In a warm and loving family, the newborn baby is always the focal point of the family. Parents do their best to protect and care for this little life, and look forward to their healthy and happy growth. However, when the baby frequently has diarrhea, rashes and even broken skin on the small buttocks, the atmosphere of the whole family is also tense. These symptoms not only make babies feel uncomfortable, but also make parents anxious. "Is my baby lactose intolerant? Do I need to avoid food as a mother? "Questions like this began to swirl in their minds.
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive reaction in babies that occurs when babies don't have enough lactase, an essential enzyme that breaks down lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in the milk of all mammals, including human breast milk. When lactose cannot be properly broken down in the small intestine, it enters the large intestine and is fermented by bacteria, producing bloating, gas, and watery stools, which are typical symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance in babies is not limited to digestive problems. Specific symptoms include frequent diarrhea, abdominal distension and discomfort, and frothy or watery poop. These symptoms usually appear within a few hours of ingesting lactose, especially after feeding. It is important to note that not all diarrhea is caused by lactose intolerance, so an accurate diagnosis is crucial.
The Diagnostic Journey of Lactose Intolerance: Steps and Approach
The diagnosis of lactose intolerance should not rely solely on parental observation. The diagnosis is confirmed by specific medical tests that assess your baby's ability to break down lactose. One of the most commonly used methods is the hydrogen breath test, which measures the amount of hydrogen in the exhaled breath. If bacteria in your baby's digestive system break down lactose, hydrogen gas is producedThis gas is excreted from the body with respiration, and by measuring the increase of this gas, the decomposition of lactose can be indirectly reflected.
In addition to the hydrogen breath test, there are other diagnostic methods such as the lactose tolerance test, which involves measuring changes in blood sugar levels. Your baby's blood sugar level should normally rise after ingesting lactose-containing foods or drinks. If there is no significant change in blood sugar levels, this may indicate that lactose is not being properly broken down and absorbed.
A correct diagnosis of lactose intolerance is essential for selecting an appropriate management strategy. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, parents and medical professionals can work together to develop a baby-friendly diet plan and interventions to ensure your baby's healthy growth and development.
Lactose intolerance is not uncommon in infants, but this does not mean that breastfeeding must be stopped. In fact, breast milk is the best natural food for babies, rich in nutrients and able to provide all the necessary elements for your baby's growth. However, when babies show signs of lactose intolerance, many mothers worry that their diet may be one of the reasons.
First of all, it is important to understand the nature of lactose intolerance. It is caused by the lack of lactase in your baby's body to break down lactose completely。This does not mean that the lactose in breast milk is harmful, nor does it mean that the composition of breast milk needs to be changed.
Misunderstandings and suggestions about mothers' dietary taboos: between nutrition and myths
When dealing with lactose intolerance, there are many misconceptions surrounding dietary taboos around breastfeeding. A common misconception is that mothers should avoid lactose-containing foods altogether to reduce the lactose content in breast milk. However, this practice is not necessary and has no scientific basis. The lactose content of breast milk is not directly affected by the lactose intake in the mother's diet.
Mothers should focus on maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring that they consume enough nutrients to support breastfeeding. This includes a moderate intake of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals。In particular, vitamin D and calcium intake are essential for the healthy growth of the baby's bones.
For those situations that do need to adjust the diet, such as the baby's obvious discomfort reaction to specific foods, it is recommended that mothers rule out suspicious foods one by one and observe the changes in the baby's reaction. This process should be carried out on the advice of a doctor to ensure that neither the quality of breast milk nor the nutritional status of the mother is affected.
In addition, supplementing with prebiotics and probiotics is also a strategy worth considering. Although the ingredients that directly affect breast milk may be limited, it indirectly creates a better digestive environment for the baby by improving the mother's gut health.
In short, in the face of lactose intolerance, the right thing to do is to follow the doctor's guidance and maintain a balanced diet, rather than blindly following dietary taboos that have no scientific basis. With careful observation and proper adjustments, most lactose intolerant babies can still enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding while maintaining healthy growth.