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Celiac Mom-when To Introduce Gluten To Baby?

Tawnia

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Tawnia Newbie
Tawnia
Posted

Hi,

Hope I'm posting this in the right folder...

Can anyone advise on the latest research on the timing of gluten introduction to a baby? I *know* I read a study recently-but can't seem to locate the actual article-about a possible decreased risk of Celiac if you introduce gluten around 6 months? I believe the study said the risk increased before and after the small window? How much of a increase/decrease is this? Does anyone have that article saved?

I have been gluten free for 4 years now, and have a 6 month old baby girl who I have been exclusively breastfeeding, up until about a week ago, when we started rice cereal. I am so confused on starting or delaying gluten exposure! It seems that that study goes against the thinking of not starting highly allergenic food until later.

I imagine it's probably just a crap shoot...but would like to do whatever I can to possibly decrease her risk of getting it (I know who doesn't right? :D ) but I am so totally confused! I know they just don't know much right now-but I am so anxious thinking I could make the wrong choice.

To those of you who have recently started your babies on gluten food..when did you start and why?

Thanks alot!

Tawnia

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gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
Hi,

Hope I'm posting this in the right folder...

Can anyone advise on the latest research on the timing of gluten introduction to a baby? I *know* I read a study recently-but can't seem to locate the actual article-about a possible decreased risk of Celiac if you introduce gluten around 6 months? I believe the study said the risk increased before and after the small window? How much of a increase/decrease is this? Does anyone have that article saved?

I have been gluten free for 4 years now, and have a 6 month old baby girl who I have been exclusively breastfeeding, up until about a week ago, when we started rice cereal. I am so confused on starting or delaying gluten exposure! It seems that that study goes against the thinking of not starting highly allergenic food until later.

I imagine it's probably just a crap shoot...but would like to do whatever I can to possibly decrease her risk of getting it (I know who doesn't right? :D ) but I am so totally confused! I know they just don't know much right now-but I am so anxious thinking I could make the wrong choice.

To those of you who have recently started your babies on gluten food..when did you start and why?

Thanks alot!

Tawnia

Cripes, i'll try and find it... I do remember it but I also remember the margins were REALLY small.

I think your description of a crap-shoot is spot on...

All I can say is take whatever the best advice is and if it changes sometime in the future as it is apt to do don't beat yourself up over it. I'll find the article or someone will :D

CantEvenEatRice Enthusiast
CantEvenEatRice
Posted

Hi,

I am a Celiac Mom also (diagnosed 3 years ago). I struggled with the same thing when my son was an infant. He is now 19 months old and I just had him tested through Enterolab (still waiting for the results). Anyhow, I remember reading about the study, but I cannot remember the exact details. I think it said to introduce a small amount of gluten between 4 and 6 months, but I could be wrong. I have read that breastfeeding for as long as possible can be helpful, even after you introduce gluten foods. I started some oatmeal and cheerios around 6 months and continued to breastfeed until 14 months as I introduced other gluten foods such as crackers, etc. Overall, he seems healthy, but has had some skin issues (eczema) and some occasional bowel issues so I decided to test him. I will try to find the article for you.

Check out this link:

Open Original Shared Link

eKatherine Apprentice
eKatherine
Posted

Yes, the window was 4 to 6 months, so you missed it. I wouldn't worry about it. I think it had a small effect, but as long as you missed it, and you are better off avoiding the cross-contamination that a baby spreading around gluten can bring, why not the both of you just stay gluten-free?

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Tawnia--as katherine mentioned -- right now! I wouldn't worry to much...as they studies are still new and few...the info could change again. However, yes, as it stands the research points to a "sweet spot" between 4 and 6 mos.

hannahsue01 Enthusiast
hannahsue01
Posted

I was told by my daugthers GI Specialist at Iowa City Children's Hospital to introduce Gluten into her diet between 4-7 months of age since there is evidence that introducing gluten during this period can reduce a babies risk of getting celiac disease later in life.

Tawnia Newbie
Tawnia
Posted
  • Author

Thank you to everyone.

And thanks CantEvenEatRice for the link-that was the study I was thinking of, but I like how that article broke it down and made it more understandable. And thanks for sharing what you've done.

It said starting before 4 months or after 7 seemed to have a higher risk. So I still have time-she is just 6 months this week. I know it said it was only a slight increased risk after 7 months...but is that enough to go against the thought of waiting to start highly allergenic foods? Ugh, just when I think I know what to do I get confused all over again! :rolleyes:

And yes, the thought of a baby slobbering gluten all around terrifies me! My DH and my 7 year old are *pretty good* about being careful...but I know how messy those little ones can be! Right now I think I'm leaning toward giving her a bit here and there..not really pushing it, but also not avoiding it...anyone else done the same?

I appreciate everyones replies!

Tawnia

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gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
Thank you to everyone.

And thanks CantEvenEatRice for the link-that was the study I was thinking of, but I like how that article broke it down and made it more understandable. And thanks for sharing what you've done.

It said starting before 4 months or after 7 seemed to have a higher risk. So I still have time-she is just 6 months this week. I know it said it was only a slight increased risk after 7 months...but is that enough to go against the thought of waiting to start highly allergenic foods? Ugh, just when I think I know what to do I get confused all over again! :rolleyes:

And yes, the thought of a baby slobbering gluten all around terrifies me! My DH and my 7 year old are *pretty good* about being careful...but I know how messy those little ones can be! Right now I think I'm leaning toward giving her a bit here and there..not really pushing it, but also not avoiding it...anyone else done the same?

I appreciate everyones replies!

Tawnia

Tawnia.... as I posted at first, this is a tiny difference and I bet it will change in the future. (I personally beleive it will depend on factors like if you are gluten-free at the time or not and if you were gluten-free in pregnancy or not for technical reasons related to IgA and IgG but I'm not a MD)

You need to be comfortable with your decision and make the best one you can.

There is no perfect recipe for bringing up kids

There are lots of recipes and many of them work equally well but the most important ingredient in all of them is a mother's unconditional love which you obviously have in abundance.

If your child turns out to be celiac then its not a bad thing... its not something you can necassarily prevent and its not a serious life threatening illness so long as its controlled and its getting easier every year.

You need to make the best informed decision YOU can by listenening to all the advice but 6 months or 7 months is a mute point..babies develop at different rates.

I understand this is a hard decision BUT you can only do what you can do and I think it needs to be in context. Many mothers face much harder decisions .. babies born with congenital problems.. mothers in deprived countries etc. and whatever your decision in this is not likely to affect your baby in any way half as serious as others. I'm just saying that so you realise... there is no wrong decision on this if you decide to leave the baby gluten-free forever or if you decide to introduce gluten ... neither is right and neither is wrong.

Tawnia Newbie
Tawnia
Posted
  • Author
Tawnia.... as I posted at first, this is a tiny difference and I bet it will change in the future. (I personally beleive it will depend on factors like if you are gluten-free at the time or not and if you were gluten-free in pregnancy or not for technical reasons related to IgA and IgG but I'm not a MD)

You need to be comfortable with your decision and make the best one you can.

There is no perfect recipe for bringing up kids

There are lots of recipes and many of them work equally well but the most important ingredient in all of them is a mother's unconditional love which you obviously have in abundance.

If your child turns out to be celiac then its not a bad thing... its not something you can necassarily prevent and its not a serious life threatening illness so long as its controlled and its getting easier every year.

You need to make the best informed decision YOU can by listenening to all the advice but 6 months or 7 months is a mute point..babies develop at different rates.

Thanks. I know you're right...and if she does end up with celiac I know it's not so bad...I am *almost* ready to stop tearing myself apart about it :D I just hope I do have all the info to make the best decision..you know?

I really appreciate your response.

Tawnia

gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
Thanks. I know you're right...and if she does end up with celiac I know it's not so bad...I am *almost* ready to stop tearing myself apart about it :D I just hope I do have all the info to make the best decision..you know?

I really appreciate your response.

Tawnia

Tawnia .. you will make a more objective descision AFTER you stop tearing yourself apart (I know you know that too)

I'm 38 .. do you think my mother has stopped worying about me?

Of course not she's my mother :D

But you know I'm celiac and my brother isn't. I was formula fed and he wasn't and my mum still worries that its her fault and I keep telling her I don't mind silly, its not your fault.

But you know I am much happier as a person than my brother.... I wish I could change that and so does my mom but its just the way he is....

Now.. which is most important? the decision to breast feed or being happy?

I just hope I do have all the info to make the best decision..you know?

Have you ever bought a PC....there is no best time because the prices keep coming down and if you just wait ....

You will make the right decision.... I KNOW that because you are here asking the questions and informing yourself and there is no correct single descision.....

Tawnia Newbie
Tawnia
Posted
  • Author

Thanks gfp! Great analagy about the pc, that really helps me get my head around all this :)

I so appreciate all of your input on this, really-thank you!

Tawnia

Tawnia .. you will make a more objective descision AFTER you stop tearing yourself apart (I know you know that too)

I'm 38 .. do you think my mother has stopped worying about me?

Of course not she's my mother :D

But you know I'm celiac and my brother isn't. I was formula fed and he wasn't and my mum still worries that its her fault and I keep telling her I don't mind silly, its not your fault.

But you know I am much happier as a person than my brother.... I wish I could change that and so does my mom but its just the way he is....

Now.. which is most important? the decision to breast feed or being happy?

Have you ever bought a PC....there is no best time because the prices keep coming down and if you just wait ....

You will make the right decision.... I KNOW that because you are here asking the questions and informing yourself and there is no correct single descision.....

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