Should I mind my own business ?

Question

My brither and his girlfriend had a baby, she has VERY unhealthy eating habits and has decided to nurse, now my nephew has tummy aches, cries a lot and is always gassy. SHould I say anything to her ?

Answer 1

No you shouldnt say anything and yes you should mind your own business because that might not be the reason the baby is having trouble did you know that the production of milk can occur with out the presence of proper nutrition? women in other contries can nurse their children when they themselves have nothing to eat yes at some point the milk dries up but it lasts a suprisingly long time. She will have to learn on her own what works for her and her baby and unless you are a professional you really have no authority to say anything and make a diagnosis do you?

Answer 2

It's always important to remember that it's not what you say, it's how you say it. And unless your SIL is just very strange, it's safe to assume that she would be willing to do anything and everything in her power to make her baby happy and healthy. The fact that she is nursing says a lot on its own.

Is she very educated on breastfeeding? Has she read a lot or been in touch with a group like La Leche? If not, she may not know that some of the things she eats can effect her baby. And it's not just unhealthy things. I had to stop drinking cows milk and stop eating broccoli when I was nursing.

I would just approach the subject from a "how's it going" aspect and let it go from there. Just say things nicely and I'm sure it will be fine. If she's not totally receptive, just remember when you had a newborn and how many people, from family members to random people in the grocery store, had parenting advice for you! You can't take it all and she will learn as she goes. A gassy baby is no fun but it's not going to kill him.

Answer 3

I suggest doing a little internet research on diets and colic and breastfeeding. Print out the information and present it to her in a way that's to help the baby and not insult her eating habits.

She's also got a lot to do with taking care of the baby, so it's hard to shop and eat right. Perhaps you could help out by cooking at least one night a week or preparing healthy dinners to freeze or helping her out by doing some grocery shopping.

Otherwise, the healthy eating is up to her. Hopefully, she'll jump on that band wagon.

Answer 4

there are things even in a healthy diet that can cause some of these problems for example onions can cause gas. If her diet is unhealthy I believa it's your place to kindly inform her of the problems her diet has on her and the baby. If she is lacking in vitamins the body can use her stores for the baby making her feel bad and more likely to give up also things like calcium are critical at this stage of life.

Answer 5

You could talk to her about switching her baby to formula since she is not eating healthy...but a gassy baby will cry regardless...um you should go the store a purchase some myclen (something like that) its in the baby dept...its for gas....I would just strongly suggest she switch to formula so the baby gets all the nutrients it needs or tell her to ask her pediatrician about a vitamin the baby could take!!

Answer 6

well if she is a first time mom, she might just be unaware on the effects of food and breastfeeding. i would suggest that maybe you just bring it up like, oh when i was breastfeeding i couldnt eat these foods because it was bad for the baby. or i read online that you have to eat healthy while breastfeeding. there is a fine line of being overbarring, and the last thing you would want to do is become too pushy or insult her. also maybe you could talk to your brother, and he could talk to her. chances are she might just be unaware of the consequences.

Answer 7

I would just say I have heard if you eat more fruits and veggies that the baby will feel better. Don't put her down but drop the hint.

Answer 8

jst giv her sum leaflets or articles about breastfeeding and diets. u dnt have to be rude u can do it in a away she wont mind.jst say sumin like aa u no what i herd u shouldnt eat that when u nurse..u no stuff like that. jst dnt be rude say it in the politest way poss. ur only givin her advice not bossing her to do sumin

Answer 9

I would carefully offer advice because it is your nephew and this is about his health. Unless you have been constantly disagreeing with her parenting decisions it shouldn't be that big of an issue.

Answer 10

I would just tell your brother. Say you read it on the internet and you just thought they should know. Don't say you know how she eats and its not good, just say you thought they should know.