Breastfeeding and Celiac

[lizzie42]

Hi,

 

I posted before about my 3 year olds diagnoses. Thank you so much for your helpful responses! We are getting her brother (age 5) and sister (age 1) tested through the ASK program (so it takes awhile). My husband and I are getting tested also. 

My question is this - if my 1 year old tests positive (I think she will) and I don't (likely), do I need to be as careful as the kids with gluten and cross contamination while breastfeeding? As of now our house is totally gluten free for my 3 year old but I wasn't going to worry about it outside the house for myself if I test neg. For example not pack my own food if we go to someone's house or whatever. Does gluten get into breast milk? I was going to breastfeed till age 2, especially if she has celiac. 

Until testing my husband and I are eating gluten outside the home and I'm having my 5 year old get school lunch. 

Since we have to be so careful with my 3yo now I don't think it's that big of a deal for me to go gluten free completely but of course if I can have a beer or eat out with my friends sometimes I'd still like to! 

[Scott Adams]

First, it’s amazing how proactive you’re being for your whole family—that’s such a gift to your kids! Regarding breastfeeding and gluten: Current research suggests gluten proteins (the problematic part) don’t pass into breastmilk, only smaller gluten peptides that aren’t likely to trigger celiac. So unless you notice direct symptoms in your 1-year-old (e.g., reacting after nursing when you’ve eaten gluten), most experts say you don’t need to restrict your diet solely for breastfeeding. That said, if your daughter tests positive, you might consider limiting cross-contact at home (e.g., avoiding kissing her right after gluten) since residue on your hands/face could transfer.

Your plan to stay gluten-free at home but flexible outside sounds totally reasonable—many celiac households do this! The only caveat: If you end up having celiac/non-celiac gluten sensitivity (even with a negative blood test—some need biopsies!), then stricter avoidance would help your own health. Wishing you clarity as you wait for results, and cheers to that future beer with friends when possible!