In this post, we will address the questions regarding breastfeeding and formulas. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants. It is the first choice of the World Health Organization (WHO) and healthcare professionals around the world.
Breastfeeding and formulas in children with allergies
Some children can have an allergic reaction to dairy, soy, and other food proteins passed along in their mother’s breast milk, so breastfeeding and formulas become an option to consider. The good news is that under close medical supervision, you may be able to continue breastfeeding your child, while on a food elimination diet.
In a standard elimination diet, the lactating mother removes all dairy and soy protein from her diet. It is essential for the mother and baby to get the nutrition needed, so a doctor or dietitian supervision is crucial for the success of the elimination diet.
Avoiding dairy and proteins in food
Avoiding dairy and soy proteins is challenging because these compose many foods. The following are a few examples of foods that may contain dairy or soy ingredients:
- Meat
- Chocolate
- Nutrition bars
- Fortified cereals
- Glazes
- Salad dressing
- Any product with whey or casein on the label
- “Lactose-free” products
If you are trying an elimination diet, we have other helpful articles that you might find helpful. Such as:
If you try an elimination diet and your baby still displays food allergy symptoms while being exclusively breastfed, or if you are not able to get enough nutrition yourself, breastfeeding and formulas are an option. Your doctor may recommend an amino acid-based formula such as Neocate for your baby.
Neocate is on 100% free amino acids based, the building blocks of protein. Your child’s body can easily digest and absorb these simple building blocks to grow. In comparison, milk- and soy-based formulas, even when broken down (hydrolyzed), still contain partial protein chains to which sensitive children can react.
