Breastfeeding

Kelsey - posted on 11/16/2009

I'd tell her to make sure to empty each breast completely when feeding - no switching sides too frequently. Also try to keep dairy to a minimum. That's something to remember for those of us making meals for new moms - keep the dairy to a minimum!

Elisabeth - posted on 11/16/2009

the la leche leaguae is a good idea, or suggest she asks the doctor about the stomach problem. I wouldn't want my mother-in-law telling me to watch what I eat! The baby may just be learning how to poop too, and it it may not be the milk. some babies just have trouble moving their bowels or have sensitive stomachs.

Melissa - posted on 11/16/2009

I think that you should tell her in a nice way that whatever she eats, her daughter eats through her breastmilk. I love broccoli, but because I was breast feeding my son, I didn't stop eating it completly, but I cut down because it would give my son gas. Best of luck!!

Vivian - posted on 11/16/2009

She needs a better variety of food, only pasta and cheese would block anyone up.

Obviously she cares about her baby's nutrition, she chose breastfeeding over formula, but she just needs some help with having a balance in her diet.

The local library as well as some of the breastfeeding websites have good diet info for breastfeeding moms.

You could give her the info with an " I noticed the baby is having difficulties, and thought maybe this could help." Its important that she feel you are concerned for her and the baby and not just treating her as a bad mom for not having good diet choices.

Make sure she is eating fruits and vegetables, some lean protien, and drinking plenty of fluids, (water, juice, non-caffienated drinks). Too much dairy in mom's diet can sometimes cause tummy aches in babies if they are sensitive to lactose.

Hope this helps.

Lisa - posted on 11/16/2009

I have the book, Your babies first year week by week, and it talks about what kinds of food a mother should stay away from while breastfeeding which is helpful since I am as well and my baby is also having issues with her stomach. The book says, "spicy foods, cabbage, broccoli, chocolate and caffeine are things your baby may react to when you eat them." I hope this helps out a little!

Sharina - posted on 11/16/2009

Wow! That's a tough one. I recommend you getting her in touch with The La Leche League. That group is a support group for breastfeeding moms. They were a great help to me when I was a new mom and it was nice to get to hang out with a room full of moms in the same boat. The group I went to met once a week. It was something I looked forward to!