Does my baby have a milk allergy?

👩🏼‍⚕️Part of my job in the NHS is running a clinic for babies who have milk allergy or suspected milk allergy. I also see babies with other food allergies like egg, wheat and soya, and I support mums who are breastfeeding babies with a food allergy too

This is the first article in a series I am doing on milk allergy. I’ll be posting on my instagram and on here with the hashtag #milkfussy

🤱🏽Parents often have quite a journey getting the support they need when it comes to milk allergy in babies

🥛And I think this is partly because the symptoms of a food allergy in a baby - such as milk allergy - can often be tricky to pick up and may be passed off as something else like colic, or reflux, or teething, or a development phase…

But actually diagnosing milk allergy with the right help be easier than you think! AKA with a skilled professional who listens with compassion, makes you feel HEARD, and has the knowledge and tools to make the diagnosis!

So, when should we suspect a milk allergy?

👶🏼All babies get fussy, cry, have weird poo, get newborn rashes. But when is it not normal?

🏥It is actually very difficult to put this into words, every baby is different, so I’d say the safest bet is if something doesn’t seem right get support - early

👩🏼‍⚕️A skilled professional knows what to look out for in a feeding history + they can help tease out the cause of your babies symptoms and finding a healing path

Milk allergy symptoms

🚨Red flags for urgent medical attention include any face / lip / mouth / throat swelling, wheeze, respiratory symptoms, floppiness, hives, fainting or loss of consciousness - seek urgent advice or call 999 if you see any of these symptoms

Tummy troubles: does your little one seem extra gassy, seem constipated with hard poo, or perhaps they have some diarrhoea that seems out of the ordinary?

Skin issues: non-specific rashes, worsening eczema or hives could all be a sign of milk allergy

Feeding drama: an unhappy baby after feeds could be a sign of milk allergy. If your baby seems extra irritable, fussy or in pain after feeds this could be a sign something is up

Spitting up: excessive reflux and vomiting after feeds is also a common complaint

🥛These could all be symptoms of a milk allergy in babies or another food allergy if your baby is over 6 months or if you are breastfeeding

🥑Remember, you must be referred to a paediatric dietitian with an interest in allergies in babies if your baby has a milk allergy, or if they have any other food allergy and you are breastfeeding

With my support you can:

⚡️Identify trigger foods if you are breastfeeding

⚡️Confidently follow an allergen free diet

⚡️Optimise key nutrients in your diet

⚡️Heal your baby’s guys post milk allergy

⚡️Feel confident with weaning your baby with a milk allergy safely

⚡️Reduce the risk of other food allergies developing in your baby