A newborn cannot be allergic to breast milk. Breastfeeding actually helps reduce the risk of your baby developing an allergy to milk, according to Kids Health. Breast milk does not contain the same proteins as cow, sheep or goat milk, which can trigger a milk allergy. If you suspect that your baby is allergic to breast milk due to diarrhea, vomiting or fussiness after eating, the symptoms may be related to another condition. Talk with your pediatrician about any symptoms your child develops.
Milk Allergy
Breast milk, in itself, cannot cause your child to pick up an allergy. However, if you drink cow's milk, those proteins can enter your breast milk, then causing an allergic reaction. Cow's milk allergies are common in children under age three and can cause rashes, fussiness, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nasal congestion and asthma. If your baby is diagnosed with a milk allergy, your doctor will recommend that you stop consuming dairy products while breastfeeding. Milk allergies are hereditary and most children outgrow them before their fifth birthday.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is very rare among babies because infants produce more lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, than adults. The only time lactose intolerance is seen in infants is when the baby is born prematurely, has a rare hereditary condition, has recently had the stomach flu or surgery on the intestines. Lactose intolerance is commonly confused with a milk allergy because it causes similar symptoms to develop in the gastrointestinal tract. Some children can develop lactose intolerance before they stop breastfeeding.
Signs
Knowing the signs of a milk allergy can help determine if your baby is experiencing an allergy or symptoms from another condition. Within minutes of drinking breast milk, your baby will develop facial swelling, rashes, hives, eczema, sinus congestion, sneezing, runny nose, facial tenderness, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, breathing difficulties and digestive complications. Call 911 immediately if you that your baby cannot breathe and appears lethargic.
Treatment
If your doctor determines that your baby is lactose intolerant, you can pump your breast milk and add the enzyme lactase to your milk and then bottle feed it to your baby. In some cases you may have to stop breastfeeding and provide a soy-based formula. Do not attempt to diagnose or treat a suspected condition without first talking with your doctor.
