bf and allergy???

[me and bean]

lately my lo when bf, gets red slightly puffy eyes, that always tear, and he gets red spots on his face.  he looks like he has been crying.

is this possibly an allergy ie something in my diet?  anyone else seen this?

[chell]

Hi, it does sound as though Michael may have an allergy. There isn't the scientific evidence to support altering the diet of bf mums in relation to allergies/eczema. However a lot of people do try this and some Doctors may encourage it, under their supervision. I tried a non dairy/ non sugar diet for a month to try to irradicate my los eczema, but the effects were minimal.

It may not be your diet which is affecting your lo. It may be something within the environment, or he may have accidentally put something in his mouth which was contaminated with a particular food, to which he is allergic.

I would say monitor the situation carefully, to see if you can find out what the cause may be, and keep it away from him. You may also want to contact 'allergy uk' for info & further advice.

Good luck

Cheryl

[chell]

Just had another thought... you say it happens when being bf. Do you use any kind of ointment / soap in the shower etc on your breasts... if you do then this may be the cause. Its best just to use water. If you are sore I found Lansinoh brand ointment worked well for both of us. not sure if they do it in California...

http://www.allergyuk.org

[chell]

Another thought - when I was first feeding Jacob he developed similar symptoms. This wasn't an allergic response, but my nightie was rubbing his face and irritating it. Alsoit may be worth changing your washing powder to a plant based one or one for allergies to see if this is the case.

Good Luck.

[me and bean]

thanks cheryl

yep, it's only when i bf him.  weird.  he's 5 1/2 mths and this is the first time i have seen it.  i've only ever washed my breasts and nipples with water, and have been fortunate enough to never have to use an ointment (btw, you can get lansinoh here too), so that's out. 

might be a new deodorant.  well same, but different smell, won't use it tomorrow and see how that goes.

you know, i had been putting a barrier ointment on his face (aquaphor, like a petroleum jelly) cause he has a little eczema...  maybe his skin has had enough of it?  i didn't use it today, and he didn't get the red flushing/spots, but still the teary eyes.

[chell]

Hi Susan, Yep that could be it. Some creams suprisingly can be irritant, as creams have a preservative in them, although ointments and lotions are usually ok. The stuff Jacob was prescribed caused his eczema to get worse. It wasn't until he saw the specialist that he was put onto the right stuff (epaderm and dermol 500- probably different over your way). Maybe try something different.

Good Luck

Cheryl

[Williamsmom]

Is it right after he BF's?  My lo is allergic to milk/eggs & his face would get red a while after I nursed him.  Of course, after a long while, it just stopped clearing up & was red all the time.  Since I've been on milk/egg free diet, it's been so much better.  But, I'd have to say that if it's right after or as you are feeding him, it's probably something else b/c the allergen would have to have time to get into his system.

Sarah

[me and bean]

hey sarah

it's while i am bf him.  it's as if the action of him suckling produces this?  you know when they cry, and get kinda red flushed patches of skin?  just like that, with teary eyes.

then it goes away a little after he's done.

[Williamsmom]

This might sound silly, but how fast is your let-down?  IS he just drinking too fast?  How red are his cheeks, and does he have any other symptoms of a reaction?  Rash anywhere else?

Sarah

[me and bean]

i'd never really thought about that before.  i guess comes in about 20secs after he starts suckling and it's over with in about 5.  does that sound about right?  he never splutters.

the red spots are more around his temples and forehead.

no other rashes, just a bit of eczema (comes and goes over the last 2 or so months) on his cheeks and a couple little spots on one elbow and a thigh.

[kristyk_19]

If removing the cream from his face did not work, possibly try washing your shirt and bra in baby detergent with no fabric softener.  We have lots of soap allergies here and being in that close contact could do it.