Various symtoms in a baby, as vomiting , diarrhoea , skin rash , eczema or urticaria, conjunctivitis, wheezing or oedema , may hide a food allergy: a food allergic reaction occurs when certain proteins in the food we eat inappropriately react with some component of the immune system, triggering an allergic reaction.

Some food allergies, that show up immediately after the ingestion of the allergic food (within few hours), depends on a “wrong” reaction of a specific class of antibodies, the IgE antibodies: in allergic individuals (who are sometimes referred to as being “atopic”) eating certain food proteins (such as whey and casein protein contained in cow’s milk) results in the production of IgE directed against the protein. The second time individual eats the food; these molecules interact with each other, and with the food protein, causing the release of harmful chemicals and the symptoms of food allergy.

Other food allergies may show later: it’s the delayed-type food allergic reactions, appearing after 24-48 hours from the food ingestion and depending on other specific immune cells, the “T-cell”. When the food is ingested, the food protein is recognized as harmful by these cells, that run into the area of the body about to suffer damage (as the skin or the bowel), release chemicals and, through a chain of events, lead to damages associated with symptoms of food allergy.

The most common food allergy in infants is Cow Milk Allergy, a reaction to cow milk that results from a hypersensitive immune response to one or more milk proteins. Most babies with cow milk allergy develop symptoms within the first few months of life. It’s rare for symptoms to begin after the age of 12 months. Symptoms of cow milk allergy are various, ranging from eczema and rash, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation to breathing symptoms, as wheezing.

The recommended treatment for Cow Milk Allergy is to completely skip milk proteins from the baby’s diet. Because milk is an important food for infants, cutting it out from a baby’s diet may put them at risk of poor growth. This risk can be overcome with an alternative hypoallergenic formula, such as amino-acid based formulas (usually referred as AAF) or extensively hydrolyzed formulas (eHF), which can provide rapid relief of symptoms and enables optimal growth and development.

Source: Act Against Allergy - For the treatment of Cow Milk Allergy is a global educational initiative with information and tools to know and increase the awareness of childhood cow milk allergy and other infant food allergies and to support parents and healthcare professionals. Act Against Allergy complies with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information.

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With the warm weather upon us, breastfeeding in summer can present its own unique set of challenges. Having had two summer babies myself, I understand the importance of staying cool. Here are a few of my tips to help you breastfeed in comfort this summer.

1. Stay Hydrated - it is really important to drink enough fluids to ensure you don’t get dehydrated in the warmer weather. A good way to do this is have a glass of water before every feed and always have a glass next to you during a feed. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic drinks which are dehydrating.

2. Maintain your cool - find a cool spot in the house to breastfeed. Set up a portable fan that helps to circulate the air to keep you and baby comfortable. A wet washer over a fan can also help cool down a room on a really hot day for those of us without airconditioning.

 3. Jump in the bath - a wise midwife passed this tip on to me when my first son was born in the middle of a hot QLD summer. When the weather gets too much, breastfeed in a tepid bath to help get rid of that sticky skin feeling. Make sure the water isn’t too cold for you. A great way to settle a hot, cranky baby too! 

 4. Natural Fibres - Look for cool natural fibres such as cotton or other lightweight fabrics that will absorb moisture and not stick or cling in the warmer weather.  For other great breastfeeding tips and news visit my blog for more information.

Kelly Gough is a business mum who runs online boutique Nuvo Maternity. Nuvo specialises in stylish nursing wear and have recently launched their signature label of breastfeeding fashion.

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A friend of mine recently had her second baby. This morning she rang me to ask if I still remembered how long expressed breastmilk (EBM) would last in the fridge. I found the information in Breastfeeders Anonynous by Rachael Blair and thought I would share it here in case there are other mums looking for a quick reference source.

The following is quoted from page 204 of Breastfeeders Anonymous:
- Fresh EBM can be stored at room temperature for 6-8 hours, in the coldest part of the fridge for 5 days or the freezer for three months (only two weeks in the freezer section of the fridge).
- Frozen EBM should not be warmed but can be thawed in a fridge. This should be fed within 4 to 24 hours, but should NEVER berefrozen.
- Frozen EBM can also be thawed in warm water. This should be fed immediately and any leftovers thrown away, or can be stored in a fridge for up to four hours before feeding. Also NEVER refreeze.
- EBM that has already been offered to a baby should be discarded immediately following that feed. It should not be refrigerated or frozen.

I would also like to invite all breastfeeding mums to view our range of breastfeeding tops and other breastfeeding clothes online at www.nursingwear.com.au and to read more about breastfeeding clothes in general at www.breastfeedingclothes.com.au

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