Food Sensitivities in the Breastfeeding Dyad
Food sensitivities and allergies are recognized as significant health concerns. Understanding these sensitivities is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of both the mom and the baby. Research does support that the likelihood of an allergic reaction from breast milk is low.1
How Food Sensitivities or Allergies Happen When Breastfeeding
Food sensitivities in babies can be triggered by various allergens, with cow’s milk, eggs, and peanuts being among the most common.2,3 Note the baby is not allergic to the mom’s milk, but the proteins that are found in the milk from the offending food.2,3
The transfer of food proteins through breast milk is a key mechanism by which babies develop sensitivities.2,3 When a breastfeeding mom consumes allergenic foods, proteins from these foods can pass into her milk. In babies predisposed to allergies (often because of other family members who have allergies), these proteins can trigger IgE-mediated allergic reactions, leading to symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, eczema (dry patches of skin), and hives.2,3
Impact of Undiagnosed Food Sensitives or Allergies on Mom and Baby’s Health
Food sensitivities can significantly impact both mom and baby’s health.2,3 For breastfeeding moms, dietary restrictions may lead to nutritional deficiencies if not managed properly. For babies, ongoing exposure to allergens can affect growth and development. Ensuring a balanced diet for the mom is essential to maintain the quality of breast milk and support the baby’s nutritional needs.2,3 Eliminating foods can be hard for a mom, and extra support is needed.
What Parents Can Do if They Suspect an Allergy
If you think your baby has an allergy, the first step is to consult with their baby’s health care provider or an allergist who is board certified in allergies and immunology.2,3 These healthcare professionals can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a detailed medical history (including family history of allergies), physical examination, and allergy tests.2,3
If a specific food is suspected, it should be eliminated from the mom’s diet if she is breastfeeding, or from the baby’s diet if they are consuming solids. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) recommends the following steps:3
- Eliminate Suspected Foods: The ABM recommends the continuation of breastfeeding, and the first step of removing cow’s milk products such as cheese, milk and yogurt. Other foods such as soy, chocolate, strawberries, nuts and eggs are removed next with special attention to packaged products. This process should be done for at least 2 to 4 weeks, with improvements often seen within 70 to 96 hours (3 to 4 days). Note that fish and gluten-free foods should be avoided next with the assistance of a registered dietitian nutritionist to assure nutrients are not missed in the mom’s diet.
- Reintroduce and Eliminate: If symptoms don’t change, reintroduce the food and eliminate another from the list (see above). Continue this process until all suspected foods have been tested. Be thorough in avoiding all forms of the food, including hidden ingredients in processed foods. Click on this link for more information on how to read food labels.
- Keep a Food Diary: Keep a detailed food diary for a few days, including weekdays and weekends, noting any symptoms that occur after the baby is exposed to certain foods. Review the diary with your healthcare provider to identify any patterns or potential allergens. This information can be important in diagnosing food allergies.
Managing Food Sensitives
- Managing food sensitivities in breastfeeding dyads involves dietary modifications for the mom. This may include eliminating specific allergens from her diet and ensuring she receives adequate nutrition through alternative sources. Support from healthcare providers, including registered dietitian nutritionists and allergists, is helpful as well.
- Parents should be educated on how to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, including the use of different medications.
- Support groups and resources from organizations such as the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) can provide additional guidance and support for managing food allergies.
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
- Solid Foods for the Breastfed Baby
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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