International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

The aspect of breastfeeding that is commonly affected by cow milk protein allergy is digestive health. When an infant has a cow milk protein allergy, it can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and colic. These symptoms arise because the infant's immune system mistakenly identifies proteins found in cow's milk as harmful, triggering an allergic response.

As a result, breastfeeding may become uncomfortable or even painful for the infant, leading to feeding difficulties or refusal to feed, which in turn can impact the overall nutrition and growth of the baby. The digestive system’s response to an allergen can significantly affect an infant's ability to tolerate milk and absorb nutrients properly.

While cow's milk protein allergy can have other effects on health, including potential influences on emotional well-being or developmental milestones due to the impact on the infant's overall health and nutrition, digestive health is directly and most commonly affected as the immediate response to the allergen.