?? regarding food allergies and BFing

[maisiedotes]

My half-sister has a fatal nut allergy. My mother she has no idea what causes it (she didn't think she ate anything unusual during pregnancy and BFing) and I know that is a subject of debate these days. It seems to me that it is so much more common now than it was when I was growing up- I literally knew one girl who was lactose intolerant and that is it. Now kids around here can't even bring peanut butter sandwiches to school because so many kids have allergies.

Anyhoo, does anyone have any info on what foods I should avoid that may cause a potential food allergy in DD while I am breastfeeding? And when she starts eating solids? I would love to avoid an allergy if possible. Thanks for any help!

[renaissanceed]

DH is very allergic to nuts (tree nuts not peanuts) and some other things. I was a bit paranoid, but decided not to worry to much, because since I don't eat red meat or fish and only rarely chicken, nuts are a major source of protein for me besides beans/legumes.

I asked at my LLL meetings and there wasn't any real consensus as to there being any problems with this.

Really I think that one of the best things you can do to avoid your kids having allergies is to breastfeed them (DH wasn't - not to say that was the cause, but it may be a contributing factor). Also, not be too paranoid about dirt. And then waiting to have solids until at least 6 months and then taking it slow and letting the baby lead.

So far DD hasn't shown any allergies - and we've given her nuts now and she's fine. Only thing we haven't done yet is peanut butter, but probably soon.

[maisiedotes]

Originally Posted by renaissanceed

Also, not be too paranoid about dirt.

: HA! In this house? She will have no problem building up an immunity to pet hair, dust, and dirt!

Thanks for the info. I have been meaning to get to a LLL meeting... but then again I can't even motivate to get up for a glass of water. :

[yogachick79]

I agree, bf'ing is key to early and gentle exposure to foods. All my kiddos are very lactose intollerant, so I know I will have to cut out dairy again as soon as this babe is born. Even the casein in "non-dairy" creamers used in my coffee would cause DS to get sick after bf'ing.

We waited 1 yr for honey and a bit more for pb. He does just fine now with everything BUT dairy

[Googy]

The research on whether or not breastfeeding moms with allergic babues should even avoid certain foods is actually quite mixed and unconvincing. There are lots of studies on either side of this issue--it is a very confused issue with not much conclusive proof either way. I wouldn't start out avoiding anything (including spicy and gassy foods). If you have a problem, then start a systematic elimination diet.

[Curlita]

From what I have heard, there isn't any link between what you eat or don't eat during pregnancy and breast feeding and what kids are allergic to. It IS bizarre that allergies have become so much more common.

The only potential preventative I have heard is delaying introduction to common allergens, like peanuts and chocolate. Thank god Dylan is not allergic to peanuts... peanut butter is one of the most commonly consumed foods in our household, between him and my husband.

When I was BFing Dylan, I noticed that when I ate citrus, cranberry, and serious spice (Thai food) he got miserable and gassy. I suspect that the potential problem foods are different from child to child and mother to mother, though.