“Breast milk allergy” occurs when the cow’s milk protein that the mother consumes in her diet is secreted into breast milk, producing symptoms that make it appear that the baby is allergic to the mother’s milk, such as diarrhea, constipation, vomiting , redness or itching of the skin. So what happens is that, in fact, the baby has an allergy to cow’s milk protein and not to breast milk.
Breast milk itself is the most complete and ideal food for the baby, with the nutrients and antibodies necessary to improve immunity, and, therefore, does not cause allergies. The allergy only happens when the baby is allergic to cow’s milk protein and the mother consumes cow’s milk and its derivatives.
When the baby presents symptoms that may indicate a possible allergy, it is necessary to inform the pediatrician so that the possible cause can be assessed and appropriate treatment can be initiated, which normally includes the mother excluding milk and dairy products from the diet.
Main symptoms
When a baby is allergic to cow’s milk protein, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Change in intestinal rhythm, with diarrhea or constipation;
- Vomiting or regurgitation;
- Frequent cramps;
- Stools with the presence of blood;
- Redness and itching of the skin;
- Swelling of the eyes and lips;
- Coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath;
- Difficulty gaining weight.
Symptoms can range from mild to intense, depending on the severity of each child’s allergy. See other baby symptoms that may indicate a milk allergy.
How to confirm allergy
The diagnosis of allergy to cow’s milk protein is made by the pediatrician, who will evaluate the baby’s symptoms, carry out a clinical assessment and, if necessary, request some blood tests or skin tests to confirm the presence of an allergy.
How the treatment is carried out
To treat “breast milk allergy”, initially, the pediatrician will advise changes in the mother’s diet, such as avoiding cow’s milk and its derivatives during the breastfeeding period, including cakes, desserts and breads that contain milk. in its composition.
If the baby’s symptoms persist even after taking care of the mother’s diet, an alternative is to replace the baby’s food with special infant milk. Find out more about this treatment in how to feed a child with cow’s milk allergy.
