9 week old with milk protein intolerance - need advice please

[Lucky13]

We've just been told that our 9wk old DD probably has a milk protein intolerance. At first we were told to stop BF and given a prescription for formula. I said no and decided to opt for a dairy free diet instead.

We're still waiting for test results, but I've now been dairy free for a week and the bloody nappies are now gone (sorry if tmi). Does this mean that her system is clear already?

Can I now try a dairy product and see what effect it has? If so what should i try, do different foods have different levels of milk protein in them?

I read somewhere that i can drink probiotic yoghurt drinks because the probiotics are more beneficial to the gut and promote healing - is this true?

Can anyone recommend a website or book with good info? I can find lots of recipes and general info, but nothing with more detail.

Sorry for all the questions, but we don't have an appointment with the doc for a couple of weeks and i am not sure what is the best course of action.

TIA

[wb]

If your dd has been reacting to the dairy proteins in your breastmilk rather than to formula, then it may well be an allergy rather than an intolerance (my ds had the same symptoms and he is allergic). The difference is important and a doctor should be able to help you sort this out.

If her nappies have cleared up then yes, her system is probably 'clear' but it is likely that any dairy products you take will put her back to stage 1 (she won't have outgrown it in a week). So my advice would be to stay dairy free but if you do want to try a bit of dairy then firstly try something like a biscuit or cake that has whey as part of the ingredients, then if that is OK something with cooked hard cheese in it.

You can get dairy free probiotics, so these would be a better bet than the dairy based ones.

Hope this helps.

[cherryredretrochick]

I am with the posters above, it is better to keep yourself dairy free and can actually help them to outgrow in the long run if it is an intolerance.

My doc told me to stay off dairy when feeding dd2 ( iwas pregnant at the time) as dd1 has milk protein lactose intolerance. Although she has had some problems with dairy they have been no where near as bad as dd1's.

Breastmilk is amazing and the fact that you can control exactley what goes into your baby.

Also Green and Blacks chocolate is dairy free and always makes these problems seem a little easier.

I am so glad your baby is better, keep posting on here there are many people that know an awful lot about these things and I have always found MNers to be really supportive.

[kiskidee]

there is no need to give him anything to heal his gut. your milk will do that.

I would wait at least 3 wks before introducing dairy into your diet again.

It took 3 wks for dd's eczema to improve when I took egg out of my diet. it continued to improve well after the 3 wks too.

hope it works out for you.

[Bilbomum]

I agree with the posters above. I went dairy free for about six months whilst feeding my son who has milk protein allergy (amongst others). It's a pain to do but so worth it when the symptoms start improving, I regret not doing it sooner.

My GP was very against me even trying it out and it wasn't until the hospital diagnosed the allergy that they told me to stop.

I'm still breastfeeding now but have gradually introduced dairy back into my diet (although not his yet) and he seems to be tolerating it. He is 17 months now so I would suggest waiting for quite a while before trying to reintroduce dairy to your diet.

If your daughter's allergy persists at least you will have had good experience in finding alternative foods by the time you come round to weaning.

Shame on the medics for advising you to stop BF, it's the best thing you can be doing for your DD.

[tigerpaws]

I had similar problems with my DD when breastfeeding her and saw vast improvements when I ommited dairy from my diet. However I stopped Br/f at 6months and now suspect she has a milk protein intolerance. She was having several yucky nappies a day and up at night with terrible trapped wind. I cut cows milk out of cooking for her and changed formula to an easy digest one where proteins are already partially broken down. My HV suggested I try soya formula. Does anyone have any experience of this? My DD is now 8 months.

[cherryredretrochick]

Tiger paws, Soya formula is fine although if your health visitor is suggesting it you should be able to get a dairy free formula on prescription. It is best not to over expose a child who is prone to allergies to soya as 1 in 3 then develops soya allergy, there are many formulas which are lactose and milk free, we used SMA LF although they are incredibly expensive and you should be able to get them from the docs.
You should also push the doctor for a referral to a dietician and gastroentrology.
Good Luck.

[tigerpaws]

Thanks for that. after posting on here last night I did some research on soya formula and have decided against it. Am currently using Aptamil easy digest which seems to have improved things. It has much less lactose and partially broken down proteins. I think it is the proteins which are causing the problem. I didn't know whether it was worth bothering the doctor with it? But I guess if there is a chance of getting milk prescribed it will be worth it. I am also looking out for recipe ideas as I'm really missing adding cheese to her food. Veggies can taste so bland with out it!

[LilRedWG]

Have only read OP, so sorry if repeating. We have been told to only try DD six months after the last reaction to dairy, so I really wouldn't do it after a week. Request a dietician appointment for advice.