Having read Heather's post on the Simethicone advertisement, I wanted to
share with you that I wrote Johnson's and Johnson's to express my
displeasure at the information that they were dispensing.
I know in the past we've discussed this issue on Lactnet and pooh-poohed the
idea of "cabbage, onions, beans, bran, broccoli, cauliflower, caffeine and
brussels sprouts" that are ingested by the mother causing "gas" in the
breastfeeding baby. (other than the caffeine, which can pass into the milk,
unlike fiber)
Here is the letter that I sent them (mid July!) and their response
(10-1-99): Perhaps if others wrote, too, we might make an impact. Sorry this
is so lengthy but if anyone is inclined to write, I want them to what I've
said and how it was responded to.
To whom it may concern:
I am a pediatrician with the Dept of Pediatrics at Michigan State
University. I have recently received a copy of Pediatric Nursing Today (Vol
4, Issue 1) which was produced by Johnson and Johnson and Merck. One of the
topics within this issue was on infant gas and its prevention. The text on
page 2 states that a breastfeeding mother should avoid eating gassy foods
such as beans, bran, and broccoli as these foods ingested by the mother can
cause gas in a breastfed baby. This information is GROSSLY incorrect. These
foods may cause gas in the person ingesting them because of their action in
that person's intestines. They DO NOT have any way of entering the mother's
milk and causing gas in a breastfed baby. Such misinformation can make it
more difficult for a mother to continue breastfeeding.
I hope that the editors of this publication research the information that
they print for health care providers and parents. It is important that your
publications contain correct information in the future. I know I have taken
a strong tone in this letter, but I am aghast at such obviously incorrect
information in your publication. I expect better from you. I hope that you
will change this incorrect information in your publications and on your
website. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Mari Douma, DO, FACOP, FAAP
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Michigan State University
Dear Dr. Douma:
Your comments regarding our Pediatric Nursing Today (Vol.4, Issue 1)
regarding the possibility that gassy foods consumed by a nursing mother
could lead to infant gas have been referred to me for reply.
It is the policy of Johnson and Johnson Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals to
conduct extensive research and support for any claims. In the American
Academy of Pediatrics publication "Caring for Your Baby and Child: Birth to
Age 5, The Complete and Authoritative Guide (1993)," the following statement
appears on page 92: "Your baby may have a colicky reaction whenever you eat
a certain food, or he may react only after you eat a large quantity of a
particular food that causes no trouble in smaller amounts. "Gassy" foods,
such as cabbage, onions, garlic, broccoli, and turnips, cause problems for
many breast-fed infants."
The book The Meat and Potatoes of Breastfeeding (1993) by Jill Dalley, also
addresses this issue. In the fact or myth section states, "Broccoli eaten by
a breastfeeding mom causes gas in the baby. FACT: Some babies are adversely
affected by this type of food. Specific food values pass through to the
breast milk affecting composition and flavor. Mothers should stay alert to
their babies' needs."
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Michael J. O'Mara, RPh
Medical Affairs Specialist
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