Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance after childbirth

If after consuming dairy products you experience bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea, you may have developed temporary lactose intolerance. Lactose is a milk sugar that requires the enzyme lactase to break down. Sometimes after stress such as childbirth, or after intestinal infections, the production of this enzyme can temporarily decrease.

How does it work?

When lactase is insufficient, undigested lactose reaches the large intestine, where it becomes "food" for bacteria. In the course of their activity, a large amount of gas is produced, causing bloating and pain. Undigested lactose also "attracts" water, leading to diarrhea.

What to do?

In most cases this condition is temporary. Try to exclude or significantly reduce dairy products in your diet for a while. You can try lactose‑free alternatives (lactose‑free milk, yogurts) or fermented dairy products (kefir, hard cheese), which contain much lower amounts of lactose.

If you are breastfeeding and suspect lactose intolerance in your baby, it is important to know that true congenital lactose intolerance is extremely rare. Most often the problems are related to an imbalance of "foremilk" and "hindmilk" or an allergy to cow’s milk protein. Be sure to consult a pediatrician before changing your nutrition or switching the baby to formula.