As a breastfeeding mother, what you eat does affect your child. Although diarrhea in babies is not commonly caused by foods her mother eats, an allergy or sensitivity to a certain food may result in diarrhea. The risks of diarrhea by itself are usually insignificant, though you should consult your doctor. If your child has bloody diarrhea, severe diarrhea accompanied by lethargy, increasing abdominal pain, dehydration or weight loss, schedule a doctor's appointment that day.
Diarrhea
Babies may have watery, unusual-looking stools that you may confuse for diarrhea. Newborns frequently pass watery stools that contain yellow seedy pieces, are mucusy or foul smelling, but that does not mean it is diarrhea. If your child does have diarrhea, there are several potential causes. He could have a cold, food allergy, food poisoning or a rare enzyme deficiency. Taking antibiotics or eating incorrectly-prepared formula feed could cause diarrhea as well. A virus called rotavirus that causes a gut infection is the most common cause, according an article by the Medical Advisory Board to the Baby Centre website. There are also foods that can cause diarrhea in babies. Apple, cherry and pear juice can cause diarrhea when a baby drinks them directly, but they are unlikely to cause problems with a baby who is breastfed.
Reaction
Your baby may have a reaction to something you eat, possibly causing diarrhea or other changes in his pooping pattern. Generally, babies are able to handle anything you eat; unless you see an obvious reaction when you eat apples or other foods, continue to eat whatever you want, according to the Kelly Mom website, which is operated by a lactation consultant. A small number of babies may act differently when their breastfeeding mothers eat particular foods. Products made from cow's milk are the most common trigger foods; they are known to cause gassiness and fussiness in some babies.
Symptoms
If your baby is allergic to apples or has a food sensitivity, you should get a clue from his behavior after feeding. Symptoms in a breastfed baby typically occur four to 24 hours after exposure. He may wake up from obvious discomfort, cry inconsolably and be fussy after being fed. A food allergy may cause symptoms of an allergic reaction, including gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, green or bloody stools, constipation, vomiting and upset stomach. Skin issues like hives, rash, sore bottom, dry skin or eczema may occur. Cold-like symptoms including itchy eyes, irritability, colic and ear infections are also possible.
Considerations
Monitor your baby's diarrhea to ascertain how bad it is and watch for dehydration. Wet eyes and mouth are signs that your baby is probably not dehydrated. To be sure, weigh your baby every morning before feeding. If he is not losing weight, he probably is fine. If his weight drops by 5 percent, then he is mildly or moderately dehydrated, and you need to call your pediatrician, according to the Ask Dr Sears website. Losing 10 percent of bodyweight over a few days indicates serious dehydration; call your doctor immediately.
