I'm dairy intolerant - intending to breastfeed

[Olivette]

Hi!

I've searched high and low around the net and B&B and I just can't seem to find anything that really answers my question. I am dairy intolerant, and have been dairy free for many years. Dairy makes me quite poorly and it's really not feasible for me to re-introduce it into my diet. I'm happy with this, and it doesn't bother me being dairy free. What concerns me is will this have an effect on my breastfeeding journey? I know many women lead a dairy free life after baby is born due to intolerances in the baby, but i can't find any information anywhere about mothers who are dairy free due to their own intolerances.

I am trying to make sure my diet is nutritionally balanced but I am confused as to whether there is anything else I need to be doing?

Thanks for any advice,
Ox

 

[Janers]

I'm no expert, but I think you are totally fine! Some people HAVE to cut out all dairy because they have a baby with a milk protein allergy. They continue to nurse their LO's succesfully for a long time. You shouldn't have any problems!

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

 

[Olivette]

Thank you for your reply Janers! You are right. I know it's probably no need to worry but being a FTM is such a mind field and it it has been worrying me.

Ox

 

[schmetterling]

It's absolutely fine!! Probably better, if anything, because as you said some babies do react to dairy in the mother's diet. Plus, if you have an intolerance to dairy, it might be more likely your baby will too (not sure about that though). Regardless, you can definitely get everything you need without dairy! Just make sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D, and consider asking your provider about supplementing those if necessary. I don't eat dairy either, and have been just find nursing (15 months and counting!) without it. I do take calcium and vitamin D supplements but you can get plenty of calcium through dark leafy veggies, quinoa, calcium fortified almond milk or orange juice, etc.

 

[Kellen]

I am dairy intolerant and will be reaching our 6 months EBF milestone next Monday. My LO is a thriving, active 20lb ball of energy. I am also gluten intolerant, but neither sensitivity has impacted our BF relationship. Just continue to make sure that you get plenty of nutrients from healthy sources and you should be fine. I have also had to avoid any artificial sugar while BF as it makes my LO go absolutely crazy! Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to PM me.

 

[Caroline:-)]

No need to worry at all. I have had to cut out all dairy from my diet because my lo is allergic or intolerant to dairy. There's no issues at all with breastfeeding. I've been prescribed calcium supplement, but I guess you've already got this as you are already off dairy. But no, no problems for baby, so don't worry.

 

[summer rain]

If you have an adequate amount of dairy alternatives containing calcium and other foods that naturally contain calcium there is no need for a calcium supplement. For most people the risks of calcium supplementation outweigh any benefits so it is best to get it from diet. There are many countries where adults, including breastfeeding mothers, simply do not eat or drink dairy products due to culture or lactose intolerance and there is no evidence of any harm arising from this xx

 

[CatherineK]

No worries at all Hun, so many of us our dairy free (for many reasons) and our babies thrive.