Food for Breastfeeding Mothers When Their Baby Has Diarrhea to Help the Baby Recover Quickly
Hi Mom, of course it feels very worrying if your little one suddenly has diarrhea, right? Diarrhea in babies can make them fussy, uncomfortable, and even dehydrated if not handled properly. On the other hand, as a breastfeeding mother, you also need to maintain your own health to stay strong and support your baby’s recovery. The right nutrition is very important to keep you healthy and ensure your breast milk stays high quality.
When your little one has diarrhea, you might be wondering, “Does the food I eat affect my breast milk and my baby’s digestion?” The answer is yes! Certain nutrients can help speed up your baby’s recovery from diarrhea, such as probiotics and zinc, while other foods can actually worsen the condition. Let’s discuss more, Mom!
Important Nutrients You Should Consume
Source: Freepik
1. Probiotics
Probiotics are “good bacteria” that help maintain the balance of microorganisms in the intestines, both in you and your baby. When your little one has diarrhea, probiotics can help speed up the recovery process. You can get probiotics from foods like yogurt, tempeh, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Besides helping with diarrhea, probiotics also strengthen your immune system.
Benefits of Probiotics:
- Helps improve your baby’s digestion
- Boosts immunity
- Maintains the balance of good bacteria in the gut
2. Zinc or Iron
Zinc is a mineral essential for strengthening the immune system and accelerating healing, for both you and your baby. When your baby has diarrhea, zinc helps repair their intestinal lining more quickly. You can get zinc from red meat, nuts, and whole grains.
Sources of Zinc:
- Red meat
- Nuts
- Whole grains
Benefits of Zinc:
- Speeds up your baby’s healing
- Maintains your health
- Strengthens the immune system
3. Adequate Fluids
When your baby has diarrhea, it’s crucial for you to stay hydrated. This is not only to prevent dehydration in yourself but also to ensure your breast milk supply stays consistent. Drink plenty of plain water, coconut water, or unsweetened fruit juice. Staying well hydrated will keep you energized and ensure your baby gets enough fluids through breast milk.
Recommended Types of Fluids:
- Plain water
- Coconut water
- Unsweetened fruit juice
Easily Digestible Foods
Mom, when your little one has diarrhea, choose foods that are easy to digest. These foods not only keep you energized but also reduce the risk of upsetting your baby’s digestion. Foods like white rice, bananas, plain bread, and porridge are safe and comfortable choices to eat.
Examples of Easily Digestible Foods:
- White rice
- Bananas
- Plain bread
- Porridge
Food for Breastfeeding Mothers When Their Baby Has Diarrhea to Avoid or Limit
Source: Freepik
1. Spicy and Fatty Foods
Spicy and fatty foods can worsen diarrhea in your baby, Mom. Avoid foods with spicy seasonings and high fat content because they can affect your breast milk and further upset your baby’s digestion.
2. Gas-Causing Foods
Cabbage, broccoli, and onions are examples of foods that can cause gas. These foods may make your baby uncomfortable and worsen their digestive issues. Try to limit these foods until your baby recovers.
Gas-Causing Foods:
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Onions
3. Dairy Products
Some babies may be sensitive to lactose in cow’s milk, which can worsen their diarrhea. If you consume dairy products, watch your baby’s reaction. If they show signs of discomfort, it may be time to limit dairy temporarily.
4. Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can pass into breast milk and affect your baby. When your baby has diarrhea, it’s better to avoid or at least limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
Additional Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs is by washing your hands thoroughly before touching your baby or preparing food. This can help prevent the diarrhea from worsening or spreading to other family members.
2. Breastfeed as Often as Possible
Breastfeeding frequently can help hydrate your baby and provide natural antibodies needed to fight infection. Don’t hesitate to breastfeed more often when your baby is sick.
3. Watch for Signs of Dehydration in Your Baby
You should watch for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, and fewer wet diapers. If you notice these signs, consult your doctor immediately. Don’t wait too long, Mom!
4. Maintain Proper Nutrition
Mom, maintaining proper nutrition when your baby has diarrhea is essential. Focus on easily digestible foods, foods rich in probiotics, zinc, and stay well hydrated. Avoid foods that could worsen your baby’s condition or upset their digestion. If you’re unsure or worried, always consult your doctor or a nutritionist.
Prevent Diarrhea with the Right Anti-Colic Feeding Bottle
Source: Hegen
Bloating, which often causes fussiness and digestive problems including diarrhea in babies, can be prevented by choosing the right feeding bottle. One effective solution is using an anti-colic baby bottle, like Hegen.
Why can anti-colic bottles like Hegen help prevent diarrhea?
- Prevents excessive air intake: The special design of Hegen’s anti-colic teat includes a smart built-in air vent system that helps reduce air intake while feeding. This prevents air bubbles in your baby’s tummy that can cause bloating and colic.
- Improves comfort while feeding: The teat shape mimics a mother’s breast and its off-center position makes feeding more natural and comfortable for your baby. This correct feeding position also helps prevent swallowing too much air.
- Reduces reflux risk: By minimizing air swallowed, anti-colic bottles also reduce the risk of reflux or stomach contents coming back up into the esophagus. Reflux can irritate your baby’s digestive tract and trigger diarrhea.
- Increases feeding efficiency: When your baby feels comfortable and not disturbed by bloating, they can focus better on feeding. This ensures they get enough nutrients and supports healthy growth.
By choosing an anti-colic bottle like Hegen, you not only provide comfort during feeding but also help prevent various digestive issues in babies, including bloating and diarrhea. The innovative design and advanced features of Hegen bottles make them an excellent choice for mothers who want the best for their babies.
Check out the Hegen Feeding Bottle collection in various sizes (60 ml, 150 ml, 240 ml, and 330 ml) and Anti-Colic Teats with adjustable flow rates depending on your baby’s age. Checkout your chosen products now only on the official Hegen website
Sources
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How Long Does Diarrhea Last for a Baby?
https://www.medicinenet.com/how_long_does_diarrhea_last_for_a_baby/article.htm - Diare pada Bayi Menyusui Dipengaruhi Makanan Ibu, Benarkah? https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/diare-pada-bayi-menyusui-dipengaruhi-makanan-ibu-benarkah
