Allergies in Breastfed Babies
Some breastfed infants may develop allergies, which can be a concern for parents. Below is an overview of the prevalence and types of allergies in breastfed infants, along with information on how to manage them.1
Prevalence of Allergies in Breastfed Infants
Breast milk typically does not cause allergic reactions in breastfeeding infants, but mothers sometimes worry that their babies may be allergic to something that they themselves are eating and passing into their breast milk. In fact, only two or three out of every one hundred babies who are exclusively breastfed demonstrate an allergic reaction—and that’s most often to the cow’s milk in their mother’s diet.1
Types of Allergies in Breastfed Infants
- Cow Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA): Breastfed infants who are highly sensitive to cow’s milk protein may react to foods in mom’s diet, in which case avoiding those foods may be required. Symptoms of CMPA can include severe colic, abdominal discomfort, skin rash such as eczema or hives, vomiting, severe diarrhea (often with blood in the stool), or difficulty breathing.1
- Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES): This non-IgE mediated allergy can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.1
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): This condition involves inflammation of the esophagus and can cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and poor growth.1
Managing Allergies in Breastfed Infants
If you think your breastfed infant has an allergy, it is important to consult with your baby’s healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of the allergy and recommend appropriate management strategies. In some cases, moms may need to avoid certain foods to prevent allergic reactions in the infant; please do not do this without first consulting with a healthcare provider. A registered dietitian nutritionist can assist you to make sure you are still getting the nutrients you need. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life has been shown to significantly lessen the risk and severity of food allergies in families with a strong history of them.1
What If I Have Questions?
If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:
- Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
- Lactation Q & A
To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.
Want More Info?
For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:
Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical evaluation or consultation. Please seek advice from your own healthcare providers for individualized recommendations.
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