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Peanut Allergies and Breastfeeding
The Facts of Nut Allergies and Nursing
By Debora Geary
Having a child with peanut allergy can be very scary. I have personal experience with this. Both of my sisters' oldest children are allergic to peanuts. It changes the experience of taking my niece or nephew to Dairy Queen for ice cream when I know that an accidental peanut might be fatal. Going to the park is hazardous – what if they go down the slide after the toddler with sticky fingers from her lunchtime peanut butter and jam sandwich?
Now that I'm pregnant with my first child, I wanted know if there was anything I could do to reduce the risk of my baby having peanut allergy. I discovered that while the scientists and doctors are waiting for harder evidence, many moms are in the dark about this very deadly allergy and what they can do about it.
Peanut allergy is more common in families with a history of peanut allergy or allergies in general. Unlike many other food allergies, children don't usually outgrow their reaction to peanuts. It is a particularly scary allergy, because reactions are often severe, and accidental ingestion of peanuts is fairly common – traces of peanuts can be found in ice cream, cereal, baby formula, candy, donuts and many other foods. Just check for labels that say "may contain traces of peanuts."
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Re: Peanut Allergies and Breastfeeding by hermommy on 02/09/2010 11:38PM
I had the same stories with my daughter, who has been diagnosed with a peanut allergy. She had eczema, terrible reflux and was very gassy as a baby. I often used peanut as a source of protein during nursing and pregnancy (as opposed to enjoying it as a snack). I feel doctors need to help steer mothers to find healthy foods that will benefit mom and baby, even if it is simply sharing research that supports both sides of the argument and leaving the decision up to the mother. We have a strong history of allergies on both sides of our families and I would have made different food choices if I was educated about the possibility of my daughter having a possible peanut allergy. If I only knew...glad to know I'm not alone. Education is key.