Early days top up feeds

[sleeplessnightless]

Slightly random one here.

I have a 10 month old with a very severe milk allergy (epi pen).
He had one formula feed on day 4 when my milk supple was low after c section. He was EBF until 6 months, other than this one feed on day 4.

Well the paediatrician just told me that this could have triggered his allergy, because I did not continue the formula now and then and he only ever had it once.

To say I'm feeling guilty is an under statement. If I've caused this allergy, I just feel wretched. So heartbroken.

However, surely there are mums who have done similar when their milk was coming in? And their baby did not have a milk allergy?

So, my question is, has anyone else ever only gave their bubs one or two formula feeds in the first week and then breastfed? If so, did their baby develop a food allergy?

Thanks for any replies!

I’ve literally never heard that before. DD1 had one or two bottles of formula (and is now 3 and totally fine), and simile for newborn DD2. I think it’s very normal for EBF babies to have a couple of bottles in the very early days, so if this is a thing I’d be amazed that it’s not more widely known.

Allergies often work that way, you have an exposure that is a sensitising event. The next time you are exposed you react. Like people can have a bee sting no problem but have a big reaction next time.

Early formula exposure is linked to allergies and it can be a sensitising event for a CMPA. However, there is no way of knowing for your baby whether this caused it or not. Please don't blame yourself, while breastfeeding reduces risk of many things it can't guarantee against them.

I am sorry that the potential implications of giving a supplement were not discussed with you, possible impacts should be discussed with mothers.

Really @Infusionist ? Even one story like yours makes me feel a lot better about things, as I've been feeling so responsible for this shitty allergy.

I've not encountered anyone else who just gave one formula feed in the first week, as anyone I've spoken to either gave no formula at all or gave formula now and then.

It is a shame no risks were discussed with me I agree, and I wonder if its something that needs to be highlighted to new mums, even if the risk is small.

Does anyone else have stories to share?

I've never heard about this link, my DS also 10 months had a bottle of formula similar to you where I panicked he wasn't getting enough milk and he has no allergies now. Don't beat yourself up I'm sure you are an amazing mum!

Another thing that completely isn’t your fault but I thought there was a higher instance of allergies amongst babies born by c-section because of gut bacteria etc.

I’d have thought that was a more likely reason if you’re looking for reasons than 1 bottle of formula.

I felt the same guilt with dc1 who had a few top ups due to weight loss and my lack of milk in the early days. Then I had number 2, gallons of my own milk and a baby with an even worse cows milk allergy and not a drop of formula had passed her lips.
I think it’s genetic in our family.

You did the right thing for your family at the time. You gave formula milk not crack cocaine. I’ve similarly gone round in circles wondering if it was the antibiotic exposure due to emcs and subsequent spesis. It’s a root to madness.

DS5 had one bottle of formula in hospital when I couldn’t get the latch to work then ebf. He had mild cmpa which cleared completely when he weaned. DD 8months no formula worse cmpa and no improvement with weaning so no link for us 😁

Thank you so much for these replies, it's actually helping me a lot.

I think I'll always have "what ifs", but ultimately he needed to drink something on day 4 and, of course, I needed the emcs too.

The doctor did tell me for future babies I could top up with hypoallergenic formula to decrease risks, so I'll do this I think, just in case.

I fucking hate food allergies :(