Can babies with milk protein allergy be breastfed?

Understanding Milk Protein Allergy in Infants
Milk protein allergy (MPA) is a significant concern for many parents, particularly those who are breastfeeding. This allergy occurs when a baby’s immune system reacts adversely to proteins found in cow’s milk, which can also be present in breast milk if the mother consumes dairy products. The question arises: Can babies with milk protein allergy be breastfed?
The Role of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is widely recommended for infants due to its numerous health benefits. However, for babies with MPA, the situation can be more complex. Research indicates that while breast milk is generally considered the best source of nutrition for infants, it can still contain traces of cow’s milk proteins if the breastfeeding mother consumes dairy. This can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive infants.
Despite this potential for reaction, breastfeeding is still possible and often encouraged for babies diagnosed with MPA. In many cases, mothers can continue to breastfeed while making dietary adjustments to eliminate dairy from their own diets. This approach allows the baby to receive the benefits of breast milk without the risk of exposure to allergens.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of milk protein allergy in breastfed infants can manifest in various ways, including gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting, skin reactions such as eczema, and respiratory problems. These symptoms may appear days to weeks after the introduction of cow’s milk-based formula or even through breast milk if the mother has consumed dairy.
Parents should be vigilant and consult healthcare professionals if they suspect their baby has MPA. A thorough evaluation can help determine the best course of action, which may include dietary changes for the breastfeeding mother.
Dietary Considerations for Nursing Mothers
For mothers breastfeeding infants with MPA, it is crucial to adopt a dairy-free diet. This dietary change is not only beneficial for the baby but can also help alleviate any symptoms the mother might experience due to her own dietary choices. Fortunately, research suggests that a mother’s diet has only a slight impact on the composition of her breast milk, meaning that most mothers do not need to avoid a wide range of foods, just those containing dairy.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding is a viable option for infants with milk protein allergy, provided that the breastfeeding mother eliminates dairy from her diet. This approach allows the baby to benefit from the nutritional advantages of breast milk while minimizing the risk of allergic reactions. Parents should work closely with healthcare providers to monitor symptoms and ensure that both mother and baby remain healthy during this process.

How to tell if your breastfed baby has a milk allergy?

Cow’s Milk Allergy vs. Lactose Intolerance

1. Hives.
2. Swelling under the skin, especially around the eyes or mouth.
3. Swelling of the tongue or throat.
4. Wheezing or respiratory distress.
5. Low blood pressure (hypotension)
6. Vomiting.

What is the difference between a milk allergy and a milk protein allergy?

You may see these different terms: cow’s milk allergy (CMA), cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), dairy allergy. They all mean the same thing. To keep it simple, KFA uses the term “milk allergy.” A milk allergy is an IgE-mediated allergic reaction to milk protein.

Can I eat something my baby is allergic to while breastfeeding?

There are no recommendations to avoid any food while you are breastfeeding to prevent allergies. However, if you have a child that has developed symptoms related to the foods you eat, eliminating these foods from your diet may help improve your child’s symptoms.

Can I breastfeed if baby has milk protein allergy?

Can I continue to breastfeed if my baby has CMPA? Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, the milk allergy in primary care guideline was updated in 2019 with one of the express aims of ensuring that mothers were encouraged and supported to keep breastfeeding.

What does poop look like with a milk protein allergy?

Green, bloody, or mucus-tinged stool—along with some other issues—could indicate a milk allergy. If you suspect your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, keep an eye out for these common issues that may occur shortly after feeding: wheezing, coughing, swelling, a rash, gas, crying, and unusual poops.

What is the most common breast milk allergy?

The most commonly reported allergen is cow’s milk, but a non-IgE mediated allergy in breastfed infants to soya, egg, and wheat has also been described [42, 43].

How long does cow milk protein stay in breastmilk?

It takes up to 72 hours for the mother’s breast milk to become free of milk protein, so until you’re ready to nurse again, your baby will be given a hypoallergenic formula.

What to avoid if baby has milk protein allergy?

The following foods and ingredients CONTAIN cow’s milk protein and should be avoided:

A2 milk	Dried milk	Low fat milk
Cottage cheese	Ice cream	Non-fat milk solids
Cream	Infant formula – cow’s milk based including partially hydrolysed (HA) formula	Skim milk
Cultured milk	Kefir	Skim milk solids
Curds	Lactalbumin	Sour cream

When do babies outgrow milk protein allergy?

Most kids will outgrow CMPI by one year of age. However, if they do not, the majority will do so by 3 years of age.

Why is my breastfed baby’s poop thick like peanut butter?

This is normal. Formula-fed babies typically have thicker poop. If a baby has both breast milk and formula, their poop may be thicker and resemble peanut butter. A breastfeeding baby may sometimes appear to have mucus in their poop.