Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and nourishing ways to support your baby’s growth and development. However, as a breastfeeding mom, you may wonder if what you’re eating could cause allergies or food sensitivities in your baby. While true allergies in breastfed babies are rare, food sensitivities can happen and might affect your baby’s digestion or overall comfort.

This post will help you identify signs of food sensitivities and guide you on how to manage them while continuing to provide your baby with the benefits of breastfeeding.

Can Allergies Be Passed Through Breast Milk?

It’s important to understand that breast milk doesn’t cause food allergies, but it can contain trace proteins from the foods you eat, which may trigger a reaction in babies with sensitivities. These reactions usually show up as food sensitivities, rather than true allergies. Allergies involve an immune response, while sensitivities are typically digestive or skin-related issues.

The good news is that most babies tolerate a wide range of foods without any problems. However, if your baby shows signs of discomfort or unusual reactions, it may be worth exploring whether certain foods in your diet could be the cause.

Signs Your Baby Might Have a Food Sensitivity

Identifying food sensitivity in a breastfed baby can sometimes be challenging, as babies go through many developmental changes that can affect their mood and behavior. However, if you notice consistent patterns after feeding, it may be helpful to watch for the following signs:

• Excessive fussiness or crying: Some babies may become irritable or unusually fussy after nursing, especially after they’ve eaten certain foods.
• Gas and bloating: Gas is normal for babies, but excessive gas that seems painful could indicate sensitivity.
• Reflux or spitting up: While some reflux is common, frequent spitting up or vomiting may be related to food intolerance.
• Rashes or eczema: Skin reactions like hives, rashes, or eczema can sometimes be linked to certain foods in a breastfeeding mom’s diet.
• Diarrhea or mucus in stool: Loose stools, diarrhea, or mucus in your baby’s stool may indicate that they’re reacting to something in your diet.
• Breathing difficulties or wheezing: In rare cases, food allergies can cause respiratory symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing. If you notice these signs, seek medical attention immediately.

Common Foods That May Cause Sensitivities

While any food has the potential to cause a reaction, certain foods are more likely to trigger sensitivities in breastfed babies:

1. Cow’s milk
   Dairy is one of the most common culprits of food sensitivities in babies. If your baby shows symptoms of sensitivity, you may want to try eliminating cow’s milk and other dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and butter from your diet.

2. Eggs
   Some breastfed babies react to egg proteins. If you notice symptoms after you’ve eaten eggs, it may help to cut them out for a period to see if your baby’s condition improves.

3. Nuts
   While nuts are highly nutritious, they can sometimes cause reactions in babies sensitive to them. If you suspect a nut sensitivity, try avoiding nuts and nut-based products like peanut butter.

4. Soy
   Soy can be another common trigger, especially for babies who are also sensitive to cow’s milk. Soy proteins are found in many processed foods, so reading labels is essential if you decide to remove soy from your diet.

5. Wheat (Gluten)
   Some babies are sensitive to gluten found in wheat and other grains. If your baby shows symptoms after you’ve consumed gluten-containing foods like bread or pasta, it may be worth exploring this as a potential trigger.

6. Fish and shellfish
   Seafood can sometimes cause reactions in sensitive babies. If you’re a regular seafood eater and your baby shows signs of food sensitivities, try removing fish or shellfish to see if it makes a difference.

How to Identify the Problematic Food

If you suspect your baby has food sensitivity, the best way to identify the trigger is through an elimination diet. Here’s how you can approach it:

1. Track your baby’s symptoms
   Keep a food diary of what you eat and note any symptoms your baby experiences after breastfeeding. This can help you spot patterns and identify potential triggers.

2. Eliminate potential problem foods
   Once you have an idea of which food might be causing the issue, try removing that food from your diet for at least two weeks. If your baby’s symptoms improve, food is likely the cause.

3. Reintroduce foods gradually
   After your baby’s symptoms have cleared, you can try reintroducing the food slowly to see if the symptoms return. If they do, you’ll have confirmation that your baby is sensitive to that particular food.

4. Consult with your pediatrician
   If you’re struggling to identify the cause or have concerns about your diet, it’s a good idea to consult with your baby’s pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can provide guidance on which foods to eliminate and ensure that both you and your baby are getting the nutrients you need.

Managing Food Sensitivities While Breastfeeding

If you find that your baby does have a food sensitivity, here are some tips to help you manage it while continuing to breastfeed:

• Stick to a varied diet: While it’s important to eliminate problematic foods, try to maintain a varied diet to ensure you’re still getting a wide range of nutrients.
• Find alternatives: If you need to cut out common foods like dairy or gluten, look for alternatives that are safe for your baby and still provide essential nutrients. For example, if you eliminate dairy, opt for calcium-rich alternatives like fortified plant-based milk or leafy greens.
• Stay hydrated: Keeping your fluid intake up is essential for maintaining a healthy milk supply, especially when managing food sensitivities.
• Be patient: Food sensitivities can be temporary. Many babies outgrow these sensitivities as their digestive systems mature, so you may be able to reintroduce certain foods later on.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to bond with your baby, and most moms don’t need to worry about major dietary restrictions. However, if your baby shows signs of food sensitivities, identifying and managing them can help keep your breastfeeding journey smooth and comfortable for both of you. By staying mindful of your diet, watching for patterns, and working with your healthcare provider, you can continue to nourish your baby while addressing any sensitivities that arise.

Join other mamas inside The Postpartum Shift and learn practical strategies to manage common issues like sore nipples, low milk supply, engorgement, and fatigue, while enjoying delicious meal plans and recipes tailored to support your milk supply and overall postpartum well-being. Inside the course, we have a wide variety of dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian & allergen-free meal and snack options. You'll also learn how to build a balanced plate and make adjustments for your food preferences or allergies.