Ok, since the babies were born 14 weeks ago I've been having a little trouble with irregularity (and some gassiness). I breastfed exclusively for 6 weeks and they still get about 1/2 BF and 1/2 formula. I did not breastfeed this long with my oldest, so I don't know if this has anything to do with it. Also, I had my gallbladder out when they were 7 weeks and it seems to have gotten worse. My friend had hers out and had the opposite reaction for a few months ( I eat healthier though). I eat pretty good and I also add fiber supplement to my coffee, cereal, etc. I just don't know what's going on, if it's the breastfeeding that's contributing or the gallbladder, any suggestions would be appreciated.
I would say that breastfeeding has nothing to do with your stomach, gastro problems. What you eat etc, can affect the babies gassiness etc, but nursing does not affect your stomach.
I would think it was all the new added fiber you are putting on food or your recent surgery, but defintely not the breastfeeding.
IT shouldn't be the breastfeeding that's causing the trouble. I still have my gallbladder (gallstones and all) and I had the same problem up until he was about 4 months old. You might want to check with your doctor. Mine had given me nexium for a while and that helped me out alot. I haven't had a bad flare up in a while but I can usually stop it by taking some maalox before it gets really bad. I would strongly recommend you check with your doctor, in the meantime try to avoid greasy foods or anything acidic (i.e. sodas, grapefruit, orange juice). I know it sounds crazy but you can also try taking a tablespoon of olive oil with 2 drops of lemon juice 2x daily..for some reason that helped me, for irregularity I found that activia actually does work wonders....if you're having a tummy ache drink some peppermint tea or anise tea those are both safe for breastfeeding and anise does help with the milk flow (really!!) Also, cream of wheat for a fiber boost..good luck
Breastfeeding takes up a lot of water in your body. If you're not replenishing adequately, it can cause difficulties with regularity. You should be drinking a lot more than the standard 8 ounces a day. See if that helps.
The fiber itself will make you more gassy. Try beano or another digestive aid. Yogurt sometimes helps me. The healthier you eat, the more gassy you will be- simple human make-up!
Good Luck!
I had my gallbladder out when my daughter was 4 months old. After that, if I eat anything greasy or drink a coke I have to immediatly go to the bathroom. I don't know about the irregularity though. I wouldn't think it would have to do with breastfeeding.
Congratulations on the new additions to your family! The breastfeeding should not be causing any gassiness other than taking up some much needed water. If you are breastfeeding, say 20 ounces a day, you should drink an extra 40 ounces of water on top of what you already drink. 20 goes right out in your milk and then you need more to soften up that stool so it can move. I'm guessing that the irregularity is that you aren't having enough movement since you are taking extra fiber. You can also try a stool softener but I do not recommend a laxative. Check with your pediatrician or pharmacist to make sure what you are taking is ok while you breastfeed. As a general rule, people don't drink enough water, not even close to the recommended 8 cups a day. Make sure you imbibe ample amounts of water, especially while you breastfeed and recover from carrying and delivering twins! Best of luck!
