The Signs That a Baby Is Not Tolerating Breast Milk

If you breastfeed your infant, the foods you ingest can have a direct impact on your babys health. Sometimes, an infant may exhibit symptoms that indicate he is not tolerating breast milk well. If you discern problematic symptoms and behaviors in your breastfed baby, examining your diet may allow you to resolve the issues.

Common Behaviors

After breastfeeding your baby, you may notice behaviors and symptoms that could indicate that she has dietary sensitivities. These behaviors include fussiness after eating, excessive crying for long periods of time, sleep disruptions and sudden waking with crying that indicates pain, according to the KellyMom.com, a source for parenting and breastfeeding information.

Family History

Parents who have a family history of allergies and food sensitivities in either the mother or the father may have children with a higher risk of developing both food and environmental allergies, states lactation consultant Karen Zeretzke, with the La Leche League International. If siblings have food sensitivities, parents may wish to avoid the same foods while breastfeeding younger siblings, practicing avoidance of possible allergenic foods to avoid the baby's developing food sensitivities.

Additional Symptoms

Babies may also exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, such as loose and bloody stools, vomiting and gas, according to Zeretzke. Skin symptoms can also occur, including hives, eczema, rough skin and open sores. A baby who is not tolerating breast milk may also have trouble gaining weight proficiently, according to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

Timing of Symptoms

Proteins from a mothers diet appear in breast milk within three to six hours after ingestion. With strict elimination of offending foods, the proteins should slowly disappear from the breast milk over a two-week period, and you should notice your babys allergic symptoms improve.

Treatment

If you suspect that your baby is not tolerating breast milk, have her evaluated by a physician. Your doctor may recommend that you keep a food diary and record your babys symptoms to see whether a pattern appears. If you do find that specific foods are irritating your baby, eliminate them from your diet. Read labels judiciously to ensure that you do not eat the foods as hidden ingredients, recommends the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Luckily, a baby may outgrow food sensitivities by his first birthday.