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When did you reintroduce dairy breastfeeding?

Understanding Dairy Reintroduction During Breastfeeding
Reintroducing dairy into a breastfeeding routine can be a nuanced process, particularly for mothers who have previously eliminated dairy due to their baby’s intolerance or allergy. The timing and method of reintroduction are crucial for ensuring the health and comfort of both mother and child.
When to Reintroduce Dairy
The decision to reintroduce dairy often depends on the age of the baby and the specific symptoms they exhibited. For instance, many mothers who initially went dairy-free due to their baby’s cow’s milk protein intolerance may consider reintroducing dairy around the 6-month mark, when solid foods are typically introduced. This timing allows for a gradual assessment of the baby’s tolerance to dairy as they begin to consume a wider variety of foods.
The Milk Ladder Approach
One effective method for reintroducing dairy is the “milk ladder,” which involves a step-by-step approach to gradually introduce dairy products back into the mother’s diet. This method is particularly recommended for those who had to eliminate dairy due to non-severe allergies or intolerances. The milk ladder starts with small amounts of dairy, such as baked milk products, and progressively increases the exposure to more concentrated forms of dairy, like yogurt and cheese.
Monitoring for Reactions
As dairy is reintroduced, it is essential for mothers to closely monitor their babies for any signs of allergic reactions or discomfort. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal issues, skin reactions, or respiratory problems. If any adverse reactions occur, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to reassess the reintroduction plan.
Personal Experiences and Recommendations
Many mothers share their experiences on platforms like Reddit, discussing their journeys with dairy reintroduction. For example, one mother noted that she eliminated dairy when her baby was just 8 weeks old due to symptoms indicating a cow’s milk protein intolerance. By the time her baby reached 5 months, she began to cautiously reintroduce dairy, highlighting the importance of patience and careful observation during this process.
In conclusion, reintroducing dairy while breastfeeding is a gradual process that requires careful consideration of the baby’s age, symptoms, and individual tolerance. Utilizing methods like the milk ladder can provide a structured approach, while ongoing monitoring ensures the baby’s health and comfort throughout the reintroduction phase.

How to flush dairy out of your system while breastfeeding?

Take out all cow’s milk products, soy and eggs from your diet. Wait 2-4 weeks to see if baby improves. The food will clear from your milk in a few days, but baby’s gut may take longer to heal. If baby improves, introduce one new type of food at a time, generally the one that you miss the most!

When can I start eating dairy again while breastfeeding?

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.

What happens when you eat dairy after being dairy free?

Undigested lactose will produce extra water and gas in your colon. It might give you diarrhea and gas while it’s processing through, but it won’t harm you.

What age does dairy intolerance show in breastfed babies?

So, while lactose intolerance can cause a great deal of discomfort, it will not produce a life-threatening reaction such as anaphylaxis. Milk allergies tend to appear within the first year of life, while an infant’s digestive system is still quite immature.

What does baby poop look like with a dairy allergy?

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.

When did you reintroduce dairy?

Many babies/children with a cow’s milk protein allergy will grow out of this reaction between the ages of one and three years. Your Dietitian or doctor will decide when you should try to reintroduce cow’s milk into your child’s diet. This can be done using a step by step process, often called the ‘Milk Ladder’.

How long after eating dairy will it be in my breast milk?

One study suggests that cow’s milk peptides are no longer detectable in breastmilk just 6 hours after a mother ingests dairy products (12), but it is likely that there is considerable variability between lactating parents.

How to flush dairy out of your system quickly?

To flush dairy out of your system quickly, eliminate all dairy products from your diet and load up on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and seeds. These are high in fiber and acids that help break down and push out all milk proteins from your system. Also, set aside some time to work out.

When should I reintroduce dairy to my baby?

Introducing dairy back into the diet typically happens around 9-12 months of age. If symptoms recur at that time, dairy should be removed again. Dairy can be reintroduced every three months thereafter until tolerated. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before reintroducing dairy in your child’s diet.

What happens if you accidentally eat dairy while breastfeeding?

It’s possible for your breastfed baby to have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to something you eat or drink. Foods like beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or some dairy products can cause fussiness, gassiness, or colicky behavior in some babies.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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