Is lactose the same no matter what milk?

[hethajf]

As above really...
Following on from 2 weeks of diarrhoea whilst weaning onto formula, I took my 11 month DD to the doctors this morning. He wasn't overly interested and basically said that I should go and buy some lactose free formula and see how she goes. So my question is, is the lactose in my breastmilk the same as the lactose in cows milk, and is that the same as the lactose in goats milk?! She's been fine on breastmilk, hence the question. Her dad has a cows milk protein allergy and I think this is more likely with DD but when I suggested that to the doctor he just said that she doesn't need milk for much longer anyway so to just see how lactose free goes?! Doesn't make sense to me and I'd happily buy goats milk or some other alternative but if it IS lactose (or both) that she's intolerant/allergic to then there is also lactose in the goats milk. Confused is an understatement!

[SheRaaarghPrincessOfPower]

Yes, lactose is lactose, whether it's in formula or breast milk. Sounds much much more likely to be CMP

Have you not come across any reaction after yoghurt or any other dairy? It could just be that this particular formula doesn't agree with him.

[hethajf]

We don't really have dairy in the house because we just don't eat it now, I cook us all the same food although I did make a point of having dairy whilst I was pregnant. She does get a rash of she has cheese (babybel generally) and she's been horribly windy too. It's clearly a dairy issue. I'm just not sure whether to skip the lactose free theory and go straight to goats milk or risk another week of miserable baby with the lactose free cows milk. Although I guess if it is lactose she could still be miserable on goats milk, but from what you've said she would have been poorly on breastmilk too. Feeling completely unsupported by the doctor, I've no idea what to do for the best

[minipie]

Yes breastmilk contains lactose just as cows milk does.

And cows milk protein intolerance is far more common in babies than lactose intolerance.

So CMPI seems much much more likely. Esp given the family history.

If it's CMPI, bear in mind she may react to goats milk too (some people with CMPI are ok with goat, some are not). Same applies to soya milk. Afaik oat milk/almond milk is generally ok though (but pricey!)

[minipie]

Cross post

I would personally skip the lactose free and go straight to oat or almond milk.

[CelticPromise]

Yes lactose is lactose. No sense in lactose free. It might just be her belly adjusting, even CMP might have shown up earlier if you eat dairy.

[laurzj82]

What Minipie said.

My DD had but now outgrown cmpa. She could tolerate goats formula but not soya.

[SheRaaarghPrincessOfPower]

It's not lactose if BM hasn't been an issue, the GP. I'd go back, see a different doctor, maybe ask for an allergy test. IME GPs can be pretty crappy at diagnosing cmpi.

[hethajf]

Thanks for your input everyone, Celticpromise I barely eat dairy due to DHs allergy, she has had the odd rash whilst weaning which I never really thought much of because she's always been that way inclined, bad milk spots etc etc.
If I were to go straight to oat/nut milk would I just buy the normal cartons (alpro etc) or is there some sort of formula?

[SheRaaarghPrincessOfPower]

There is formula for babies with cmpi, my DS was prescribed it.

[minipie]

There isn't oat/nut/rice formula afaik. So yes it would be Alpro or similar.

There is goat formula. There is also hypoallergenic formula (Nutrimagen or Neocate) which has all the proteins broken down, SheRaargh I guess that is what your DS had? However it's very expensive and I think the chances of your GP prescribing it for an 11 month old are pretty slim.

Maybe try the goat formula and if no improvement go to Alpro? It might also be worth a chat with your HV, they may be more clued up than the GP about this.

[laulea82]

Both my dd and ds have / had cmpi. Dd reacted to diary in my bm, ds didn't. Ds is milder. Both had prescribed formula for cmpi after I switched from bf or combi fed.
For the hassle which is getting a prescription and given your dc is 11 months I would go straight to oatly oat milk or soya - alpro growing up milk, provided dc has a good diet food wise. Soya is best but there is a high risk of a reaction. My dd couldn't have soya but ds can and he loves alpro . It has added vitamins etc and you can get it in 8oz cartons.
If no reaction to bm and some reaction to cheese I would say it's cmpi or cmpa not lactose intolerance. Bm contains more lactose than milk protein and formula more protein less lactose.

[hethajf]

Can you remember what is was called? I don't think I'm going to have much luck with the doctor but i don't mind buying it if I can!

[hethajf]

Ignore that last comment, you lovely ladies have answered me in the last couple of posts x

[laulea82]

Dd had similac alimentum and ds has aptamil Pepti. These are the broken down formulas. There is also nutamigen which is commonly prescribed. It's VERY expensive to buy. Check out Ebay you might be able to get a small 400g tub to try.
If these don't work you need an amino acid based formula such as neocate. Even more expensive.
There's a sma soya formula too which is similar priced to normal. You could try a soya yogurt first, see if there's a reaction and if not try soya formula or alpro growing up milk?

[hethajf]

Thanks Laulea that's a good idea re the yoghurt, I have an alpro one in the fridge. I've given the HV a call too and she's going to call back in half an hour so I'all see what she suggests too.
Thank you everyone for so much information and advice so quickly, don't know what I'd do without this forum sometimes!

[SheRaaarghPrincessOfPower]

Sorry, yes, nutromogen.

Missed that your DS was 11mo, agree its prob just easier to go straight to almond milk or similar