Will cutting out dairy help my breastfed baby?

Introduction
The question of whether cutting out dairy can benefit a breastfed baby is one that many nursing mothers ponder, especially when they notice potential issues such as gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in their infants. This topic has garnered attention due to the increasing awareness of food sensitivities and allergies among children.
Understanding Dairy and Allergies
Dairy products are a common source of nutrition for many, providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. However, they can also be a source of allergens. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 2-3% of children in the United States are affected by a cow’s milk protein allergy. Symptoms can range from gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea or constipation, to skin reactions like eczema.
For breastfed infants, the proteins found in dairy can pass into the mother’s milk. If a mother consumes dairy and her baby has a sensitivity or allergy, it may lead to negative health effects. Some signs that a breastfed baby might be reacting to dairy include:
– Colic: Excessive crying or fussiness.
– Digestive issues: Gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
– Skin reactions: Rashes or eczema flare-ups.
Potential Benefits of Cutting Out Dairy
Eliminating dairy from a breastfeeding mother’s diet can lead to improvements in the baby’s condition if they are indeed sensitive to cow’s milk proteins. Research indicates that many mothers who have removed dairy report a decrease in their baby’s symptoms. This can provide relief for both the mother and baby, enhancing the breastfeeding experience.
Here are some potential benefits of cutting out dairy:
1. Reduced Symptoms: Many mothers notice a significant reduction in symptoms such as colic or skin irritations after eliminating dairy from their diets.

2. Improved Digestion: Infants may experience fewer digestive issues, leading to more comfortable feeding sessions and a happier baby overall.
3. Healthier Skin: For babies with eczema, removing dairy can sometimes lead to clearer skin over time.
Considerations Before Making Changes
However, before making any dietary changes, it’s crucial for mothers to consult with a healthcare provider. Here are some considerations:
– Nutritional Balance: Dairy is a significant source of calcium and vitamin D. If a mother eliminates dairy, she should ensure she compensates with other sources of these nutrients, such as leafy greens, fortified plant-based milks, and supplements if necessary.
– Trial Period: If a mother suspects dairy is an issue, a trial elimination of dairy for about 2-4 weeks is recommended. This allows time to observe any improvements in the baby’s condition.
– Monitoring Symptoms: Keeping a detailed log of the baby’s symptoms and the mother’s diet can help identify any correlations and determine if dairy is indeed the culprit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cutting out dairy may indeed help a breastfed baby who is experiencing symptoms of a potential dairy allergy or sensitivity. However, it is essential for mothers to approach this decision thoughtfully, ensuring they maintain a balanced diet and consult with healthcare professionals for guidance. Every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another, making personalized care and observation key components of the breastfeeding journey.

Does cutting dairy really help a baby?

Good news if you’re a dairy lover and a breastfeeding mum – although cutting out dairy for colic is common advice, ultimately, there’s no convincing evidence linking a mother’s diet to her baby’s colic symptoms.

How do I know if dairy is affecting my breastfed baby?

It is common for breastfeeding parents to blame their diet when the baby is more fussy than usual. However, it is important to note that usually if a baby has an intolerance to a food you are consuming, there will be another sign of distress such as rash, forceful spit up, or blood or mucous in the baby’s stool.

Do you have to cut out dairy when breastfeeding?

It is important to have a milk/dairy free diet, and to also avoid major sources of soya as many babies who cannot tolerate cow’s milk also react to soya proteins. Soya can often be tried later to see if your baby reacts to it or not, but it is best not to include it for the first 4-6 weeks.

How long does it take to see results from dairy-free 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.

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!

Do breastfed babies grow out of dairy intolerance?

Most infants eventually outgrow their cow’s milk allergy, so you may be able to reintroduce dairy as they get older. Dr. McKinnon generally recommends that moms reintroduce some dairy into their own diet first and see how the baby does.

What are the symptoms of low calcium while breastfeeding?

Muscle Cramps and Weakness. Lactating mothers experiencing unexplained muscle cramps or weakness may be exhibiting early signs of calcium deficiency.

How long after cutting out dairy will breastfed baby feel better?

It may take up to two weeks for the baby’s stomach / intestines to heal from any irritation caused by the intolerance. Cow’s milk protein can stay in mom’s body for 1 ½ to 2 weeks, and then it may be another 1 ½ to 2 weeks for the protein to get out of the baby’s system.

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.

Does dairy cause colic in breastfed babies?

If your baby has a true allergy to milk proteins, you might notice symptoms including dry/irritated skin, rashes, colic, persistent gas, fussiness and green stool with mucus or blood.