Can lactose intolerant babies drink human breast milk?

Understanding Lactose Intolerance in Babies
Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body struggles to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. While this condition is often discussed in the context of adults and older children, it can also affect infants, albeit in different ways. The question arises: Can lactose intolerant babies drink human breast milk?
The Nature of Human Breast Milk
Human breast milk is unique in its composition, containing a higher concentration of lactose than cow’s milk. For most full-term infants, the presence of lactose in breast milk is not an issue. In fact, all mammalian milk, including human milk, contains lactose, which is essential for the baby’s growth and development.
Lactose Intolerance in Infants
Lactose intolerance in infants is relatively rare. Most babies are born with the ability to produce lactase, the enzyme necessary for breaking down lactose. This enzyme is crucial for digesting the lactose present in breast milk. In cases where infants do exhibit symptoms of lactose intolerance, it is often due to temporary conditions, such as developmental lactase deficiency, which can occur in premature babies. This condition typically resolves itself within a few weeks or months, allowing the infant to eventually consume breast milk or lactose-containing formulas without issues.
Breast Milk as the Optimal Nutrition
Despite concerns about lactose intolerance, human breast milk remains the best source of nutrition for infants. It not only provides essential nutrients but also supports gut health, which can be particularly beneficial for babies experiencing secondary lactose intolerance due to other health issues. Healthcare professionals generally recommend continuing breastfeeding, as it aids in gut healing and overall health, unless the baby is severely malnourished or losing weight.
Conclusion
In summary, while lactose intolerance can occur in infants, it is typically not a barrier to consuming human breast milk. Most babies can process lactose effectively, and breast milk is designed to meet their nutritional needs. For those few infants who may struggle with lactose, the condition is often temporary, and breastfeeding remains the optimal choice for their health and development.

Can dairy be passed through breast milk?

Unfortunately, the cow’s milk protein you eat can pass through to your breast milk.

Can a baby drink breast milk if lactose intolerant?

Your baby may have lactose intolerance without ever having had infectious diarrhoea, but the enzyme will increase with age, so there is no need to stop breastfeeding unless the lactose intolerance is severe, causing dehydration or poor growth.

What does dairy sensitivity look like in breastfed babies?

Lactose intolerance causes symptoms like fussiness, gas, blood or mucus in stool, nausea, spit up and diarrhea. While exposure to lactose may cause your baby discomfort, it will rarely cause any long-term problems.

What does lactose intolerant baby poop look like?

Loose poop
Your baby may experience frequent watery, foul-smelling loose poops if they have a cow’s milk protein allergy. You may also notice mucus in the stool, and your little one may be gassy and colicky. Babies with diarrhea may quickly become dehydrated, so calling your doctor is recommended.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

Monitor your diet closely if you’re breastfeeding. If you feel there are certain foods that might be upsetting your baby’s stomach, try avoiding them for a while. If you notice weight loss, forceful spit up, fussiness or other symptoms, talk to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns.

Does human breast milk count as dairy?

Breast milk is not classified as dairy. Dairy products come from the milk of mammals, particularly cows, goats, and sheep, and typically involve processes like pasteurization or fermentation.

Can anything be passed through breast milk?

Infectious organisms can reach the breast milk either by secretion in the fluid or cellular components of breast milk or by contamination of the milk at the time of or after expression.

What milk can I give my lactose intolerant baby?

Until the age of 1, it is important that your baby drinks at least 600ml (20 ounces) a day of a lactose-free formula to receive sufficient nutrients, especially calcium. If your baby is over 1 year, then a supermarket alternative such as Arla lactofree whole milk drink or Alpro Growing Up soya drink can be used.

How do I know if my baby is reacting to dairy in breastmilk?

Lactose intolerance causes symptoms like fussiness, gas, blood or mucus in stool, nausea, spit up and diarrhea. While exposure to lactose may cause your baby discomfort, it will rarely cause any long-term problems.

How to treat lactose intolerance in breastfed babies?

If your baby has symptoms of lactose intolerance, you may be told to alternate breastfeeding with feeds of lactose-free formula or even take your baby off the breast. However, authorities only recommend the use of lactose-free formula if the baby is formula-fed and is very malnourished and/or losing weight.