Hey, Pramita friends! Many might wonder, can babies be allergic to their mother's breast milk? Breast milk is indeed the best source of nutrition for babies. However, there are times when babies show allergic symptoms like rashes, diarrhea, or vomiting after feeding. So, can babies actually be allergic to breast milk?

Breast Milk Doesn't Cause Allergies, But...

Breast milk itself doesn’t cause allergies. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2020), the proteins in breast milk are very easy for babies to digest and rarely cause allergic reactions. However, there is something important to note: what the mother eats can influence her breast milk. So, it’s not the breast milk causing the allergy, but rather certain substances from the mother’s diet.

One common culprit is cow's milk protein consumed by the mother. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics (2019), cow's milk protein from a mother's diet can pass into breast milk and trigger allergies in babies sensitive to it.

Signs of Allergies in Babies

Babies allergic to certain substances in breast milk may show symptoms like:

1. Red rashes or eczema
2. Diarrhea or mucous-filled stools
3. Vomiting
4. Fussiness or trouble sleeping
5. Difficulty breathing

If Pramita friends notice these symptoms in their baby after breastfeeding, it’s best to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause.

Solutions for Allergic Babies

If your baby is diagnosed with an allergy to certain proteins from the mother’s diet, the doctor may recommend avoiding those trigger foods. Common allergens include cow's milk, nuts, eggs, and seafood.

Eliminating these foods for a few weeks may help improve the baby’s symptoms. However, always consult a doctor before making dietary changes to ensure the mother’s nutrition remains balanced.

Conclusion

So, babies aren’t allergic to breast milk itself, but they can be allergic to substances that pass into breast milk from the mother’s diet. With some dietary adjustments, allergy symptoms can be reduced, and babies can continue to benefit from breast milk.