Newborn milk allergy?

[Gibgtubvjkigv]

I have a 5 week old baby and I think he may have a milk allergy. He gets very agitated and frustrated while drinking his milk and just can’t enjoy it, he only does a poo once or twice a week and it is always diarrhoea, he comes out in little spots on his face shortly after having a bottle and he always seems very uncomfortable and agitated and seems to have a lot of gas. I spoke to the doctor and they told me they will contact health visitor to give me a call but it’s been over a week and I haven’t heard anything. I am sick of seeing my little boy suffering and nobody seems to be taking me seriously. This is my third baby and it’s definitely not a simple case of colic as my daughter had that really bad and this is something different.

Sounds like it could be. I'd have a read of this from Allergy UK and go back to the GP tomorrow and ask for a milk suitable for babies with a milk allergy and a referral to a Paediatric Dietician. Hopefully youlll get to see one about the time that weaning starts

DS was very similar. Also had horrific eczema. We must have visited the doctor about 15 times before he turned 3 months. I knew something wasn't right and even though I am a FTM I wasn't going to give up.

Eventually Dr prescribed a milk and referred us to a dermatologist. He was 100 times better within about a month. The difference was incredible.

Unfortunately the "urgent" dermatology appointment came through 1 year later by which point he had basically outgrown the eczema.
He is nearly 2 now and we have done the milk ladder with tremendous success and he is able to tolerate all dairy now.

Keep going back. You know your baby. If it doesn't feel right keep on. NHS is so stretched unfortunately so you have to keep badgering them to get through

Breast feed or formula feed? It can be normal for bf babies to have one poo a week as they’re is little wasted from
bm but that’s only after 6 weeks.

There is a really good cmpa facebook group. I would ask for more advice on there.

I know you said bottle but some people express and bottle feed.

Sorry yes he is on formula . Thank you for your replies I will definitely get onto the doctors tomorrow

From what you e written down, I would ask the doctor for Neocate, skip Nutramigen. The sooner you get it the easier baby will take it as the older they get it is much harder.

Yes sounds like hives and a milk allergy. You will probably have to pay for a private allergy test as the NHS is so slow and obvs he needs neocate. It costs around £200 and will save you a lot of stress with the GP!

I don't think there a reliable test for CMPA though? Isn't it usually diagnosed by elimination?

I was diagnosed a few years ago though so things might have changed?

@CadyEastman an allergy test can show if you definitely have an allergy - it did show a very strong allergy response for my dd. A negative response isn’t a guarantee that there is no allergy though. And intolerances don’t show on tests. Sounds like OP would be sensible to get a test as the hives indicate that an allergy would show on a test.

Could be an intolerance? My little girl had a severe milk allergy and to get her to take a bottle was almost impossible, instead of feeding a newborn it was like trying to get a cat to take a bottle. She would literally scream constantly, her face was constantly covered in a rash (spots) and she just wouldn't sleep. I appreciate hers was severe but she wasn't just uncomfortable. Hope whatevers going on, intolerance or allergy is sorted for you both soon. X

I don't think the word Intolerance is used anymore? I thought it was defined as an allergy. There being two trips of allergy Ige and non-Ige.

I have the latter and it is most definitely an allergy

Thank you so much for everyone’s replies. I took him to an out of hours doctors and he’s been prescribed some milk so really hoping we will see some improvements soon. X

That's good @Gibgtubvjkigv. How's he taking to the new milk so far?

So there’s two types of allergy iGE - can be tested- this is when hives and anaphylaxis happens etc and non-iGE which is more stomach problems - this can’t be tested and is diagnosed with elimination and then reintroduction to see if the symptoms reoccur.

Absolutely go back to Gp and get the formula. And ask for a referral to the dietitian. GPs are not very knowledgeable when it comes to allergies in children and so you need to make sure you know what you’re asking before you go in and don’t be fobbed off.

It might be worth asking at your practice if a GP there has any experience with allergies and babies.

Good luck.

He absolutely hates the new milk. He keeps stopping drinking it and crying his eyes out. I spoke to the health visitor and she said lots of babies don’t like the taste of the milk that he got. He has an appointment with doctor on Friday so we can discuss what to do next.

You have to introduce it very gradually by mixing it with the old milk. So a tiny bit initially, and then build up the proportions. It’s different so they don’t like it initially. Mine was drinking it til she was 5 so it is ok once they adjust !! It took me about 3 weeks to make the complete change.

Did they not explain this? If not - this tells you everything you need to know about how much GPs and HV know about allergies! You need to do your own research honestly . He will take the milk if you are patient and mix it in very very gradually.

You can also add vanilla extract or Nesquik to the new milk to make it more palatable. Just make sure the vanilla essence is alcohol free