Baby allergic to breast milk

Breast milk lactose is the main source of nutrition for a baby from birth until 6 months old, providing absolutely all the necessary nutrients for them to grow strong and without any type of feeding or general health problems.

Many mothers wonder if it is possible to have a baby intolerant to maternal lactose. In this article, we will clarify all doubts regarding this, so we encourage you to keep reading.

What is the difference between intolerance and allergic reaction?

Before we start talking about the topic, it is necessary to differentiate between intolerance to certain foods and an allergic reaction, as they are not the same.

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to certain foods, and they present symptoms that tend to be more severe, such as respiratory problems or rashes.

On the other hand, intolerance is more related to the digestive system; it makes it painful and almost impossible to digest certain foods. As for its symptoms, they are milder than those of an allergic reaction.

Is it possible for a baby to be allergic to breast milk?

We must make it clear that babies cannot suffer from an allergy to breast milk itself, since the natural proteins found in it are very mild and cannot cause it. 

However, these allergic reactions do may occur if the baby is allergic to a food the mother has eaten, but how is this possible?

This happens when the mother consumes foods, the proteins go to the intestine and then are distributed into the bloodstream, and finally, they reach the breast milk that the baby consumes and causes the allergic reaction.

What are the symptoms of an allergy to breast milk?

Food allergies in babies manifest completely differently than in adults or children because it is the intestine that fights against the food they are intolerant to.

Below, we will list the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction to breast milk in babies.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea with blood or mucus
• Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
• Excessive crying due to possible abdominal pain
• Skin rash.
• Rash on arms, legs, or neck
• Cough
• Nasal discharge
• Watery eyes

How to know if my baby is lactose intolerant?

In case your baby present any of the symptoms we mentioned earlier, it is most advisable to see a pediatrician. It is very likely they will ask you to completely stop consuming certain highly allergenic foods to identify the cause.

What foods can cause allergic reactions through breast milk?

The vast majority of foods that cause allergies in babies through breast milk are the same that cause allergic reactions in adults. In many cases, it may be intolerance to garlic, egg, citrus, nuts, soy, or cow's milk.

Another food that is not very common but has seen an increase in the number of babies who do not tolerate it in recent years is gluten, so it is advisable for the mother to detect as soon as possible if this is the protein harming her baby because in some cases it can be serious.

It is also possible that the cause is intolerance to onion, chocolate, or tomato, although not as common as the others mentioned, they can cause allergic reactions. We recommend finding an allergen chart to print; it will be very helpful.

For this reason, many pediatricians recommend that mothers find an allergen chart to print, so they can regularly review it and consume only foods that do not harm the baby.

Likewise, certain allergen-free baby foods are recommended, such as purees, snacks, and infusions. We recommend Smileat products, as they are nutritious, tasty, and best of all, organic.

Should I stop giving my baby breast milk if they are allergic to lactose?

As we mentioned earlier, a baby cannot be allergic or intolerant to the natural lactose in breast milk, but they can be to some foods, so instead of completely stopping breastfeeding, avoid eating foods that can cause intolerance to it.

Breast milk should never be stopped for a baby, as their growth depends on it, providing all the necessary nutrients for healthy development.

However, there is a very rare disease called galactosemia, where the baby is intolerant to any type of lactose, making it impossible for them to ingest it.

If this is your case and since breast milk contains lactose, you should completely stop giving any type of milk.