A couple of weeks ago, I wrote in this column about my new niece, Megan. My sister is breastfeeding Megan and she is healthy and growing.

Susan and I talk frequently about Megan being fussy. My sister suspects this is due to gas (flatulence). Often when women breastfeed, they will notice what they eat can affect the baby's digestive system.

Although no data supports the need to avoid spicy or strong-flavored foods, some spices like garlic, cumin and onion can alter the taste of the breast milk. You may even notice gas-forming foods like cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage etc) may cause a similar reaction in the breastfed baby.

To alleviate infant gas, your health care provider may recommend an infant anti-gas preparation.

Often fussiness is equated with the baby having colic. One of the foremost authorities on breastfeeding, Jack Newman, M.D., writing about colic in breastfed babies states that "...proteins present in the mother's diet may be excreted into her milk and may affect the baby.....the most common of these is cow's milk protein." He recommends the breastfeeding mother eliminate all milk products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream) for seven to 10 days to see if this has any impact on the infant's behavior. Newman then goes on to say if nothing changes, reintroduce the dairy products. If there has been a change, the mother should slowly reintroduce the dairy products in small amounts.

Often babies can tolerate a certain amount of milk protein without becoming fussy or irritable. If the breastfeeding mom is experimenting with eliminating or reducing dairy products, she still needs to make sure she gets adequate calcium, found in calcium fortified juices, soy products, dark green leafy vegetables (kale, collard greens) or calcium supplements.
　　
　　(From HealthWorld Online)