast Milk?

What Foods Cause Colic In Breastfed Babies?

Common Allergens 

To prevent colic in breastfed babies, it's important to understand what foods cause colic in breastfed babies. While the exact cause remains unclear, some babies may experience discomfort due to certain foods in the mother's diet. We will now guide you through foods to avoid during breastfeeding to prevent colic, focusing on the connection between a mother's diet and colic. Remember, every baby is unique, so what works for one may not work for another.

Certain foods can help ease colic symptoms in babies, while others may trigger discomfort. Common culprits include dairy, caffeine, and acidic foods, which can cause gassiness, restlessness, or digestive issues. By understanding how your mom's diet for a colic baby can impact your little one's comfort, you can make informed choices for a smoother feeding experience.

What to avoid when breastfeeding if your baby has colic:

Learn more about postpartum diet and essential elements for proper postpartum nutrition.

Breastfeeding Diet for a Colic-Free Baby

While many sources suggest a list of foods to eat while breastfeeding to avoid colic, there is no concrete scientific evidence to confirm that specific foods can definitively prevent colic. However, it is widely accepted that maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, rich in a variety of nutritious foods, benefits both the mother and the baby.

A mom's diet for a colic baby may include foods that promote overall health and digestion, such as:

•  Plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Fruits and non-cruciferous vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Mushrooms
• Tea
• Apple cider vinegar

Research suggests that the gut health of babies with colic can differ from those without, with certain imbalances sometimes causing tummy troubles that lead to discomfort and more crying. Supporting a healthy gut may help ease these symptoms, and specific probiotic strains, like Lactobacillus reuteri, have shown promise in reducing colic symptoms, especially in breastfed babies.

For moms wanting to try probiotics, you might think about foods like kombucha, yogurt, kefir, and kimchi. While these can be great for gut health, some contain allergens like dairy, wheat, or soy, and kombucha has trace amounts of alcohol. So, if you're breastfeeding, a doctor-approved probiotic supplement might be a gentler, safer option.

If you’re considering any changes to your diet to help with colic, whether it’s probiotics or an elimination diet, it’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider or dietitian who can offer support for you and your baby’s nutrition, making sure you both stay happy and healthy.

Learn more: What to Eat While Breastfeeding

A Light at the End of the Tunnel

At the end of the day, the unfortunate truth is that there is no “cure” for colic. However, the good news is that colic doesn't last forever. Whether or not you make dietary changes, it will eventually pass as your baby matures. The key is to remember that colic is not your fault. While it's natural to want to do everything possible to ease your baby's discomfort, you should never feel guilty about it. Focus on doing your best to care for both yourself and your baby, and know that, sooner or later, the colic will come to an end.

While mom diet for colic baby may help, colic typically resolves naturally as babies grow, often by 3 to 4 months of age. Ongoing research into probiotics, lactose reduction, and hydrolyzed formulas has yet to provide conclusive evidence that these methods universally reduce colic symptoms. For now, the most effective approach remains supportive care, which includes comforting techniques and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes of distress.

FAQs - What Can You Eat While Breastfeeding

1. Can breastfeeding mom eat sushi?

This is one of the most common breastfeeding myths. Yes, you can eat sushi while breastfeeding. You can also eat sushi while you are pregnant, however specific conditions need to be adhered to, so you don’t expose your baby to any foods or nutrients that are deemed unsuitable.

Sushi made using fully cooked fish, veggies, and/or vegan alternatives is safe to eat when breastfeeding. Consider fish low in mercury, such as shrimp or salmon, that has been prepared in a sanitary environment where there is no risk of cross-contamination with raw fish or seafood.

You can bulk your sushi rolls with sweet potato, cucumber, rice, and other vegetables to prepare a rounded and balanced meal. If you’re unsure about eating sushi while breastfeeding, you can consult your doctor or lactation consultant for further guidance.

2. Can breastfeeding mothers eat honey?

Yes, it is safe to eat honey while breastfeeding. The question stems from the nutritional guidance that says babies under 12 months old cannot consume honey. This is because the spores that are found in honey, increase the risk of botulism which could lead to serious illness for your baby. The spores are too large to be transferred to your baby through breast milk.

Consuming honey in any form, raw or pasteurized, is safe for breastfeeding mums and babies. Honey has antioxidants, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The recommended amount for women to consume is no more than 6 teaspoons due to the high sugar content. It should be consumed in moderation to avoid weight gain, diabetes, or any other adverse health effects (1).

If you’re unsure whether honey is ok to include in your diet while breastfeeding, you can get further clarification from your doctor.

3. Can you eat peanut butter while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can safely eat peanut butter while breastfeeding, if there is no family history of nut allergies. 

Some studies suggest that introducing peanut products while breastfeeding might lower the risk of your baby developing a peanut allergy. As long as you consume peanut butter in moderation, such as two sandwiches a day, it should not harm your baby. However, overconsumption could potentially increase the chance of your baby developing a peanut allergy, as excess peanut butter can pass through breast milk (2).

If you have concerns about food allergies, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor or health visitor. They can guide you on how to safely introduce new foods to your diet and monitor any reactions, especially if there’s a family history of allergies or if your baby has shown signs of sensitivity to peanuts.

4. Can you eat pate while breastfeeding?

Eating pâté while breastfeeding should be done with caution, depending on the type of pâté you're considering. There are two main types of pâtés: meat-based and liver-based.

While breastfeeding, or during pregnancy, the consumption of meat and liver-based pâtés is discouraged because they are more likely to contain Listeria. Listeria is a type of bacteria which can cause food poisoning and can lead to serious health complications for newborns or young children. Liver-based products also contain a high amount of Vitamin A which can be harmful to your baby.

However, the Cleveland Clinic suggests that most foods are safe to eat while breastfeeding, as long as they’re part of a well-rounded diet. If you’re craving pâté, you might want to consider vegetable pâté instead of meat-based pâté. Vegetable pâté is generally considered safe to eat while breastfeeding.

Although the chances of transmitting listeria to your baby through breastfeeding are considerably low, it’s encouraged that you choose other alternatives which are safer for you and baby.

To ensure the safety of your diet while breastfeeding, it's important to:

• Choose meat-based pâté made from fully cooked ingredients.
• Avoid liver-based pâté or liver products in excess.
• Maintain a balanced and varied diet to provide essential nutrients to you and your baby.

If you have concerns about consuming pâté while breastfeeding, you can always consult your doctor or a lactation consultant for more information.

5. Can you eat chocolate while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can eat chocolate while breastfeeding. Chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine and the stimulant theobromine (3), but the amount in chocolate is unlikely to affect your baby unless consumed in large quantities. Dark chocolate has higher levels of theobromine, while milk and white chocolate have less (4).

Most people can enjoy chocolate in moderation without issues. However, if your baby shows signs like irritability or sleep problems, try reducing your chocolate intake. Symptoms should subside within 3 to 7 days. Enjoy chocolate, but in moderation!

Source materials:

(1) Kaczor, A. Can I Eat Honey While Breastfeeding? Is It Safe? Pregnancy Food Checker. https://www.pregnancyfoodchecker.com/eat-honey-breastfeeding-safe/ (on 13.12.2022)

(2) Nursing Moms (2019). Can you eat peanut butter while breastfeeding? https://nursingmoms.net/can-you-eat-peanut-butter-while-breastfeeding/ (on 13.12.2022)

(3) Hure, A. et al. (2020). Dietary Practices During Pregnancy and Lactation. In Nutrition and Lifestyle for Pregnancy and Lactation. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532500/ (on 18.11.2024)

(4) La Leche League Canada (2022). Chocolate and breastfeeding. https://www.lllc.ca/chocolate-and-breastfeeding (on 18.11.2024)