Does your baby have food sensitivities?

Motherhood brings many challenges both physically and emotionally, some of which we are prepared for and some of which we are not, nor could we be possibly be. For breastfeeding moms in particular, one of these challenges is identifying foods that cause symptoms in their baby. Often this can be a very time-consuming task that can feel overwhelming during such a sensitive period when sleep is scarce and prioritizing cooking and healthy meals can feel like an added burden. But growing research suggests that what mom eats can in fact impact her baby by way of her breastmilk.

Food Allergy vs. Food Sensitivity vs. Food Intolerance?

Both food allergies and food sensitivities are immune reactions typically in response to the protein component of a food, but they develop differently. True allergies are IgE antibody mediated (the body produces immunoglobulin E proteins that bind to mast cells causing the release of histamine). This produces symptoms, often more extreme in nature, that arise within a few minutes to a couple of hours after ingestion of a problematic food. Food sensitivities on the other hand, are non-IgE mediated, often involving T cells that release inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals produce symptoms that do not show up immediately, taking hours or even days to emerge, and generate symptoms commonly more subtle in presentation. Food intolerances are different from allergies and sensitivities altogether. These types of reactions are not immune modulated and instead arise from a lack of a particular enzyme for proper digestion of that food, an imbalance of gut bacteria, or some other digestive irritation. Food intolerances are much more uncommon in infants.Since food allergies are typically much more obvious and usually diagnosable by a qualified allergist or other appropriate healthcare provider, and intolerance is rare, we will focus here on outlining common symptoms and strategies for identifying food sensitivities specifically.

Symptoms of food sensitivities in infants might include:

• Colic

• Diaper rash

• Diarrhea, discolored stool or blood or mucous in the stool

• Vomiting or reflux

• Eczema or other skin rashes

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the symptoms associated with food sensitivities, but includes the most common visible signs.

Observation of the infant stool is one of the most effective tools we have to detecting possible food sensitivities. And since stool quality among breastfed babies differs from that of formula-fed babies and changes over time based on developmental stage, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with what to look for when changing a diaper.

Infant Stool Observations

• The first stool is often darker in color and is referred to as meconium

• Breast-fed babies’ stools are typically yellow in color (green is common too)

• Breast-fed stools can be runny and seedy in appearance

• Formula-fed stool is often darker yellow or green and firmer

• Brown, orange, or green colored stools more common as solid foods are introduced; becomes more firm like that of adult

• Hard and dry or pellet-like formation can signal constipation

• Runny diapers are more common prior to solid food introduction-more frequent runny diapers however may indicate diarrhea

• Blood in the stool is a sign of illness

• Red, white, and black colored stools are often a sign of a problem and the pediatrician should be alerted right away (black is normal in the first few days but should not persist beyond this)

Tip to Managing Food Sensitivities

• Begin a food and mood journal-make note of everything consumed along with baby’s stool quality, mood, etc. throughout the day

• Consider a low-allergen diet or modified food elimination trial eliminating 1-5 foods at one time for 3-6 weeks seeking the support of a nutrition professional to ensure you are receiving adequate nutrition in the absence of specific foods

• Some of the most common reactive foods include: cow’s milk products, gluten containing grains, peanut, soy, corn, eggs, tree nuts, refined sugar, food additives, pork, shellfish and beef-cow’s milk is the top reactive food and often eliminating this alone can yield symptom resolution

• Reintroduce omitted foods one at a time over a 3 day period to test reactivity-its ideal to bring foods back into the diet that are not causing symptoms in order to maintain a varied diet for both mom and baby

• Request a food allergy test from your primary doctor to test some of the more commonly reactive foods

• Remember that breastfeeding is the preferred feeding method whenever possible and research suggests it is preventative in the development of allergies-don’t give up and seek help

While food sensitivities are common among adults, children, and infants alike, they are very challenging to identify, and the exact mechanism behind them is controversial. Identifying these among breastfeeding mothers can be particularly complex given the added challenges of the postpartum phase more generally. However, taking the time to investigate the diet in this way in the short-term can have great positive implications for the the more long-term postpartum experience.

To learn more about how food sensitivities may be affecting you and your baby, book a 30 minute free consult with Carla.