The Nursing Baby - Q&A

Laura asks:
My son, who will be 3 in September, was breastfed until 6 months of age and then went to formula until 12 months. He suffers from food allergies (peanuts and eggs), seasonal allergies (pollen), and pet allergies (cats and dogs). He also has severe eczema. I am currently nursing my 7 month old daughter and was wondering if giving my son expressed breast milk each day might help ease his allergies and give him other health benefits. I have regrets for weaning him so early and plan on nursing my daughter beyond age 2. Thank you so very much for your supportive newsletter. I look forward to every one!

Dear Laura,

The evidence is definitely mixed on how much breastmilk can help prevent allergy. Some studies show a large reduction, some show an increase, some show nothing. It appears that breastfeeding can increase allergies when the mother eats allergenic foods during the first year (such as milk, egg, fish, nuts, soy, wheat, and orange) in allergic families. In families without allergies, a mother generally does not need to worry about her diet while breastfeeding. Introducing food or formula before 4 months has a very clear effect on increasing allergies later. New research is suggesting that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers may reduce the risk of eczema in their infant by taking probiotics themselves. Probiotics include substances like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. There's really no data at all on how breastmilk can ameliorate allergies in older children. Many allergists do recommend nursing at least a year, and delaying solids a bit (and going slowly with them) for families with allergies.

It is absolutely true that breastmilk is very good for the immune system, and can help prevent disease as well as boost the immune system. So your son, like any child, would benefit from breastmilk. However, pumping can be a difficult task, and it may not feel worth your time. I certainly think it's a great idea if you are motivated to do this. Even more important, no one in your household should smoke. When a parent smokes, allergies and asthma are increased quite significantly.

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.

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