How to Manage a Dairy Allergy and Breastfeeding
A cow’s milk protein allergy is one of the most common food allergies in infants. Milk proteins can pass into your breast milk from your blood, potentially affecting sensitive babies.
About 5% of babies have a food allergy, and around 2-3% of infants specifically have a dairy allergy. Proteins such as casein and whey, prevalent in cow's milk, can permeate the maternal blood-milk barrier, triggering adverse reactions in susceptible infants.
Dairy Allergy vs. Sensitivity vs. Lactose Intolerance
It’s important to distinguish between these conditions:
- Dairy Allergy: An immune system response to milk proteins, leading to symptoms like hives, eczema, wheezing, or digestive issues.
- Dairy Sensitivity: A digestive issue rather than an immune response, which may cause gas, bloating, or irregular bowel movements.
- Lactose Intolerance: Rare in infants, this condition prevents the proper digestion of lactose, the sugar in dairy products.
Signs of a Cow’s Milk Allergy
If your baby has a true dairy allergy, symptoms may include:
- Eczema
- Wheezing
- Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
- Hives
- Congestion
- Frequent spitting-up
Signs of a Cow’s Milk Sensitivity
If your baby has a sensitivity rather than an allergy, symptoms may include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you suspect your baby has an issue with dairy, consult your pediatrician. They may diagnose a dairy allergy or sensitivity and, if necessary, refer you to an allergist. If your baby experiences difficulty breathing or wheezing, seek emergency medical help immediately by calling 911.
Managing Dairy Allergies and Sensitivities
If your pediatrician determines your baby has a dairy allergy or sensitivity and you are breastfeeding, they will recommend eliminating dairy from your diet.
Hidden Dairy in Foods
Dairy ingredients can be found in processed and packaged foods under names like whey, casein, and lactose. Carefully reading ingredient lists is essential to avoid accidental exposure.
Eliminating dairy from your diet requires patience, as it can take up to three weeks for dairy proteins to fully leave your system. During this transition, you may gradually notice improvements in your baby’s symptoms.
Nutrient Considerations When Eliminating Dairy
Cutting out dairy means ensuring you still get adequate calcium and vitamin D from alternative sources:
Non-Dairy Sources of Calcium:
- Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, collard greens, and bok choy are rich in calcium.
- Fortified Foods: Many plant-based milk alternatives (almond, soy, oat milk), orange juice, and breakfast cereals are fortified with calcium.
- Tofu: Tofu made with calcium sulfate is an excellent source of calcium.
- Beans and Lentils: Chickpeas, black beans, and lentils contain significant calcium.
- Almonds and Sesame Seeds: These nuts and seeds are calcium-rich additions to a dairy-free diet.
Non-Dairy Sources of Vitamin D:
- Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines provide natural vitamin D.
- Fortified Foods: Many plant-based milk alternatives, orange juice, breakfast cereals, and some tofu varieties contain added vitamin D.
- Mushrooms: Some mushrooms, particularly those exposed to sunlight, provide vitamin D.
Sunlight exposure also helps the body produce vitamin D. Spending time outdoors, particularly midday, can boost vitamin D levels—but remember to protect your skin from overexposure.
Will My Baby Outgrow a Dairy Allergy or Sensitivity?
Many dairy-sensitive babies outgrow their sensitivity between 6-18 months, with most cases resolving by age three. Children with true dairy allergies may take longer to outgrow their condition. About 50% of children with a diagnosed dairy allergy outgrow it by age five, while others may continue to react to dairy into later childhood or even adulthood.
Navigating a dairy allergy or sensitivity can be challenging, but with careful dietary adjustments, it is manageable. If you suspect your baby has an issue with dairy, trust your instincts, consult your pediatrician, and make gradual, informed changes to support your baby’s health and comfort.
