Should I stop breastfeeding if my baby has a milk allergy?

Understanding Milk Allergies in Breastfed Babies
When a baby exhibits signs of a milk allergy, it can be a concerning situation for parents, especially if they are breastfeeding. The question of whether to continue breastfeeding is complex and requires careful consideration of the baby’s health, the nature of the allergy, and the benefits of breast milk.
Breastfeeding and Allergies
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal method of infant feeding. It provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect infants from infections and diseases. In fact, breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months can lower the risk of developing allergies, particularly in babies with a family history of allergic conditions. However, some infants may still develop allergies to proteins present in breast milk, often due to the mother’s diet.
Signs of Milk Allergy
If a baby is allergic to cow’s milk protein, they may exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, colic, eczema, or even poor growth. These reactions can occur even if the baby has never been exposed to formula or solid foods. It’s crucial for parents to monitor their baby’s reactions closely and consult a pediatrician if they suspect an allergy.
Should You Stop Breastfeeding?
In most cases, the answer is no; mothers can continue breastfeeding even if their baby has a milk allergy. The benefits of breast milk often outweigh the risks associated with potential allergens. For instance, while some babies may react to proteins in breast milk, continuing to breastfeed can still provide protective benefits against allergies later in life.
If a milk allergy is suspected, the mother may need to eliminate dairy products from her diet. This dietary change can help reduce the allergenic proteins in her breast milk, potentially alleviating the baby’s symptoms. It’s important to note that this process should be guided by a healthcare professional to ensure both the mother and baby receive adequate nutrition.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
Parents should work closely with pediatricians or allergists to determine the best course of action. They can provide guidance on dietary adjustments for the breastfeeding mother and monitor the baby’s health. In some cases, a referral to a specialist may be necessary for further evaluation and management of the allergy.
Conclusion
In summary, while a milk allergy in a breastfed baby can be alarming, stopping breastfeeding is generally not recommended. Instead, mothers can continue to provide the benefits of breast milk while making necessary dietary adjustments. Close monitoring and professional guidance are key to ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

What does baby poop look like with a milk 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.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

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.

What does milk allergy poop look like?

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.

Should I stop breastfeeding if baby has dairy allergy?

If your baby reacts to cow’s milk proteins in your breast milk, you will be advised to avoid milk (dairy) whilst breastfeeding. This is usually done as a trial for between 4 to 6 weeks to see if your baby’s symptoms improve. If they do not, and you were following the diet strictly, you can return to your normal diet.

How do you breastfeed a baby with milk allergy?

Breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed a baby with cows’ milk protein allergy, with individualised maternal elimination of cows’ milk protein foods and fluids, and with adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation to meet the mother’s nutritional requirements during breastfeeding.

Should I cut out dairy breastfeeding?

If your baby is showing signs of a dairy allergy or a milk protein intolerance, your doctor may recommend that you follow a dairy-free diet as you continue breastfeeding. As you remove dairy products from your diet, remember that it can take 10 to 20 days to eliminate cow’s milk protein from your system.

Can a breastfeeding mom eat peanut butter if a baby is allergic?

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 eat eggs while breastfeeding if my baby is allergic?

Current government advice is to exclusively breastfeed infants for the first 6 months of life if possible1 and that there is no reason for women who are breastfeeding their babies to avoid eggs or other allergenic foods unless they themselves are allergic to them2.

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.