Why Food Allergy in Breastfeeding Babies & What You Can Do?

What is food allergy in babies? - a food allergy is when the body’s immune system mistakes a food as harmful and this causes a reaction and releases antibodies. Allergic reactions can be mild to severe. The reaction usually takes place not long after the food is consumed, anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or two after ingestion.

Why Infants Get Allergy Even If They Are Breastfed?

Breast milk provides important health benefits for your baby including protection from infections. It creates a special bond between mother and baby and can be continued. There is no reason to wean your baby from the breast if your baby develops signs of food allergies.

Proteins from the foods that a mother eat can appear in her milk within 3-6 hours after eating. If she stops these foods from her diet, the proteins will disappear from breast milk in 1-2 weeks and the baby’s symptoms should slowly improve.

At time of weaning also few babies show allergies that is due to their family history or environmental conditions. It's advisable to stick to breastmilk as long as you can it reduces risk of allergies. Check this: Common Causes of Stomach Pain In Babies 

Food Allergy Symptoms in Infants:

It is very important to notice if your child is an allergen to any food you are, you can check some signs of food allergies like;

• Flushed face
• Hives or a rash
• Red and itchy skin
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat and tongue
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Fainting, paleness and weakness
• Diarrhea, vomiting 
• Crying continuously

Instead of wasting more time rush to pediatrician for proper care of your little one. Check these signs & symptoms of food allergy in infants. 

What You Can Do?

Firstly ton of patience. Sometimes babies are allergic to more than one food. You may need to stay on this restricted diet the entire time you are breastfeeding, or until your infant is 1 year old. Many babies outgrow their food allergies by their first birthday.

• You can eat always homemade fresh food with balanced nutrition.
• Avoid dairy products if it's not suitable especially cow's milk as babies can't digest it properly.
• Stop all junk food and sodas.
• And most importantly be happy.

What Foods You Can Avoid?

There is no particular list of food but you can rely on few, or listen to your midwife doctor or elders. But avoid Eggs, Fish, Milk, Nuts, Peanuts, Sesame, Shellfish, Soy, Wheat. It is always advised to add a pinch of asafoetida while preparing lentils or veggies. Check this: What Precautions if travelling with food-allergic child