Maternal and Pediatric Nutrition with Lauren Mardeusz, RD, LDN
Discussion on Maternal and Child Nutrition with Lauren Mardeusz, RD, LDN, from Bloom Pediatric and Maternal Nutrition.
Let’s welcome Lauren to talk about maternal and child nutrition or pediatric nutrition on the blog and her services in the Piedmont Triad, and anywhere you are through virtual services!
I came across Lauren on Instagram, and her practice and expertise aligns with the work of Beth Ann Doula Services, LLC and importantly, Learning to Latch ©️ I am an advocate for nourishing the body during pregnancy, and especially during the postpartum period. As a registered dietician, she brings an evidence-based approach to her care for mom and for baby.
From Lauren:
“I’m a Registered Dietitian and Mama to two sweet girls. I believe that proper nutrition is the foundation to good health. I understand that there is a lot of subject matter on nutrition and how we should feed our families out on the internet, and I also understand that what works for one simply will not work for all. I can provide individualized, evidence-based care for you and your family.”
I got to have an important conversation with Lauren regarding a hot topic:
Allergens, and specifically, Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA).
I am thankful to utilize Lauren’s expertise on this topic in my course, Learning to Latch which was released on January 31st 2022!
Many parents fear they are eating something that is upsetting their baby. Anytime a poop is different, sleep is not “normal,” or baby is spitting up, mom’s almost immediately (as noticed while doula-ing,) run to the pantry and immediately eliminate common groups of food. I do think it is important to utilize resources like Bloom Pediatric and Maternal Nutrition as she has dedicated her career to helping women and children. IF there is a true allergy, elimination can be discussed, but I want everyone to consider the nutrients that are lost when cutting foods when it is not necessary.
Lactose Intolerance in Babies
“Is my baby lactose intolerant?” This is a super common question and something that there is a lot of talk on the internet about. A simple google search will result in many articles telling moms that their baby is lactose intolerant. The truth is, that lactose intolerance in infants is extraordinarily rare. Lactose- a milk sugar- is part of the makeup of breastmilk, even if mom doesn’t consume dairy products. Babies are born with the appropriate amount of lactase-the enzyme that breaks down lactose- in their digestive systems, because it is necessary to digest breastmilk. A deficiency in lactase would result in lactose intolerance, which just isn’t common in children under three years of age.
If the baby is very uncomfortable after feeding or while trying to have a BM, is experiencing a rash, vomiting, or has consistently green stools, and you are consuming dairy products, these could be signs that the baby has an intolerance or allergy to cow’s milk protein. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is much more common among infants than lactose intolerance is.
Approximately 1-3% of infants will experience CMPA.
There is a range in levels of severity of CMPA which require different levels of intervention or change to mom’s diet. If baby has true CMPA, avoidance of soy in addition to cow’s milk could be necessary. Dairy products have vitamin D and calcium that are important for mom to consume, so before completely omitting dairy from the diet, consult with a dietitian or physician to come up with an eating plan that meets her dietary needs.
Cow’s milk protein is, by and large, the most common thing babies react to in the breastfeeding mother’s diet. (Remember this is still only 1-3% of infants.) Claims that beans, tofu, or cruciferous vegetables like cabbage or broccoli in a mom’s diet cause the breastfed baby to be gassy or colic-y are anecdotal at best, and not evidence-based.
There are diagnostic criteria for CMPA. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician if you suspect your baby might be sensitive to cow’s milk protein. It is important to remember that the avoidance of any food group-including the top 8 allergens- is not recommended while breastfeeding. Evidence suggests that consuming allergenic foods while pregnant and breastfeeding could have a protective effect against food allergies.”
This bit of info was so interesting to me! I have previously been under the impression from information provided by pediatricians that elimination must begin immediately, or food groups have to be decreased or eliminated at the same time. I love when I can learn something new! I hope this is helpful to any new feeding mamas out there!
Lauren offers nutrition counseling and courses on maternal and child nutrition. Please follow the information below so you can show Lauren some love and educate yourself while nourishing yourself and your babe.
Instagram: bloompedsnutrition
lauren@bloompedsnutrition.com
https://bloompedsnutrition.com
I am currently booking clients! Please contact me below if you are interested in birth doula services!
https://www.bethanndoulaservices.com/contact