Breastfeeding 101: mother, child, and the allergist.
It is well known that allergies and asthma run in families if one or both parents are allergic, more likely children may develop those conditions at some point in their life. Recent studies show no confirming evidence that a restricted diet of allergenic food during pregnancy and breastfeeding may prevent a well child (not at risk) from developing allergies. A child is considered at high-risk when at least one parent or one sibling suffers from an allergic condition, including food allergy, eczema or asthma.
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
15 million Americans suffer from food allergies of which 6 million are children.
Mother’s allergies.
- No proven restrictions to the mother’s diet can prevent allergies. The factors that induce allergic reactions early in life have not been identified.
- Breast milk is still considered the ideal form of nutrition for newborns, at least for the first 6 months of life, it’s less allergenic than any formula and cow’s milk, it contains immunologically active substances that provide nutritional balance, protection from infectious diseases.
- The most prevalent form of immunologic responses or allergic disorders is atopic dermatitis or eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma and food allergies.
- A 2017 study shows that mixed nutrition practices of breastfeeding, pumping milk and consequently feeding and formula may cause early manifestations of food allergy symptoms. The conclusion of the research showed that children exposed to a combination of feeding patterns were more likely to experience food allergies later in life. pillowcases prevent the growth of dust mites; Wash bedlinens with very hot water (130 degrees) once a week.
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
Food allergy is not transmitted via breast milk, nor is contagious.
Child Allergies.
Food allergy is not transmitted via breast milk, nor is contagious. All the newborn inherits is the predisposition to develop allergies later in life from allergic parents. What’s known is that exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first 4 months of life can help prevent allergies, asthma, and eczema in high-risk infants.
When breastfeeding is not possible and formula is the form of nutrition to be chosen, for those children at risk or manifesting allergic symptoms, alternative hypoallergenic formula should not contain soy. It must be noted that 20% of children allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy.
Children of parents with atopic allergies are considered at high risk of allergy development while growing and a milk-free diet in mothers during late pregnancy and lactation is preferred.
The word to the allergist.
An allergist should be consulted if the infant presents eczema and or if he or she has a sibling with peanut allergy.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Is it safe for a woman on allergy shots to continue the treatment when becoming pregnant and/or while breastfeeding?
Yes, it’s safe. She should continue with the same dose and not increase it until the end of the pregnancy.
2. Can a mother-to-be become allergic to food during pregnancy?
We inherit the predisposition to become allergic. Pregnancy can trigger or change the symptoms of allergy and, yes, allergies can worsen at any time during pregnancy.
3. And, if yes, will testing and treatment be harmful to the baby?
Skin testing is done after delivery, not during pregnancy and immunotherapy will start consequently after delivery.
