CMPA is the most common allergy in babies. Cow’s milk is very high in protein as this is needed for calves rapid physical growth, which is not the case for human babies so are mainly immobile for the first 6 months of life. Cow’s milk can often upset baby’s microbiome as babies need milk high in lactose for healthy brain development, not high in protein.
If a baby is allergic/intolerant to something in their milk, they can exhibit various symptoms from one or a combination of the following – distress, posseting, trapped gas and wind, diarrhoea, constipation, unsettled, not able to sleep well and generally upset.
Allergies and intolerances can often lie dormant in baby until there is a trigger, such as a bout of illness that could cause the allergy to ‘switch on’ and baby will then start to display symptoms.
SYMPTOMS of CMPA will often include….
SKIN- reactions such as rashes, swelling and itching.
NAPPIES – diarrhoea, constipation, mucus / blood in stools and vomiting. Remember optimal pooing is daily!
Babies can have gut problems such as trapped gas, stomach pains, distress, and poor sleeping.
THE ONLY REAL WAY OF KNOWING IF BABY HAS CMPA IS TO CUT IT ALL OUT OF THEIR MILK. NB THIS CAN TAKE UP TO 2-3 WEEKS TO SEE A CHANGE. THIS INCLUDES NURSING MOTHER’S DIET CHANGING TO DAIRY FREE, NOT LACTOSE FREE.
