What to Do If a Breastfed Baby Has Diarrhea
Jun 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Zhiyang
Introduction
When diarrhea occurs during breastfeeding, continue breastfeeding as recommended. The infant’s diet should be carefully monitored. Since active components from breast milk can be passed to the infant, it is advisable to avoid giving the infant raw or cold foods, spicy or irritating foods, high-fat and high-protein foods, and high-sugar foods—particularly because excessive sugar intake may cause abdominal distension and exacerbate the infant’s diarrhea.
Nowadays, with increasingly diverse diets, breast milk–induced diarrhea is becoming more common in daily life. So, what should be done when a breastfed infant develops diarrhea?
What to Do When a Breastfed Infant Develops Diarrhea
When diarrhea occurs during breastfeeding, continued breastfeeding is encouraged. The infant’s diet must be carefully managed. Active components from the mother’s breast milk may be passed to the baby; therefore, during episodes of diarrhea, infants should avoid raw, cold, spicy, or otherwise irritating foods. Intake of high-fat and high-protein foods should also be reduced, as should high-sugar foods—which may cause abdominal distension. To prevent worsening of diarrhea, fruits are best avoided altogether. Increase the frequency of oral fluid administration (e.g., water), or use oral rehydration salts (ORS) for rehydration. Preventing dehydration is critical.
Breast milk–associated diarrhea in infants may also stem from lactose intolerance. Lactose in breast milk must be broken down in the infant’s intestine into galactose and glucose. A deficiency of the enzyme responsible for this digestion prevents proper lactose breakdown, leading to a sharp rise in intestinal osmotic pressure and consequent diarrhea. Symptoms may include not only diarrhea but also abdominal distension, increased bowel sounds (borborygmi), abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Diarrhea may result from indigestion, enteritis, cow’s milk protein allergy, or other causes. It is advisable to visit a hospital for routine stool analysis to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment. During diarrhea, gentle abdominal massage—performed clockwise around the umbilicus—may help alleviate symptoms. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!
