Breastfeeding is a great way to provide your child with the necessary nutrients they need to grow and develop. However, if your child has food allergies, it can be challenging to navigate the world of breastfeeding.

In this article, we will discuss how to handle breastfeeding with food allergies in infants.

What are Food Allergies?

Food allergies occur when our immune system reacts to specific proteins found in food. It can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe, including skin rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.

Infants are more prone to developing food allergies, and the most common allergens include cow’s milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

Breastfeeding and Food Allergies

Breastfeeding is a great way to prevent food allergies in infants. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect your baby from allergens.

However, if you have a family history of food allergies or your baby is showing symptoms or has been diagnosed with a food allergy, you need to take some precautions when breastfeeding.

Identify the Allergen

The first step is to identify the allergen that triggers the reaction in your baby. You may need to eliminate certain foods from your diet temporarily to determine which food triggers the allergic reaction.

Keep a food diary and track what you eat and how your baby reacts to it. If you suspect that your baby is allergic to a particular food, remove it from your diet for at least two weeks and see if the symptoms disappear.

Once the allergen has been identified, you can avoid consuming it and reduce the risk of passing it through your breast milk.

Eliminate Allergenic Foods From Your Diet

If your baby is allergic to a particular food, you need to eliminate it from your diet. Avoiding allergenic foods can be challenging, but it’s crucial to ensure your baby’s safety and health.

Common allergenic foods that you may need to eliminate from your diet include dairy, soy, wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. Be sure to read food labels carefully and avoid foods that contain these allergens. You may also need to avoid foods that have gone through the same processing equipment as allergens.

Get Adequate Nutrients

Eliminating certain foods from your diet can limit the nutrients you consume. It’s essential to ensure that you still get adequate nutrients while avoiding allergenic foods.

You can increase your intake of other nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Consider taking a prenatal vitamin or a multivitamin that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals for breastfeeding mothers.

Reintroduce the Allergenic Foods Gradually

After eliminating the allergenic food from your diet, you can reintroduce it gradually to see if your baby has any reaction. Start with a small amount of the food and wait for 24 hours.

If your baby doesn’t show any reaction, you can increase the amount gradually. If you notice any symptoms, stop consuming the food and consult your doctor.

Seek Professional Help

If your baby has a severe food allergy or you’re unsure about what foods to eliminate from your diet, consult a healthcare provider. They may refer you to a registered dietitian who can guide you on a safe diet plan while breastfeeding.

They can also provide information on alternative sources of nutrients and ensure that you and your baby get adequate nutrition.

What to Do If Your Baby Shows Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

If your baby shows symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop breastfeeding immediately and seek medical attention. Your baby’s doctor may prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms or may refer your baby to an allergist for further testing.

If your baby has a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding with food allergies in infants can be a challenging experience, but with proper knowledge and precautions, it’s possible to provide your baby with the necessary nutrients they need while avoiding allergenic foods.

Be sure to identify the allergen and eliminate it from your diet, get adequate nutrients, reintroduce the allergenic foods gradually, and seek professional help if necessary. By following these steps, you can ensure that breastfeeding remains a safe and healthy way to nourish your baby.