Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Breastfeeding

Rebekah3

By Rebekah3
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

Rebekah3 Rookie
Rebekah3
Posted

Hey all,

I've been diagnosed with presumptive Celiac disease (all positive blood tests, no biopsy yet. See the Gastro next week). I am nursing my 8 month old. I nursed my first for 19 months, and I planned to let this one self-wean too. My question is this: Is breastfeeding reasonable while transitioning to a Gluten Free Diet/ active celiac? My symptoms are mainly neurological and probably some vitamin deficiencies. I'm also a Type 1 diabetic, which has it's own challenges with breastfeeding. Has anyone done this? If I was a treated Celiac (gluten free already) breastfeeding would be fine, no? But will continuing to do it through the transition be ok? Thoughts? Experiences?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


tshep Newbie
tshep
Posted

You can absolutely breastfeed while gluten free! Our entire family has been gluten free since my daughter was diagnosed with Celiac a little over 2 years ago. That means my 9 month old has never had any exposure to gluten, in utero, or through breastfeeding, and now through the introduction of solids. He has no deficiency, growing like a weed, starting solids on track, hitting all his milestones wonderfully. Just eat plenty of raw, whole foods. In fact since Celiac is generally considered hereditary  (though not necessarily), by continuing to breastfeed, you are giving your baby the best possible foundation for a healthy digestive system. Way to go, mama!

  • 1 year later...
ZCeuz Newbie
ZCeuz
Posted

Breastfeeding is one of the biggest gift a mom can give her baby. Not just from a nutritional point of view but also psycho-developmental perspective.

Of course, the healthier the mom, both physically and psychologically, the better for her baby.

pschwab Enthusiast
pschwab
Posted

We have been completely gluten free in our household for the past year since my two year old was diagnosed with celiac. I had a new baby two months ago. The pediatric gi dr told me to introduce gluten through breastfeeding between 4-6 months. He said this was based on a study saying introduction at this age has been shown to help stop celiac from occurring. Just because a child has the gene doesn't mean they have to develop celiac. So if you were nursing during that time, which it sounds like you were, you should be fine going gluten free. If you are worried, I would talk to a gi doctor to see if you need to continue to expose your little one to gluten. If they recommend you do, I would ask your significant other to feed them a minimal amount each day outside the house. Then wash the baby's mouth (brush any teeth they might have) and I would assume nursing would be safe for you. This is all my opinion and I highly recommend talking to a dr to confirm, but I wouldn't stop nursing until both you and the baby are ready.

StephanieL Enthusiast
StephanieL
Posted
On 6/11/2017 at 5:40 PM, pschwab said:

We have been completely gluten free in our household for the past year since my two year old was diagnosed with celiac. I had a new baby two months ago. The pediatric gi dr told me to introduce gluten through breastfeeding between 4-6 months. He said this was based on a study saying introduction at this age has been shown to help stop celiac from occurring. Just because a child has the gene doesn't mean they have to develop celiac. So if you were nursing during that time, which it sounds like you were, you should be fine going gluten free. If you are worried, I would talk to a gi doctor to see if you need to continue to expose your little one to gluten. If they recommend you do, I would ask your significant other to feed them a minimal amount each day outside the house. Then wash the baby's mouth (brush any teeth they might have) and I would assume nursing would be safe for you. This is all my opinion and I highly recommend talking to a dr to confirm, but I wouldn't stop nursing until both you and the baby are ready.

This isn't exactly what they are saying. They suggest ACTUAL gluten introduction at that time.  There is no guarantee that gluten is passing from Mom to Baby via breastmilk at any time.  

pschwab Enthusiast
pschwab
Posted

Our pediatric gi specialist and my sister-in-law's pediatric allergist said gluten definitely comes through breast milk. My nephew has a gluten allergy and she couldn't eat gluten while nursing him or he would have a reaction every time.

Victoria1234 Experienced
Victoria1234
Posted

My mom did not bf me at all. The recipe for formula, given by the doctor, had milk, Karo syrup and cream of wheat. Can you believe it?  I was a very fat baby.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Unfortunately, the reality is that celiac experts STILL do not know when a baby should be exposed to gluten.  

Read this:

Open Original Shared Link

 

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,855
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Tara M
    Newest Member
    Tara M
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • cristiana
      Ibuprofen

      By cristiana · Posted

      @Colleen H   I am just curious,  when you were tested for coeliac disease, did the doctors find out if you had any deficiencies? Sometimes muscle pain can be caused by certain deficiencies, for example, magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium.   Might be worth looking into having some more tests.  Pins and needles can be neuropathy, again caused by deficiencies, such as iron and B12,  which can be reversed if these deficiencies are addressed. In the UK where I live we are usually only tested for iron, B12 and vitamin D deficiencies at diagnosis.   I was very iron anemic and supplementation made a big difference.  B12 was low normal, but in other countries the UK's low normal would be considered a deficiency.  My vitamin D was low normal, and I've been supplementing ever since (when I remember to take it!) My pins and needles definitely started to improve when my known deficiencies were addressed.  My nutritionist also gave me a broad spectrum supplement which really helped, because I suspect I wasn't just deficient in what I mention above but in many other vitamins and minerals.  But a word of warning, don't take iron unless blood tests reveal you actually need it, and if you are taking it your levels must be regularly monitored because too much can make you ill.  (And if you are currently taking iron, that might actually be making your stomach sore - it did mine, so my GP changed my iron supplementation to a gentler form, ferrous gluconate). Lastly, have you been trying to take anything to lessen the pain in your gut?  I get a sore stomach periodically, usually when I've had too much rich food, or when I have had to take an aspirin or certain antibiotics, or after glutening.  When this happens, I take for just a few days a small daily dose of OTC omeprazole.  I also follow a reflux or gastritis diet. There are lots online but the common denominators to these diets is you need to cut out caffeine, alcohol, rich, spicy, acidic food etc and eat small regularly spaced meals.   When I get a sore stomach, I also find it helpful to drink lots of water.  I also find hot water with a few slices of ginger very soothing to sip, or camomile tea.  A wedge pillow at night is good for reflux. Also,  best not to eat a meal 2-3 hours before going to bed. If the stomach pain is getting worse, though, it would be wise to see the doctor again. I hope some of this helps. Cristiana    
    • Me,Sue
      Knowing what to do when feeling unwell.

      By Me,Sue · Posted

      I was diagnosed with coeliac disease a couple of years ago [ish]. I love my food and a variety of food, so it's been hard, as it is with everyone. I try and ensure everything I eat doesn't contain gluten, but occasionally I think something must have got through that has gluten in. Mainly I know because I have to dash to the loo, but recently I have noticed that I feel nauseous after possibly being glutened. I think the thing that I have got better at is knowing what to do when I feel wiped out after a gluten 'episode'. I drink loads of water, and have just started drinking peppermint tea. I also have rehydration powders to drink. I don't feel like eating much, but eventually feel like I need to eat. Gluten free flapjacks, or gluten free cereal, or a small gluten free kids meal are my go to. I am retired, so luckily I can rest, sometimes even going to bed when nothing else works. So I feel that I am getting better at knowing how to try and get back on track. I am also trying to stick to a simpler menu and eat mostly at home so that I can be more confident about what I am eating. THANKS TO THOSE WHO REPLIED ABOUT THE NAUSEA .
    • Francis M
      The Happy Tart review

      By Francis M · Posted

      Thanks. Since the back and forth and promises of review and general stalling went on for more than six months, the credit company will no longer investigate. They have a cutoff of maybe six months.
    • Scott Adams
      The Happy Tart review

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Is this the same restaurant? https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyTartFallsChurch/ Is it too late to take this up with your credit card company? Normally you have a few months to do a chargeback with them. It seems very odd that they are taking this approach with someone who is likely to be a regular customer--not a good business-minded way of handling things!
    • Scott Adams
      Stomach burning and neuropathy

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful: The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs. Because of this it took me decades to overcome a few long-standing issues I had that were associated with gluten ataxia, for example numbness and tingling in my feet, and muscle knots--especially in my shoulders an neck. Only long term extensive supplementation has helped me to resolve these issues.        
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.