There are always a lot of concerns over the diet of a breastfeeding mother. She needs sufficient protein intake and usually gets it from dairy products not even suspecting that such common foods as milk, cheese or yogurt can provoke health issues in a baby. As it turned out, cow’s milk can cause allergy in a breastfeeding child.
It is important to know that not all foods affect breast milk, consequently, no reaction will follow. However, sometimes the baby can be sensitive to products in mom’s menu. When it happens, the reaction is caused by cow’s milk, as a rule. Lactating mothers have little information on the subject. This article clarifies the basic issues for them.
Milk allergy has nothing to do with lactose intolerance
If the baby is allergic to cow’s milk, this is a reaction to protein, not to lactose. Therefore it does not have to do anything with lactose intolerance. Usually, adults are susceptible to this condition, not infants.
Possible symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy
How does milk’s sensitivity reveal itself?
Usually it causes such symptoms as:
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- skin rash
- sickness
- reflux
- colic symptoms
- bloody poop
- the baby feels pain, discomfort and cries much
Contact the doctor without delay when any of the symptoms mentioned above appear. It is essential to be specific describing the condition for more exact diagnosis.
Is it worth breastfeeding the baby with sensitivity to cow’s milk?
It is not recommended to stop breastfeeding if the infant is sensitive to cow’s milk protein. Sometimes it is enough for a mom to stop drinking milk in order to prevent further symptoms. If it does not help or the symptoms are severe, all dairy products should be cut out of the menu. It can be challenging but it is not impossible. You will see the results in no less than 2 weeks. Just stay determined to achieve the desired effect.
If this period is over but there are no positive changes, it means that the allergy is caused by something else, not by dairy foods. If there are no signs of allergy any longer, then you should stay on a dairy-free diet.
How long should a breastfeeding mom stay away from dairy foods?
It is not necessary to continue a dairy-free diet for as long as you breastfeed your little one. Your baby can feel better in some time, so you may try to return restricted foods back into the menu. Try to introduce them into the diet gradually to avoid some adverse reactions. If it does not work, be patient. Have a try in a few weeks and then repeat it again. The organism can become stronger with time and your baby will tolerate these foods.
Although food allergy occurs not so often, this condition is rather serious. The reaction of the baby’s organism can be too severe, therefore it is necessary to be cautious. The doctor’s advice is necessary in this case. The specialist should decide if the repeated introduction of such foods into the diet of a nursing mom is needed.
How to substitute dairy foods?
Though this might be a challenging task to stay away from dairy, it is possible to overcome a tough period with the help of multiple substitutes. There are a lot of alternatives to cow’s milk in the market nowadays such as soy, rice, coconut, and almond milk. They are sold in different variations and flavors to your liking. There are also milk free yogurts and ice-creams available. You will have to read the labels carefully at this period. Stay vigilant. The dairy products can be found in foods you do not even think of.
What about the infant formula for allergic babies?
The infant formula should not include cow’s milk protein if the baby is sensitive to cow’s milk. It is necessary to change to a dairy-free one. Consult your health care provider about this. There are special substitutes for such formulas, such as soy or hypoallergenic formula.
What if a mom is eager to wean her baby?
It is important to remember the benefits of breastfeeding. The longer you nurse, the healthier your baby will be. This is, certainly, tiring for a mother, especially, when there is not a single person beside to help and support her. Still, this is not a reason to give up on breastfeeding. It’s just a difficult period and you will find the strength to cope with it. Everything is going to be easier soon and you will be able to enjoy this time along with your baby.
