Infant Food Allergy

Most babies are not fussy as a result of food allergies, but rather some colic, growth spurts, acid reflux or normal baby development.

All breastfeeding moms should try to avoid cow milk products within the first few weeks after birth as all babies have a digestive system that is not fully developed yet.

Moms will notice a difference in baby’s behavior after eating certain foods, but fussiness on its own is not a sign of food sensitivity...here are some symptoms of food allergy to look out for

Baby food allergy symptoms

- Eczema, hives and dry reddened skin (mostly found on the face)

- Chest wheezing, asthma and trouble breathing

- Colic , incessant crying and poor sleeping patterns

- Acid reflux and vomiting

- Runny nose and red itchy eyes (hay fever)

- Diarrhea, constipation and/or diaper rash

- Less absorption of nutrients which can cause weight loss

Anaphylaxis can also occur, this is a very severe reaction towards an allergen which can be fatal and usually involves restriction (swelling closed) of the airway.

Should I continue to breastfeed if baby is allergic to some foods?

Yes, mom just needs to figure out which foods are causing the allergic reaction. Then she will need to eliminate these specific foods from her diet.

If baby is allergic to cow’s milk, she should keep away from all dairy products. A reaction towards a specific food can show immediately or only after 24 hours in baby.

Mom should stay away from the specific food she thinks could be causing the problem for at least four weeks to see if baby still has the same symptoms. Some babies may seem to have worsened symptoms for about a week after eliminating the problem food.

Most common food allergies

Some common foods that cause food allergies include; peanuts, shellfish, cows milk protein, eggs, wheat, citrus fruits, fish, soy and food additives. What bothers one baby may not bother another.

Read more on foods to avoid while breastfeeding

What causes baby allergies?

- A family history of specific food sensitivity, asthma and/or eczema. If both parents have allergies baby is 80% more likely to get it, if only one parent is affected, baby has a 30% chance of being allergic.

Does my baby have lactose intolerance? Read more on this here

Cow milk sensitivity “dairy allergy”

When babies have a sensitivity towards cows milk, it is the protein in the milk that cause the milk allergies not the lactose. This is why switching to lactose fee products will not help. A milk protein allergy can cause all of the symptoms mentioned above.

Most babies with an infant milk allergy will most likely be allergic to soy and beef as well. Breastfeeding mothers will need to eliminate all forms of cow’s milk protein including cream, yogurt, butter and cheese. Also anything containing casein, caseinate, sodium and/or calcium caseinate, lactalbumin or whey. Mom will need to start reading labels on purchased foods that may contain cow’s milk protein.

Most of these babies will outgrow their sensitivities by the age of two. It's best to wait at least until baby is six months before trying to introduce some cow’s milk again.

Treatment options for food sensitivities

- Food elimination as discussed above

- Medication

- Allergy tests

- Immunotherapy

Prevention of all food intolerances

- In preventing infant food allergies, pregnant mothers can avoid all foods that have caused allergy problems in their families…this will give a baby a better chance of not being allergic. (moms should remember to replace them with an equivalent supplement)

- Breastfeeding exclusively for at least four months can reduce the chance of infant allergy, getting eczema or having asthma

- To prevent baby allergy keep baby (and yourself if you are breastfeeding) away from…

~ Dairy products for a year from birth

~ Eggs for the first two years

~ Peanuts, nuts and fish should be avoided for the first three years

Egg allergies

- Things to look out for that can also cause baby to have an allergic reaction due to egg allergy…albumin, dried eggs, egg powder, egg solids, ovomucin, ovomucoid, ovovitellin, ovalbumin, livetin and Simplesse. Egg allergy symptoms are the same as the symptoms mentioned above.

Peanut allergy “peanut intolerance”

One in every 150 children are affected by peanut allergy. A peanut allergy can be very severe. Traces of peanuts can be found in almost anything. It can even be found in baby formula, ice cream and cereals. Nut allergy symptoms are also the same as the symptoms mentioned above.

Child And Infant Food Allergy Network Support Group…

http://www.wafeast.org/

Other pages on "breastfeeding problems" in connection with food allergy breastfeeding

- Herbs and breastfeeding

- Baby poop - Whats normal?

- Understanding why babies cry

- Caffeine and breastfeeding

- Alcohol and breastfeeding

- Smoking and breastfeeding