Ginger And Breastfeeding For Colic

Colic occurs in one in 10 infants. Cocky infants cry for more than three hours a day at least three days per week. It's a frustrating experience because it seems that nothing you do comforts your baby. While this condition is somewhat short-lived --- sometimes lasting just weeks and sometimes months --- weathering it is challenging. The cause of colic remains unknown, but diet in the breastfeeding mother may have an impact. Consuming herbs such as ginger may help.

Effects

Ginger offers carminative action that helps alleviate indigestion and stomach griping. It also has anti-nausea action. It is approved by Germany's Commission E, a regulatory body for herbs, for treating indigestion and motion sickness.

Safety

Using ginger when you are breastfeeding appears to be safe, according to the American Cancer Society. No objective evidence exists that demonstrates harmful effects to mother or infant, even when ginger is taken at doses higher than normally consumed in food, the society notes. Still, check with your pediatrician before trying ginger in any form. You'll find it in fresh and dried root forms, as a tea and in tablet, capsule and liquid extract form.

Side Effects and Interactions

Ginger can cause side effects that may be distressing for your baby. These include gas, heartburn, bloating and nausea. Such side effects most commonly are associated with ginger taken in powdered form, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Ginger also may cause rashes and allergic reactions. As a breastfeeding mother, check with your doctor for interactions if you take medication. Ginger can increase bleeding and bruising risk when taken with medicines such as ibuprofen and salsalate. It also may reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs like calcium carbonate or famotidine. It raises risk for hypoglycemia, or blood sugar that falls to low, when taken with medication for diabetes.

Considerations

Alternative therapies such as ginger tea have not proven consistently helpful for colic, according to MayoClinic.com. If using ginger is ineffective, there are other possible colic remedies you can try. Attempt smaller, more frequent feedings. Cuddle your baby or offer a pacifier. Keep your baby in motion and sing to her. Turn up background noise such as a fan or a CD of environmental sounds. Consider dietary changes such as eliminating citrus fruits, dairy products, caffeine and spicy foods, according to MayoClinic.com.