Getting a CMPA breastfeeding diet right is fundamental to your baby’s health once you’ve received a diagnosis and/or confirmed symptoms of CMPA in your baby.
CMPA Breastfeeding Tips to Support and Reassure You
Please note the advice in this post is not intended to replace the medical advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
Moving to a CMPA Breastfeeding Diet
Navigating the right way to do things without cutting out food groups unnecessarily can be a really daunting task, but having lived this situation I want to help you to feel confident that:
- You’re doing the right thing,
- You absolutely can do this.
One of the first things you may want to know the answer to is whether breastfeeding when your baby has an allergy is actually the best option for them (and you).
CMPA Breastfeeding Diet Tips For Mums of Allergy Babies
Nursing a baby with allergies is definitely possible – but it will (ideally) mean some changes to your diet.
Can You Continue to Breastfeed CMPA Babies?
While it’s technically possible to continue exactly as you are, it’s not recommended as your baby will continue to suffer and exhibit symptoms.
If you’re worried about the impact of the required dietary changes on your or your infant’s health, you may like to read more about CMPA breastfeeding.
It’s also an option to switch to a dairy-free formula. But, as we know, breastmilk is dynamic and provides your baby with the very best start, if you’re willing and able to nurse.
Why an Allergy Test For CMPA is Unreliable & How to Confirm CMPA
Before you decide to take any drastic steps, your next question might be is there a test for CMPA?
Wouldn’t it be so handy to take a simple test and have a definitive answer as to what’s going on with your baby!
Sadly it’s not so simple.
To help you on your journey with cow’s milk protein allergy, I’ve written more about the gold standard for confirming CMPA and why dairy allergy testing is unreliable.
How Doctors Are Failing Breastfeeding Mums
My personal experience with CMPA is that formal support is very much lacking.
I know that some people have had excellent care following a referral to a dietitian, but sadly too many GP’s do not have adequate training in breastfeeding and allergies to offer relevant ongoing support.
I highly recommend finding an online support group of mums who’ve been where you are as the advice you’ll find there is likely to be very good.
I wish I’d pushed for a referral to a dietitian so I do recommend requesting, however you should go to your GP armed with evidence and prepared for a battle.
The Reality of Breastfeeding With CMPA
The reality is that it’s hard, but it’s worth it.
In spite of all the challenges, I have never regretted breastfeeding my allergy baby.
That said, I’ve written about the reality of breastfeeding a baby with allergies to help prepare you for what’s ahead.
A Merry CMPA Christmas, and a Happy and Healthy New Year
Christmas is a particularly difficult time of the year when you are dairy-free. I’ve written an account of why I found this an especially tricky period.
Guide to Dairy Free Bread For CMPA and Milk Allergies
Going dairy free is no mean feat.
I’ve literally traipsed to four different shops desperately looking for a dairy-free sandwich in the past. I quickly learned that it means being very organised and making sure I always catered for myself, just in case.
One of the most basic foods you’ll be wanting to know about is bread. I’ve created a post comparing shop-bought dairy-free bread options.
Delicious and Simple Dairy-Free Chocolate Truffles - Perfect for a Sweet Tooth!
Naturally, a lack of treats can feel quite miserable. With that in mind I'm sharing these delicious dairy-free chocolate truffles. Yum!
Tip: when I shopped for them, all Betty Crocker products were accidentally dairy free!
However, note that one thing you’ll come to learn is the importance of checking every ingredient list every time, because they can and do change without notice or anything to alert you to the fact.