Breastfeeding and Food Allergies

There is much controversy about the role of breastfeeding and food allergies. Most experts still agree that brestfeeding is best. Dr. Sears goes so far as to say that you should breastfeed as long as possible as "breastmilk acts as a protective paint, coating the intestines and keeping food allergens out of the bloodstream".

AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) revised its recommendations last year. For eight years, AAP suggested nursing moms of infants at high risk for developing allergy, should avoid cow's milk, egg, fish, peanuts and tree nuts. In 2008, AAP cited "a lack of evidence that avoidance of allergy-causing foods during breastfeeding prevents atopic disease, with the possible exception of eczema, but more data is needed on this". Read the full report.

Whew! No more guilt for those of us who blissfully ate whatever we wanted during nursing and pregnancy.

Angela White at Breastfeeding 123 is conducting a poll about nursing and food allergies. Go here to weigh in and see what moms are saying.

Check out the Food Allergy Assistant's website for more information.

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