BREAST MILK ALLERGY : FACTS, CAUSES, PREVENTION

Breast milk allergies in babies who breastfeed are certainly undesirable. This is because breast milk is the only source of energy for our babies.

sofyanto

8/05/2025 07:16:00 pm

Causes of Breast Milk Allergies in Babies

A health expert states that babies who experience breast milk allergies don't actually have them. The allergy originates from the food or drink the mother consumes while breastfeeding.

However, breast milk allergies due to specific foods or drinks are very rare.

Signs of an allergy in babies include symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and rashes. These symptoms may appear several hours after the baby receives breast milk.

Here is a comprehensive explanation of the signs of an allergy in babies to breast milk, including:

1. Spitting Up

It's important to note that signs of breast milk allergies, such as vomiting or spitting up in babies, can appear suddenly.

However, there is a difference between vomiting and spitting up. Usually, spitting up is not accompanied by stomach muscle contractions. If this occurs 1-4 times a day, this spit-up is considered normal.

2. Rash

Another sign of a baby experiencing a breast milk allergy is reddened skin. This condition can occur if the mother has just eaten seafood.

3. Wheezing

The appearance of shortness of breath or noisy breathing is another sign of a breast milk allergy. This condition can appear after your baby is breastfed. Although the signs are similar to asthma, this symptom is not often the main symptom.

4. Diarrhea

Babies can experience diarrhea due to allergies, and even newborns can experience it.

This is because the baby's digestive system cannot accept the protein and lactose found in breast milk. If this occurs, the baby should be taken to the nearest pediatrician immediately.

Types of Foods That Cause Breast Milk Allergies

There are several types of foods that can cause breast milk allergies in babies that we don't realize.

1. Cow's Milk

If your baby has a breast milk allergy due to breast milk, you should try to avoid breast milk for two to four weeks.

However, breastfeeding can continue, and you can continue drinking milk after symptoms subside. However, if symptoms worsen, consult a doctor immediately.

2. Caffeinated Drinks

Breastfeeding mothers who drink two cups of coffee a day may not sleep well. Approximately 1 percent of the caffeine from coffee passes into breast milk, causing the baby to develop an allergy.

3. Alcoholic Drinks

Pregnant women who consume alcoholic beverages will also have their breast milk contaminated with alcohol, which can affect the baby's health.

4. Fish with Mercury

Fish naturally contain protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the body.

However, some fish contain mercury, especially fish found in waters near mining areas.

The mercury content in these fish can interfere with breast milk production and can impact the baby's brain development.

5. Other Foods

Some foods that may cause allergies in babies that mothers should be aware of include broccoli, chocolate, onions, chili peppers, and dairy products.

Avoiding Breast Milk Allergies in Babies

To find the right diet for breastfeeding mothers with a history of breast milk allergies, the mother should consult a doctor.

Although many foods and drinks should be avoided, it is still important to ensure a balanced nutritional intake.

Actions for Babies with a History of Allergies

If your baby has previously experienced allergies, here are some steps you can take:

For the first four to six months, avoid standard cow's milk formula. Partially or totally hydrolyzed formula can be used as a milk substitute if the baby needs it.
Start with allergenic foods such as eggs, wheat, and milk in small amounts and only feed one type at a time.
It is important to regularly clean the bed of dust mites and dust mites.

However, to prevent your baby from developing food allergies, you can use the following techniques:

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy and after birth.
For the first six months of life, babies are exclusively breastfed.
Weaning should not occur before at least 17 months of age.
Begin solid food while the baby is still breastfeeding, and this can begin after the baby is six months old. By the age of twelve months, babies should be able to consume all age-appropriate foods and drinks, including those that may cause allergies.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, avoid anti-nausea medications, paracetamol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as much as possible. Mothers should also maintain a healthy diet, including avoiding allergenic foods.

Babies who are introduced to solid foods too early may be more susceptible to allergies, but introducing solid foods too late can also disrupt their growth and development.

This condition increases the risk of allergies because it inhibits the perception of various types of food.

However, a breast milk allergy should not stop you from exclusively breastfeeding; you should only stop consuming the food or drink that is causing the allergy.