Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) in baby sleep coaching & sleep training

This blog series will explore a topic that will sadly strike a chord with many parents - the topic of reflux, CMPA (cows milk protein allergy) and lactose intolerance and how gentle, holistic sleep coaching can actually work for babies that suffer from any of these conditions.

Part 2 covers CMPA, otherwise known as Cows Milk Protein Allergy and how responsive, gentle & holistic sleep coaching or sleep training can help your family get better sleep.

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) and lactose intolerance are distinct conditions with different underlying causes. While both can affect the digestive system, they involve separate components of milk and result in varying symptoms.

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)‍

CMPA is an allergic reaction to proteins found in cow's milk. Your baby's immune system wrongly identifies certain proteins, such as casein and whey, as harmful and this prompts an immune response in your baby.

Symptoms

• ‍Gastrointestinal issues: Symptoms can involve the digestive system and may include vomiting, very loose stools, abdominal pain, and constipation. This is often the first sign that parents notice.‍
• Skin reactions: CMPA can show up as skin issues, including eczema, hives, or other allergic skin reactions and rashes.‍
• Respiratory symptoms: In some cases, CMPA may lead to respiratory symptoms such as wheezing or constantly runny nose or blocked sinuses.‍
• General allergic responses: CMPA can trigger more severe allergic responses, such as swelling of the face, lips, or eyes.‍
• Failure to thrive: Infants with severe cases of CMPA may not grow as well, and this is called failure to thrive.

Sleep coaching can play a supportive role in helping a baby with Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) by looking at the specific challenges for families living with CMPA. CMPA can cause to discomfort, pain and irritability in babies, which of course affects their sleep patterns. This is exactly where sleep coaching or sleep training comes in to help!‍

Sleep coaches can work with parents to identify symptoms of CMPA that may be affecting the baby's sleep. This includes identifying and recognising signs such as digestive pain, skin issues, or respiratory problems. CMPA can often be confused with lactose intolerance, so it's really important to get it right. By addressing and identifying symptoms (with other qualified healthcare providers), sleep coaches can help to create a more comfortable environment for the baby, meaning better sleep quality (for everyone!).

Sleep trainers can develop personalised sleep plans using the right methods (for example, I never use only one method, I always use a hybrid approach) that take into account the baby's specific needs and challenges related to CMPA. This may involve adjustments to feeding schedules, considering potential allergic reactions to certain foods, and incorporating soothing techniques specific to CMPA. Babies with CMPA may have lots of discomfort, particularly during the night. This obviously leads to interrupted sleep and crying, leading to overtiredness and more crying! Such a vicious cycle for little ones.Sleep coaches can guide parents on how to minimise discomfort, such as elevating the head of the crib or using specialised sleep products designed for babies with allergies. Any techniques used should be used alongside safe sleep guidance from organisations such as The Lullaby Trust.

Working alongside healthcare professionals, qualified and appropriately trained sleep coaches can provide feeding advice and help that aligns with the baby's dietary needs, as well as the parents wishes. This could involve recommending appropriate formula options or assisting breastfeeding mothers in finding and cutting out potential allergens in their diet. This is why it's so important to know your chosen sleep coach's background and training. to make sure that you are receiving the best advice for your baby. Coping with a baby with CMPA can be really hard, and difficult for parents as it hugely affects their own sleep and well-being. Some parents report a feeling of being 'robbed' of the baby experience that they expected. A good sleep coach won't just give a sleep training plan, they should also offer emotional support and guidance to parents, helping them navigate their feelings and the unique challenges a baby with CMPA can have. Depending on the CMPA symptoms, sleep coaches can teach parents gradual sleep training techniques. This most likely will mean gently establishing healthy sleep foundations, associations and patterns while thinking about their baby's specific sensitivities, needs and the parenting ethos and style of the whole family.

Conclusion

It's important to note that sleep coaching for a baby with CMPA should be done in collaboration with qualified healthcare professionals, including paediatricians, allergists and paediatric dieticians. A collaborative 'joined up' approach that considers both sleep needs and the management of CMPA symptoms makes sure of the best outcomes for the baby's overall health and well-being, as well as their sleep needs. Always consult with healthcare providers to develop a plan that is safe and tailored to your baby's specific needs.