Breastfed baby allergy -how long to wait before bf again

[broomy123]

Hello,
My three month old was diagnosed early on with multiple allergies: dairy, egg, tomatoes. I have been managing this by excluding these from my diet whilst breastfeeding.

Last night I ate some honey (only a small teaspoon in a homemade dressing) and my baby has reacted quite badly today. The doctor gave me the hypo allergic formula for instances such as this and I also have a supply of frozen milk she can have for now. My question is how long will it take to get out my system? Just as will have to express and feed which is a pain as she still feeds two/three times in the night!

If anyone has any advice I would be very grateful!

Thanks

Oh dear, I'm sorry you've had to wait a couple of days for any response...

How is your baby now? Also, are you sure it was the honey?

Allergens you eat may be present in your breastmilk within a few hours, and it can take around a fortnight for them to leave your system completely. Your breastmilk 'may contain traces' for a while, but this will be in ever-decreasing amounts, so when you choose to breastfeed again will really depend on the level of risk that you are prepared to accept.

For example, if your baby had any major swelling, breathing difficulties or signs of anaphylaxis, it would most certainly be best to keep on with the expressed milk/formula for a while. However, if she "just" had horrible itchy eczema and/or colicky symptoms (I do understand that this can be v.miserable for baby and mum too!) then you may choose to give breastmilk again sooner.

I think you should be consulting your baby's allergy specialist about this (you've probably done that by now!)

Are you keeping a diary of what you eat? It might be useful, in case you want to trace back any history of symptoms later.

I am sending you good thoughts, because I know this situation can be very stressful (indeed I remember it well from when feeding highly-allergic DS1 6 years ago).

I do hope you and your baby are both okay

Very, thanks so much for your response! I had given up hope of help! She's much better now thank you. Luckily the allergies doesn't cause her horrendous symptoms it's more awful rash on her face straight after feeding, screaming when feeding, blood in her nappies etc.

I'm almost certain that it was the honey as it was the only thing different I ate before it happened. So hard, feel like I poison her! Sadly she won't take the formula and I don't blame her it stinks!! So I have used my expressed supply already but she's generally much better although slightly rashy on occasion and her nappies are not normal yet!

I don't have an allergen specialist yet. GP has told me I have to wait till she's six months . Luckily allergies are very prevalent in both mine and DH families so I have some basic knowledge.

Thank you so much again! X

Oh and forgot to say am keeping a diary with my fitness pal (to shift the baby weight) and that's what helped me figure it out!