It was said: > An older LC whom I have always considered very wise spoke at a conference I > went to years ago about how gas was a biproduct of digestion of protein. > I actually think the gas is a by-product of carbohydrates -- and some carbs actually have more gas producing whatevers in them than others (think refried beans, cabbage). In fact, anyone who has ever been on a low carbohydrate way of eating finds that one of the nicer side effects of the diet is that there is much less gas, less bloating, less discomfort overall. So while I think the rest of the post is right on -- the fact that the baby now has gas means that the baby is getting food -- it's the carbohydrate portion of the colostrum/breastmilk, not the protein that is causing the gas. And of course, I think it is important to look and see how much the baby is crying and/or sucking on a pacifier. Both of which can increase gas as well. Though whoever posted originally (sorry -- I don't remember who it was) said that she was seeing an INCREASE in the number of babies with signficant gas in the first couple of days of life, isn't that correct? I don't know what would account for that -- and I personally haven't noticed it among my clients. Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC -- Wheaton IL -- who is also flying to Richmond next week, Lord willing! Lactation Education Consultants www.lactationeducationconsultants.com *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html