Breastfeeding & mother's allergy

[~Kiki]

Has anyone ever noticed a correlation between having an intolerance to gluten (or any other allergy) and breastfeeding? I am breastfeeding and suspect I may have a gluten intolerance. I have now been gluten free for 4 days and the temperament and poops of my lo have totally changed. For the better...

[RachelC]

I think you are on to something...

From http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/food-sensitivity.html :

What foods are most likely to be a problem?

Some of the most likely suspects are cow's milk products, soy, wheat, corn, eggs, and peanuts.

Other suspect foods:

    * Any food that a family member is allergic to
    * A food that mom recently ate a large amount of
    * A new food (if baby’s symptoms are new)
    * A food that mom doesn't like, but is eating while breastfeeding (and/or ate while pregnant) for the benefit of her baby
    * A food that mom craves, or feels she has to have after a bad day

Conscious likes and dislikes of foods are signals that your body may be reacting to them in an abnormal way.

Keeping a food journal with a record of foods eaten and baby's behavior/symptoms, with time of day for each, may be helpful when trying to pinpoint a problem food.

Your lo may have a gluten intolerance as well.

[~Kiki]

Thanks! This is so exciting, yet depressing! I am so happy to see both of us feeling so much better, but realizing I probably won't ever be sitting down with my favorite meal - a big loaf of crusty bread and roasted garlic