Is There Anyone Who Has Continued with Normal Diet Successfully?

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jeanne

I have pretty much eaten what I want and my daughter has been fine (7 months old). I don't eat sushi, I limit my fish and seafood and very limited caffenie and an occasional beer after she goes to bed. Other than that, I eat whatever. I have heard that eating a varied diet while breastfeeding helps them develop a more varied palate. My daughter has never been colicky but some phases have been fussier than others. I personally don't believe it has much to do with diet, but some of my friends swear that certain foods make their babies gassy. Maybe it is different for each child. good luck!

Hi L., I am a mother of 5, 3 boys and 2 girls, basically they are all grown except for my two youngest boys. But, when I breastfeed I maintained my same diet, just added a little more fluid, milk, juice, especially water; but otherwise ate everything I always ate before breastfeeding. It didn't affect any of my kids adversely. They all have very healthy appetites, I didn't have any digestive problems with any of them, no gas, constipation or anything.
My advice, maintain whatever you eat, if you see you child reacting differently because maybe you ate to much of a gassy food you might want to cut down, but as for starting a special diet because of breastfeeding..I personally wouldn't advise it.
I hope that helps....Good Luck!!

Doctors actually recommend that a breastfeeding mother keep a varied diet so as to expose the baby to all sorts of different tastes in the breastmilk. They say that those babies eat better and healthier in the long run. = )
So keep your varied diet!
I took peanuts/peanut butter out of my diet, so as to not expose my two to peanut proteins before they were one year of age. New research is saying now that maybe that's not necessary, but I figure better safe than sorry until they know for sure.
I think a lot of people change their diet when breastfeeding to help them make more milk - eating a lot of oatmeal, etc.
Also, while they do say that some green vegs like broccoli supposedly cause gas in babies, I didn't see that in my two (and I love broccoli), all kids are different, so if you have a recurring problem with the baby you might want to change one thing at a time with your diet to see if that is the solution. However, all babies are fussy sometimes, so unless it is an extreme or recurring problem, I wouldn't worry about it.

Good luck!

Hi L.,

The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins is a great resource. I breastfed my 3 children. My daughter, now 10, for 14 months beacause I also went back to teaching. I did pump for a long while, then she weaned herself. My boys, now 6 and 3, both nursed about 2 1/2 years and I had to wean them. My daughter was very projectile, my first boy was quite fussy and my 3rd spit up like any other baby. I did not change my diet much and also love spicy foods. I do believe that the babies react to what we eat and all in different degrees. For me it was the cabbage type veggies. You have to think about how your own body reacts to certain foods, and the little ones will react similarly. All babies have gas as they are developing. Mylocon drops work great! Get the book as a reference. I know many who have found it helpful. Good luck, enjoy the precious one and be proud of yourself for nursing her!

The only "alteration" to my diet that I did when I was exclusively breastfeeding was to limit my caffeine to a reasonable amount, and to try to make sure I wasn't just grabbing junk food. Basically the same that I did while pregnant. Both my boys were just fine with my diet, although I did notice that if I ate a LOT of cheese the younger one would not poo for a while (which I would then fix by eating something high in fiber). In fact, they were both very receptive to a variety of foods, including curry, etc., when we got them on table food. Just remember that mothers across the world continue to eat whatever is available and nurse their children - your body is designed to do this properly with a reasonable diet :) Which isn't to say that some children aren't sensitive - certainly some are - but except for allergies it can actually be good for them to adjust to certain sensitivities during this phase. Perhaps not as much fun for you, if they are fussy due to gas, but not a health risk to them ;) I'm sure you are doing an excellant job!

I eat whatever I want and my baby is fat and happy.

Hi L.,

I am a 43 year old mother of two wonderful children. Now ages 10 and 5. I nursed both of them, she for 9 months and he for 1 year. In each case, they weaned themselves from breast milk. I probably could have nursed at least until age 2, since I so enjoyed the experience.

Anyway, I did not give up a single thing. I even drank coffee (2-3 cups every morning) and espresso. My mother assured me that when she had us, she never gave up a single thing, and that our generation was over reacting. I did have some girlfriends who thought I was insane. Even drank softdrinks or iced teas at lunch. In any case, the one thing I can say, is that your 3 month old daughter is probably crying because she has started teething. This is about the time it starts.

There was one time when I was nursing when I remember eating broccoli and thought this was making my daughter uncomfortable. Her pediatrician had recommended Mylocon drops and this truly helped with gas.

As a new mother, so many things will seem overwhelming at times. And I remember wondering the same thing about my diet. In time, I realized that fussiness, etc. had nothing to do with my diet. It's just what some babies will do.

Do you have a copy of 'What to Expect the First Year'? If not, I highly recommend it. I referenced it often.

The baby years truly go so quickly. Cherish every moment and enjoy the time. Take lots of pictures and be sure to date them all. Someday looking back, it will be hard to distinguish when they were taken if you don't date them. This was an advice I had gotten as a new mom. And to this day, I still regret not labeling all photos.

Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and enjoy your baby girl. Good-luck! Feel free to e-mail me personally if you have any questions. Gloria B.

I ate the same diet during pregnancy and all while breastfeeding as I did before. There were times when my daughter was fussy and gassy but I could never figure out what caused it as it always seemed something different. I just continued as I was and everything was great! If you notice that she is a little gassy, just "bicycle" her legs and help her get it out. They tend to like that even if they're not gassy. Good luck!

Hi L.! I breastfed my first son with no changes in my diet, and nursed him well beyond age 2 with no difficulties for either of us. I now have a 14 month old son who I am also breastfeeding with no dietary changes, and have had a smooth, and wonderful time of it with him as well.

Hi L.! Just wanted to let you know that I ate normally the whole time I breastfed my son (9 months) and I never felt like anything I ever ate bothered him- even when I had a diet coke or an occasional glass of wine or spicy food. It was just so nice to not be pregnant anymore (and sick to my stomach)that I wanted to enjoy eating whatever I felt like:) Unless you really notice that every time you eat something your baby is extra gassy or fussy, I wouldn't worry about it. Take care:) S.

L.,

I am the mother of 6 children all of whom I have breastfed and most for 2 years each. I will wean my 6th this March as she will be 2 on the 29th. In short, I have never changed my diet. I am not much of a milk drinker so I always try to drink more milk or increase other sources of calcium but other than that I make no changes. My kids adjust as does my own body to the frequency and needs of the child. If you have the time and desire to research which foods, if any, are causing these occasional symptoms in your child then I think you should. However, if you do not, as many moms don't, then that's okay as well and you and your beautiful daughter should be just fine!

Hi L.

I breastfed my daughter and counsel breastfeeding women. There is a lot of information out there on breastfeeding and it can be confusing. Whenever you eliminate foods from your diet you run the risk of nutritient deficiencies, eliminating brussel sprouts won't cause a deficiency but eliminating all vegetables might. You should continue eating a variety of foods. Sometimes some foods can cause gas (in adults and babies), gas is normal, obviously sometimes uncomfortable. Babies get fussy for many reasons. The best "diet" for most breastfeeding moms is to eat a variety of foods, which sounds like you are. Occassionally if baby has food allergies or is sensitive to certain foods Mom will need to eliminate that food(s). If it is a food sensitivity, you can introduce that food or foods back into your diet when baby gets older and has a more mature digestive system. If you are really concerned about it you can keep a food diary for a week(write down everything you eat and when), and keep a diary of your baby's temperment and see if there is a connection. You can also talk to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant. Good luck.

Hi L.,

Please don't buy into the special diet stuff. You are right to question why people seem to get so caught up into that. Many women do have diet/feeding related problems, but most don't. Be concerned about your diet only if something is wrong. If your daughter has a problem with any food you eat you will notice it (Brussel Sprouts definitely give gas!). Eat what you like. If your daughter doesn't have a problem, then you can feel confident about what you are currently eating, and you seem to have a good sense of nutrition. Other than that, there are no do's and don'ts. Enjoy! I have successfully breast-fed both my kids, and never ate anything special. They are both fabulously healthy.
Jen

I never altered my diet with my first son and breastfed him for over two years. He had bouts of fussiness which could have been something I ate, or it could have been normal baby fussiness. I'm also breastfeeding my second son. No diet alterations and he's fine.

I'd only worry about it if she is constantly fussy, not just an isolated incidence here and there.

I kept a pretty regular diet, but a baby nurse told me to stay away from tomatoes and tomato sauce until you're done breastfeeding. Tomatoes are very acidic and can give the babies bad gas and belly aches.
J.

Hi L., you're doing just fine. You and your baby's bodies are going to be different from other people's, and you need to eat as broad a spectrum of foods as you both can handle. I personally eat almost exactly as I did before, except I avoid large amounts of hot peppers (i.e., spicy tacos, chili, etc.) because they give my son a wicked butt rash. Other than that, we eat everything. My son is also three months old (tomorrow!), and has been a bit more fussy, too. It could be that your daughter is crying more because her sleep patterns are changing and she's a bit over-tired, she may be tired because she's in a growth spurt, or she may be pre-teething - there are so many things that emerge as they develop that I would think that something that's been consistent all along (your diet) would not cause new fussiness. As long as she's having normal poops, doesn't have butt rash, and doesn't have gas (do you have Mylicon drops?), I would look to causes other than your diet. Hope this helps!

Don't worry about what you eat unless there is a strong history of allergies in your family. There is a small connection between gassiness and the foods you eat. If gas, is all you are worried about, then just steer clear of those foods you know cause gas (brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, etc.). There is no need to change your diet unless you want to change it for yourself. But, of course, DON'T diet to lose weight. The breastfeeding will help that. I used to eat everything from Thai to Indian to Mexican (minus the beans) with both of my boys and now my oldest eats spicier foods than I (of course, that is probably a gene he inherited from his dad). We have not found out with the second cause he is only 10 months. However, with my second, it didn't matter what I did or didn't eat, he still had a lot of gas and consitpation even with breastfeeding. My oldest was the polar opposite. I learned, rather quickly, that it is just the way babies are, fussy at times for no apparent reason and one thing may bother them one day and the next time it won't bother them. It is a lot of work to really figure out what foods, if any, are upsetting the tummy. If you suspect gas, try some Little Tummies or a warm bath. THey always help my youngest. Hope this helps...

This is actually just "kid dependent." Some kids ARE sensitive to certain things. Some kids seem to tolerate ANYTHING. You just have to play it by ear. I breastfed my three children (the longest up to 17 mos and am currently still BF the last one) and the ONLY dietary concession I ever made was not drinking alcohol and breastfeeding.

As far as certain foods making babies gassy, once again, it's "baby dependent" but if it isn't causing significant discomfort, who cares? Everyone passes gas, it's just how the digestive tract works! So don't let it bother you unless it seems that EVERY time you eat that one particular food, your baby seems to be in distress or uncomfortable.

As long as the fussy periods aren't too long or seem painful, you'll know a painful cry if you hear it, a normal diet is good for your baby. The more exposure you "give her" now the more foods she'll eat when she gets older because she's been exposed to the taste. If you find some times it seems like it might bother her belly or give her gas, there is an all natural herbal remedy that my pediatrician gave me called Baby Bliss Gripe Water. It's meant for that and helps me son a ton when he needs it, and since it's natural you don't have to feel bad using it. Good luck.

Hi L., I am mom to 4 and Breastfed all for 18 mo - 2 yrs. I am now breastfeeding my 5 month old. The only dietary changes I made are the same I made for pregnancy... mainly an effort to make every calorie count, cut out junk and increase protien. I do cut down a bit on peanuts and peanut butter as I don't want to over expose my kids. I eat a lot of similar foods to you and I think its great. Research has shown that babies actually do recognize a change in breastmilk related to whatever foods you are eating. My kids are good eaters an love their veggies etc. My only suggestion other than to cut down on junk and candy is to watch your baby carefully if she seems to be fussy consistently after eating a particular food. Babies do get fussy and I know people are quick to blame what you eat but in my experience more often it is something else causing the trouble....an itchy tag, gas from gulping her milk, overstimulation or tiredness or even boredom. Good luck and enjoy your varied diet!

Hi L.,

I'm a mom of three 22, 21, and 8. I breast fed each for about 2yrs.

My diet has always remained the same. I have heard other people say all these other things about what you eat makes a difference in your milk.

I just never had that happen. I eat a from what I am told by my doctor a very healthy diet, but I am overweight.
My husband says if I were an animal I would be a bear, as I have a bear diet.
I eat as many berries as I can get my hand on, on any given day, any kind will do. Berries are wonderful and are full of so many wonderful things for us.
I also eat lots of nuts, all kinds; I do eat meats salmon is my favorite, but I also eat red meats about once or twice a week. Bacon is also good.
I drink three beverages. Water, Coffee with lots , and occasional margarita's or beer.

Three months is a good age as you and she will probably have settled into a feeding routine by now, and you usually know what her problem is. She is probably onto drama #2 Teething!
Oh the joy.
Fever, Crying, and Diahrea are all common symptoms of teething so get out the motrin. Don't worry as soon as you have conquered one issue another is always around the corner.

Best of Luck and Enjoy every minute, it goes by soooo quickly!

It could just be teething, that always makes my son a bit fussy for a week. My son is almost 11 months old now and I have always eat whatever I want, though I have always tended to eat healthy. Take you vitamins.It doesn't hurt to check a temperature, a fever could mean an ear infection. Good luck.

The only weird thing I noticed, when my son was still milk only, was when I ate a larger than normal amount of green vegetables, my sons poop would be green, instead of a "brown mustard" color. It was kinda amusing to monitor my diet that way. (But then again, I'm a nurse.) LOL. :)

I remember being told to aviod chocolate, broccoli, and anything spicy. Other than that, you should be fine. Sounds like you may need to only make some minor adjustments. I have a vegan friend whose baby is very gassy, due to the high fiber content of her diet. Anything in moderation........
N. B.

Eat what you like. Think of all the cultures around the world and their eating habbits. Do you think people who eat spicy food ie. curries, chilies and the like change their eating habbits just because they are breastfeeding... no. Both of my children have sucessfully lived through my love for spicy food and were fine. Good Luck.

I exclusively bf my DD unhtil about 8 months (she is now 2) - I simply continued with the fairly normal diet that I had kept while I was pregnant - that is other than the few items that the drs specifically say no to I pretty much ate what I wanted - so I think what you are doing is fine - if you notice something (i.e. daughter being extra gassy or fussy) maybe try to re-adjust a little, but if she is fine I say don;t worry about it - if its helpful I recall that dr said whatever you had eaten the baby would be getting in 4-6 hours

When my son (who is now 2 1/2) was brestfeeding I continued to eat as I had before. I also like things like curry and salsa. I ate dairy, peanuts and veggies and meat. There was one time when my son wa slike a week old that I figured he had some gas pains, butother than that he was fine.

From what my friends told me who did have issues with what they ate while breastfeeding, you would know it if you baby were being made uncomfortable by what you ate. It would be like colic (or really probably is what causes colic) with hours and hours of crying each day. You would also be able to cut out big grouops of things, like all dairy, to narrow it down.

I wouldn't worry about it. I found my son would go through phases where he cried more or less, but I really think the gas pains caused by what you eat would be a different cry that you woul recognize.

L.,

Life is way too short to begin worrying about everything you put in your mouth... Your baby has been thriving on your diet since in your womb... Because she is breast-fed, she is BEST fed... YOU are the expert on your daughter. I breast fed all of my children and continued to eat a varied diet. If she is consistently fussy after one particular type of meal, maybe eliminate it and see how she does... Other than that, enjoy her... they are small for such a short amount of time. =)

Working My Way,

B. M. Pippin
www.moms-work.com

YES! I have a four month old baby and have continued my normal diet. Well, that's not quite true. I am more conscious about getting at least two servings of dairy in and aim for at least five of fruits and veggies. But that's just good general health. I eat some spicy foods occasionally but no five alarm stuff. I wonder if your daughter is going through a growth spurt...

L.,
I once got some really great advice from a Lactation Consultant....when I asked her about special diets etc...what to eat and what not to eat! She replied: What do the women in Mexico or India or China do? they eat their normal diets...so she told me not to avoid certain foods. I drink milk like a fish! I eat spicy foods in moderation. I eat eggs and peanut butter...and all is well. Every now and then something might upset her a little! And I just make a mental note that I may want to leave that off the buffet next time! Best of luck and remember...sometimes in today's society we have can get INFORMATION OVERLOAD! Go with your gut...your a mom and your instincts will keep you straight!

Hello L.,

I found that during breast feeding my diet was much more restricted then when I was pregnant. I found that tomatoes, which are VERY acidic made my child fussy. My other friend found that too much milk did it. So everyone's body produces milk differently and every baby responds differently. This does not last forever, they do grow out of it when their little tummies develop more. Try eliminating one thing at a time. I would take the tomatos out and stick to a meat and a starch for a while. If that seems ok, start slowly adding veggies and fruit one by one. Bananas are usually ok by anything with too much acid can be brutal at her age.

I actually became somewhat of a master breast feeder, so please feel free to ask me any more questions. I successfully nursed both my kids for a year. You can do it. Try looking for a La Leche League meeting. They are a breast feeding support group. Its a great way to find information and meet people going through the same issues.

Hope that help,

J.

I had those same doubts when my baby had fussy days at 2-3 months of age. I tried eliminating suspicious foods from my diet one at a time when my baby had reflux. Like onions, dairy, etc. There was no difference. I know some mothers who has given up a certain food in their diet and it made a difference for their baby. It is so different from one to an other. Our pediatrician said that variety is probably the best way to go. A regular diet that is healthy is the best I believe. Make sure that you are getting all food groups and don't have too much of anything. My baby is now 6 months old and what I eat has made no difference so far. I keep a regular diet. I did stay away from gas producing foods though when she was very little. Who knows, there are so many other reasons babies get fussy. I hope this helps.

i ate everything normally when i was nursing. the doctor said i might avoid tomatoes in case the baby didn't like the acid in the tomatoes; well, she told me that 3 days into a gazpacho binge, and i didn't notice any rejection by the baby. now he loves tomatoes and lots of other foods that babies don't normally like -- broccoli, cauliflower, tofu, lamb -- i think he was exposed to a variety of flavors through my milk which has rubbed off onto his diet. babies have gas because their system is new and they're working through getting up to speed -- there's no way to avoid gas, and plus they don't yet know how to hide a fart, like adults do, so maybe they don't actually suffer more than adults do, they just don't know how to hide it.

i'd say, just eat what you want. a happy mommy makes a happy baby.

It's completely fine to eat the way you are! I breastfeed my three children and never changed a thing about the way I ate, other than the obvious like no alcohol, etc. Take everything you read with a grain of salt. Good luck :)

Hi L.,

First off, congratulations on the birth of your daughter. I hope you are adjusting to being a new at-home mom and are enjoying your beautiful baby.

I just wanted to comment that I breastfed both of my children eating a totally normal diet. I eat a largely vegetarian diet (I don't eat red meat at all) and I think my children benefitted from having a variety of flavors in the breastmilk.

My son is almost 5 now. I weaned him at 20 months. He is known at preschool for being the kid that will eat almost anything. As a baby, he was an easy and enthusiastic eater, weighing 20 pounds after being exclusively BF at 6 months of age. He is now a lean and strong, active boy.

My daughter is 22 months (24 pounds). She weaned herself (after my son, I didn't think kids even were capable of this) at 18 months. She is a pretty good eater. She was born at 37 weeks and was a tiny baby (12.2 pounds at 6 months), but her pediatrician wasn't worried about her size because she was steadily growing on her growth curve. I did supplement her with bottles of breastmilk and formula when necessary. I didn't alter my diet when BFing her, either.

Maybe your daughter is hitting a growth spurt and that's why she's crying more? Put her to the breast and see if she's hungry. I nursed both my kids on demand (pretty much) until they weaned.

Good luck,

N. in MD

My daughter is 10 weeks, I eat my usual diet- lots of fruits, veggies, beans, tomatoes, everything- no problems. She has a lot of gas, but is never bothered by it- and that is what is important to remember. We all have gas, some of us a lot, but no problem if we/they are not bothered by it. I did have 4 cups of decaf coffee with too many chocolates over the holidays- she was relly fussy- but who knows if that was just a normal fussy or related to the food. All kids will be fussy. So my opinion is to eat whatever you normally eat (well balanced, of course) and only vary it if there seems to be a pattern of intolerance (or the pediatrician/lactation consultant) tells you otherwise.

Hi L. P,
I breastfed both of my children-my lactation nurse reassured me that a "typical" diet is okay just make sure that you increase your intake of calcium-dairy can produce gas though- I ate lots of organic yogurt, I craved salsa and other spicy foods- temper them with pure water- red meat is more difficult to digest (I don't eat pork- you can never cook it enough for the parasites to die)-fish is a good source of omega 3- fresh veggies etc... You are your child's best advocate- don't eat anything that you wouldn't give to a 2-year old and you'll be okay! I proud of you for breastfeeding- I had cracked nipples, mastitis etc... it was difficult but with support my babies had substabtially less formula and are the better for it! Take care, L

I have breastfed 3 children and each one was different. My first was fine with my regular diet with the exception of broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. The second had colic and some reflux issues so was more sensitive (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, spicy foods . . . ) The third is almost a year old and is still breastfeeding and hasn't had a problem with any part of my diet. This is what I discovered: if your child is otherwise healthy (no colic, GERD, etc . . .) then eat what you normally eat. If the food would upset your stomach or give you a lot of gas, the same may hold true for them so hold off. As for the increased crying at 3 months - she's going through a growth spurt and is starting to really become aware and completely engaged in the world around her. She may be discovering new things that bug her. Or she could just be a little fussy. Trust your gut instinct. You are the expert on your child. A seasoned mom of 5 once told me not to second guess my instincts on my children; to trust myself as the expert on them. And, 99 times out of 100, she's been right! Hope this helps.

A stay-at-home mom of 3 (5, 3 1/2, 1)

I didn't go on any special diet, I just tried to be more aware of eating foods from all food groups and getting proper nutrition. Every baby is different. If your baby is letting you eat all kinds of foods then go for it. Some things that gave my baby gas were chocolate, cabbage, and broccoli. When I did eat something that gave him gas, I would just give him "little tummies" to help with the discomfort and then try to not eat that again. But luckily for me, there wasn't much I had to avoid. A general rule of thumb is, if something your eating is bothering your baby it will usually affect her about 3-4 hours after you have ate it, or usually the 2nd feeding after the meal "you" ate. So if you had breakfast and 9:00 and lunch at 12:00 and then fed baby at 2:00...it's probably what you had for breakfast that affected her, not lunch.

I hope this helps... Good Luck!

Hi!
I have been breastfeeding my daughter for almost 7 months. I have never watched what I ate...just that I was getting enough water to keep producing that milk! I am a balanced eater with a splurge here and there. If your daughter is doing fine, be thankful you haven't needed a special diet.

I there haven't been any foods so far that have been a definite problem by this point, then I don't think it's food that is the issue unless there is something different in your diet. I'm thinking with my own 3 month old who is also fussy that it's a cross between a growth spurt and teething. I'd suspect teething especially if she is drooling a lot more. My first daughter's teeth broke her gums at 4 months 2 weeks. Eating better is always a good thing, but it's unlikely that if this is a sudden onset of symptoms that foods are the issue.

I know exactly how you feel. All the advice out there can make you so paranoid, but I'm not sure how much of it's true. I eat my normal diet as well. My son is 9 mo. old. I could never pin down any one food that was making him fussy and I'd rather not resent breastfeeding by having to eat a bland diet. He seems fine!

I never changed anything about my diet, I breastfed 2 of my 3 kids. None of them ever had issues. My mom, however, swears that the green vegetables, Broccoli/brussel sprouts especially, gave all of her children gas (she breastfed all 6 of us.) If you are concerned about them developing, allergies, don't be. They won't develop them if they aren't already prone to developing them. None of my 3 kids have food allergies, but my sister's kids both do. We have similar DNA and similar diets. Her kids were prone to allergies, mine weren't. Eat everything in moderation (don't have an entire jar of salsa in one sitting, vary your veggies) and your daughter will be fine. If you are worried about being healthy, sounds like your diet is already well balanced (dairy, tomatoes, meats, veggies). I had a bowl of ice cream every afternoon (hard habit to break from pregnancy) and my kids are all fine, everyone healthy, no one fat... except me!

All babies are different, but it doesn't sounds as if your baby's fussiness is because of what you are eating. I haven't changed my diet, and eat a lot of spicy food - well, I eat pretty much everything. She had it in the womb, she gets it now through breastmilk, and she will get spicy african, indian south american, and other dishes when she is older!

I am curious about your comment about her sleeping through the night, and when she becomes fussy. For an exclusively breastfed baby, it still seems a bit early for sleeping through the night. And if she is going more than 6 hours, that is too long. Is her weight gain okay? But, I might be more sensitive about sleeping, since our daughter is slow at gaining weight, which probably comes from my side of the family - we're all tiny people! - so I try not to let her sleep more than 4-5 hours without eating at night.

As other people said, she could be starting to teeth. btw, I am also a 28 year old new mom, with an almost 3 month old (born Nov. 26). :)

Relax unless there's an obvious problem! I never adhered to any "diet" and never had a problem! If you consistently see your daughter gaseous or having tummy aches or other allergic symptoms, then look into your diet - otherwise, eat healthy and she will pick up those habits as she grows and you introduce solid foods. Enjoy these years - they go by all too quickly!

I think it very much depends on the parent & child. With my first I did not give up anything I wasn't already eating (meat, cheese, chocolate, ect). He would have spouts of gas, but they always went away on their own. With my second she had more gas issues & sleep issues. I tried to take out dairy & chocolate, but would always forget. When I asked my Ped about this she said it is hard to say what might be the problem. She said food says in the system for 2 weeks, so to successfully know if it works you would have to be off it for two weeks and see if it gets better. So, I tried, but things would come and go as before, so I went back to my regular diet. Kids do have a normal fussy period around 3-4 months. Personally unless it is really bad I wouldn't worry about it. If it is really bad then start getting rid of the things that are known to cause problems or call the Pediatrician. You can also use a product called Gas drops that specifically helps this or I have also heard Grip water works too. The drops helped my daughter, but Grip water didn't work. Hope this helps.

I breastfed all three of mine (ages 8, 5, and 1) for 14 months each (I am finishing up with the last one.) and always found that a regular diet worked great for my kids. I have never noticed any fussy patterns related to food. (I am super careful with caffiene.) While I am sure some babies have reactions to certain foods- every baby and body is different. If your food choices have not bothered her before- my guess is that when your daughter is fussy it is because she is older now and better able to use her crying to express her needs or just general discomfort. Keep enjoying your meals!

Hi L.,

I have breastfed two little ones and I never changed my diet -- I love alot of the stuff you mention hot, spicy, etc.! My girls both went through different periods of difficulty off and on, but the lactation consultant/pediatric nurse that led my "mommy's group" typically said not to worry. Her offhand comment was: "what do you think mothers in _______ country eat?" depending on my concern/type of food. Now, if it is a serious reaction, of course I would be concerned. But, it it is just a little bit cranky I wouldn't worry. I now both my girls got more cranky around 3 mos -- because they are awake more and have more "sense" about what's going on around them.

Happy eating!

Absolutely, and I have successfully nursed three! Each one had a specific thing that made them fussy! You'll know! It took the longest with my littlest. He couldn't tolerate me eating chives AT ALL! His little bottom has been the most sensitive by far and he had a bleedy diaper rash. The other two didn't have anything that bad. One couldn't tolerate biscuits and gravy (which my mother would make when she came) and the other couldn't handle tomatoes of any kind. That was hard. No tomato sauces even. Other than those few things that became obvious, I ate normally.....and too much! Hahahhahaha

Just keep in mind that women in other countries eat tons of spicy, ethnic food and breastfeed without problems! Don't worry about it; if anything, your little one will develop a taste for a variety of foods. Good luck!

L.- I breastfed my son until 16 months and am currently nursing my daughter. I usually stay away from cabbage and too many bell peppers. That's what my pediatrician said. I think a varied diet of bold flavors, like curries, are good for the baby. If you ate the same diet when you were pregnant, then she tasted all those flavors in the amniotic fluid. If you notice that your daughter is more fussy than usual, think about what you ate. If it is a gas-creating food for you, then it probably is for her as well. My son was very fussy when I ate soy products, so I cut down when I was nursing exclusively. My daughter doesn't seem to mind anything. Once you start introducing solids, you can ease up on restricting yourself if you choose. A great website for BF questions and answers is lalecheleague.org or llli.org. Good job nursing! Keep it up and congrats on your little girl!
J.

My advise is each baby is different. My first didn't seem bothered by anything except spinach and I like you ate everything from spicy mexican to thai...my second on the other hand hates broccoli, popcorn and anything spicy. You know your child and if you think that food is causing fussiness maybe cut back for a bit, but truly each child is different in their likes and dislikes...maybe she is reaching a developmental milestone and that is why she is fussy not something you are doing. We are way to quick to blame ourselves...