What if it’s NOT an Allergy?
This is part four in our series “Why Does My Baby Do That?!” This post will cover the physical response to that oh so good breastmilk.
I’m sure you’ve heard about skin irritations with allergies: eczema, rash, little dots or spots that come and go after the lactating parent has eaten x, y, or z food. But have you heard about something called gustatory flushing? Gusta-what? Yup, gustatory flushing, like when you get embarrassed about something and your face gets pink (flushes), except this is when babies are nursing and the letdown happens and they get a rush of that yummy breastmilk. When they get a taste they get flushed and maybe have some rosy spots on their temples or cheeks, and their eyes roll back as they chug, and then it goes away just as quickly as it came on. Some skin issues are not allergy related, some are just a full-body appreciation for the liquid love spilling out of your breasts. I mean, have you ever eaten something that was just so delicious, your eyes closed, your head dropped back, a “mmmmmmm” sound came from deep in your soul? I have. Most recently it was bulgogi from a pop-up restaurant in my parents neighborhood (shout out to NoHi and Common Bread), omgosh so good! Ok, ok, I’m getting away from the point, or am I? Think about your baby eating something like that, something that is so darn yummy their whole body reacts and the excited nerves misfire and send messages all over the place, one of those misfires is to the face and flushing happens. So it might not be an allergy, it might just be that they love your milk, like a lot.
Another possibility is that this flushing could be Frey’s Syndrome, named after Lucja Frey, a Polish neurologist who recognized that the role of the auriculotemporal nerve (a nerve that runs along the side of the head near the jaw, ear, and scalp) with sympathetic and parasympathetic responses such as sweating and flushing after surgery or some sort of trauma, like when forceps are used during delivery. Frey’s Syndrome is not a food allergy, and if you suspect it could be an issue, you should bring it up with your healthcare practitioners to help avoid unnecessary costs and medical procedures.
Now, if the diapers are having odd things going on, then maybe your pediatrician should take a closer look at potential allergens. What are those odd things that you might call the doctor about?
Dramatic increase or decrease in dirty diapers
Blood in the stool (poop)
A return to black stool
White stool
And any change that has you puzzled, really, because when it comes to your baby’s health it is never the time to wish you would’ve just asked a question. There are no stupid questions! If you’re concerned, you should call the pediatrician.
Stay tuned for another post on poop. If you want an update so you don’t miss it, be sure to sign up for the mailing list.
