Anyone had experience of baby becoming Lactose intolerant after bout of illness?

[MidgetGem]

Hi there, DD 6.5months old. Was ill two days ago with a day of terrible sickness and high temperature, was advised to give her calpol and water with a sachet of diarolyte overnight and then try her with milk. That was two days ago, the sickness and temperature has gone, however when I offer her her formula she is hungry and wants the bottle but then pulls off after about 2ozs she is then grizzly and I can hear the gas in her tummy and she is unable to settle properley. She also has diarrohea but not in the sense that she is going pooing all the time just when she goes I think it is causing her discomfort and it is really stinky, bright yellow and watery. I have researched this a bit on the internet and I think she sounds like she might now have a lactose intolerance. Has anyone any experience of this and how did you treat it, thanks in advance x

Babies can become lactose intolerant usually after a bout of d & v. Try a soya milk and see if it improves things. If so then use it for a few weeks only eg 6 weeks and then try reintroducing regular formula.

It's quite common. Don't use soya milk though - not to be used for children under 2 unless everything else refused. Best thing would be to ask your GP for a prescription for hypoallergenic formula.

thanks very much for such quick posts! have just spoken to HV as well and she backs up what you both said, to use Lactose free formula for a month to 6 weeks - am off to buy some now x

Do you know the name of one to ask for MidgetGem? Most common are Pepti-Junior, Neocate or Nutramigen (which tastes especially vile), but the pharmacy may need to order it in specially.

my dt's had this around 5 months, what went in came straight out, bright yellow and stinky - i wasn't told to switch milk, just give it when i would usually give it, live with the horrid nappies and give dioralyte too to keep em hydrated - eventually it stopped....

I would say that you were poorly advised Meeely. It can lead to a permanent intolerance if still given.

Hi Cantsleep won'tsleep, I have just been to Boots and bought the Farleys one for Lactose Intolerant babies - she has taken 3ozs, will that still be OK?

Oh I should imagine so MG. I'm more familiar with the totally hypoallergenic ones as dd's intolerance was to cows milk protein rather than lactose.

Hope she is better soon.

Thanks CSWS, fingers crossed it does the trick

thank goodness it didn't eh!? Doc said something about switching milk being more upsetting for their insides (they were 2.5 months early, so only really 2.5 months old when they got flop bot)....