Your Gassy Baby: May not be your fault.

Understanding Baby’s Gassiness: A New Perspective

In our culture, gassiness in babies is often linked to a mother’s diet. We’re quick to examine what we’ve eaten, believing it might have passed through the bloodstream and into the breastmilk, causing discomfort for the baby. This belief often leads mothers to scrutinize their diets, cutting out foods they enjoy, like spicy dishes, ginger, garlic, and leafy greens, in an effort to relieve their baby’s discomfort. What’s really happening is the natural process of a newborn developing and self-regulating their digestive system, yet it becomes another reason for mothers to feel guilty and controlled.

The Natural Development of a Newborn’s Digestive System

As your newborn’s digestive system matures, some gas is inevitable as milk is digested. However, the intensity of this natural response can vary from baby to baby. While it’s possible that your baby might have a sensitivity to a certain food, it’s important to consider whether you, the mother, are experiencing any gassiness yourself. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and energy workers often emphasize treating the mother before addressing the child’s symptoms. Pay attention to what you’re consuming and how it’s affecting your own body. If you notice discomfort, consider gradually minimizing certain foods and becoming more aware of your body’s signals. Your body can serve as a reliable indicator of how your baby’s body is responding.

Practical Tips for Soothing Your Baby

While you’re observing your own diet, there are a few simple steps you can take to help alleviate your baby’s discomfort. Ensure your baby’s diaper isn’t too tight, as this can contribute to their discomfort. Gently pat your baby’s bottom and rub their back (especially after each feeding) patting their bottom and rubbing their back and down is better than patting their back as you are patting their small organs. Infant massage can also be beneficial—try bringing their knees into their belly and back out, moving their hip joints, and softly rubbing their belly in a circular motion. It’s also important to remember that crying is a natural way for your baby to adjust to the new world around them.

Trust Your Instincts as a Mother

As you navigate the journey of motherhood, remember that you know your body better than anyone else. Trust in your instincts, and believe in the wisdom your body holds. Your ability to understand and respond to your baby’s needs is something only you possess. So, give yourself grace, rely on your inner knowledge, and trust that you are doing what’s best for both you and your baby.

By approaching your baby’s gassiness with patience and self-awareness, you can support both your well-being and your baby’s natural development.