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Why does my baby get red spots after breastfeeding?

Understanding Red Spots on Your Baby After Breastfeeding
It’s not uncommon for parents to notice red spots or a flushed appearance on their baby’s face after breastfeeding. While this can be concerning, there are several benign explanations for this phenomenon.
Heat and Physical Contact
One of the most straightforward reasons for red spots is the heat generated during breastfeeding. Babies are often pressed against their mother’s body, which can lead to a temporary increase in skin temperature and a flushed appearance. This is particularly true if the environment is warm or if the baby is bundled up too tightly.
Blocked Nasal Passages
Another common cause is a blocked nose. When babies nurse, they may breathe through their mouths if their nasal passages are obstructed, leading to a red face due to the effort of sucking and breathing simultaneously.
Skin Sensitivity and Baby Acne
Babies have incredibly sensitive skin, which can react to various stimuli. Conditions like baby acne, which typically appears between two to four weeks of age, can manifest as small red bumps on the face. This condition is generally harmless and resolves on its own within a few months.
Dietary Influences
Interestingly, what a breastfeeding mother consumes can also affect her baby. Certain foods, particularly spicy or allergenic items, may lead to a flushed face in the baby. If a mother suspects that her diet might be influencing her baby’s skin reactions, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
Allergic Reactions
In some cases, red spots could indicate an allergic reaction to something in the mother’s diet that is passed through breast milk. While human breast milk is generally well-tolerated, some babies may react to specific foods, such as dairy. If the red spots are persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, consulting a pediatrician is advisable.
Conclusion
While red spots on a baby’s face after breastfeeding can be alarming for new parents, they are often harmless and can be attributed to factors like heat, skin sensitivity, or dietary influences. However, if there are concerns about allergies or if the spots persist, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step. Understanding these potential causes can help alleviate worries and ensure a more relaxed breastfeeding experience.

Why does my newborn have red spots after feeding?

Drooling or Spit-up Rash:
Many babies have a rash on the chin or cheeks that comes and goes. This is often due to contact with food. It’s more common after starting baby foods.

Why does my baby get red spots when breastfeeding?

Milk rash is commonly experienced by infants with parents who have a history of allergies. The rash can occur in breast-fed babies after their mothers consume food allergens such as eggs or chicken. This can be different for each person.

What does it look like if baby is allergic to breast milk?

Even a baby who has never been formula fed, and has never had any food besides breast milk may show signs of food allergy including: diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, colic, eczema, constipation and poor growth.

Why does my baby have red spots after eating?

One of the most common signs your baby may have a food allergy is a rash that appears shortly after eating the offending food. It is often the first symptom to appear, the most common symptom of a food allergy, and can appear anywhere on the skin. A food allergy often presents itself in the form of hives.

Why does my newborn keep getting red spots?

Many newborns develop a blotchy red skin reaction called erythema toxicum, which can appear between 2 days and 2 weeks after birth. Flat, red patches or small bumps often first appear on the face and spread to the body and limbs.

Why does my baby get spots after feeding?

If your baby gets urticaria during feeding, the condition may be triggered by something they’ve had to eat or drink. The most common foods are egg and milk, but many other foods can sometimes be the cause. The urticaria rash is usually short-lived and can be controlled with antihistamines.

Why does my baby go red and blotchy when crying?

At birth, the skin of the normal newborn is reddish-purple in color and turns bright red when the baby cries. (During the first few days of life, the skin gradually loses this redness.) In addition, the newborn’s hands and feet may be cool and blue.

How to tell difference between baby acne and milk allergy rash?

Does it look like tiny, red bumps that are clustered together? If so, baby acne is the most likely culprit. If you’re seeing red or pink patches or welts on your baby’s skin and they don’t look like pimples, it could be another rash.

Can breastmilk cause skin rashes?

Some babies allergic to certain proteins present in their mother’s foods may also develop skin reactions to allergies like rashes, eczema, dry skin, hives etc.

What does a milk sensitivity rash look like?

Symptoms that can appear within minutes of having a small amount of milk include: raised red bumps of skin – hives (urticaria) itchy, red, weeping or crusty rash of the skin – dermatitis or eczema. swelling of the face.

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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