With the help of
your OB/GYN, pediatrician and pediatric allergist, you can successfully breast
feed your milk allergic or intolerant infant.
I am going to write in the first person this week, because I
have first-hand experience breastfeeding two milk
intolerant babies. If you are reading this, congratulations for seeking out the
very best for your baby – breast milk!
My first son screamed for the first 9 months of his life. I
heard the word “colic” so many times I was ready to scream myself. After much
research, motherly intuition, a
food journal, and several specialist visits, I
found he had reflux and was also intolerant to dairy (along with several other
things). The doctors told me it might be better
to useNutramagin and
Alimentum,
but I was determined to nurse him as long as he was comfortable. This was not
easy, but I was able to nurse him successfully for much longer than I originally
thought I could. My second son was intolerant to dairy
as well. I nursed him for two years, keeping myself
dairy-free the entire time.
The bottom line for you, Mom, is to stop eating
all forms of dairy. This seems difficult at first, but once you get used
to no dairy it will become second nature.
When you shop, here are the ingredients you need to avoid
completely:
Acidophilus Milk
Casein
Caseinate
Curds
Galactose
Ghee
Lactalbumin
Lactate
Lactic Acid
Lactoglobulin
Lactose
Malted Milk
Nougat
Potassium Caseinate
Ready Sponge
Rennet
Sodium Caseinate
Whey
Beware of artificial butter flavor, caramel color,
flavorings, seasonings, canned fish, canned tuna, "non-dairy substitutes" (often
contain dairy), processed meats, deli meats, supplements and medications (may
contain cornstarch that contains casein), cosmetics and hygiene products.
More on
Nursing your Milk Allergic Infant
It is important that while you are avoiding
dairy, you are receiving the correct amount of calories and
calcium for a lactating mother. Here are the Recommended
Dietary Allowances (RDAs) of some nutrients for non-pregnant, pregnant, and
nursing women between the ages of 25 and 50.
*This amount of iron
cannot be obtained from the usual diet. You need supplements of at least
30 milligrams of iron each day.
Be sure to
consult with your OB/GYN to discuss nutritional
and calcium intake. After all, while you are taking care of your baby, you also
need to take care of yourself!
It may be hard to pass over
dairy-rich foods, such as chocolate or even plain old milk. If you slip (after
all, we are all human!), pump if at all possible and dispose of the milk. Your
child will probably still receive dairy through your milk, but it will not be as high a
concentration. Remember that you probably have a local La Leche League that
would be happy to support you and answer any questions you have about nursing.
Additionally, many OB/GYN practices
have a lactation specialist that can help you as well.
If anyone in
your family has allergies, food allergies, eczema or asthma, you should avoid
eating milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts, fish and shellfish during the first three
months while you are nursing.
Mom, congratulations on your
beautiful baby. And GOOD FOR YOU, nursing your milk allergic child!
