A baby who is lactose intolerant will be uncomfortable after being breastfed due to the lactose that is present in a mother's breast milk. Being lactose intolerant is not the same as having an allergy to cow's milk, and the presenting symptoms are much different. If your baby has an upset stomach, vomiting or prolonged periods of crying after a meal, she may be lactose intolerant. However, according to La Leche League International, the problem usually resolves by the time a baby is 18 months old.
Step 1
Change the way you nurse your baby. The most lactose will be in your foremilk, the breast milk that your baby drinks first. Instead of nursing on both sides, try doing only one side and then taking a break. This allows your baby time to digest the lactose from one breast before giving him more on the other side. If your baby is still hungry, express a little bit of milk from the other breast before allowing him to latch on so that the amount of lactose he receives is less.
Step 2
Try an elimination diet for yourself. Cut out lactose products, like milk, cheese and yogurt, from your own diet and watch for an improvement. This may take several weeks, but if lactose is causing the problem, eliminating it from your own meals should provide your baby some relief from her discomfort. You can then add small amounts back into your diet and see if symptoms return. You may have to do this on and off until your baby stops breastfeeding or outgrows her lactose intolerance.
Step 3
Talk with your baby's pediatrician. This is especially important if your baby doesn't seem to be gaining weight or appears dehydrated. He may be vomiting too much food and compromising his health and development. If this is the case, his doctor can help you determine the problem and may recommend supplementing with formula until his lactose intolerance eases up or goes away. A pediatrician can also give you tips regarding continuing to breastfeed if you are still having trouble.
Tips and Warnings
- If you feel your baby may have a lactose allergy, it is important to cut it out of your diet and contact a doctor to be sure. Signs of an allergy include, hives, wheezing, swelling and trouble breathing. If any of these symptoms appear after your baby eats, get medical help immediately because food allergies can sometimes be fatal if left untreated. Many formulas are designed for babies with digestive problems and you may find that switching to one will eliminate the problem of lactose intolerance.
