Hugs. This must be such a hard decision. Firstly I am pro breast feeding but if you've done all that you can then maybe a calculated switch to formula would be the best. A big congrates to you for persisting this far.
My SIL struggled with my niece for months until the pead put her on a formula that required a script. I am sure it was Pepti???? After a a week or so she was a different baby. Additionally my SIL takes my niece to a chiropractor that specialises in allergies and this has helped tremendously apparently.
DS2 had an intolerance to dairy protein (blood in his stools too). I cut dairy from my diet & we saw an improvement within days. I was lucky & only had to do it for a couple of months.
I can understand your frustration it's not easy, you have done such a good job, for it to not be working must be doing your head in.
Have you thought about maintaining your supply while you trial the formula?
The allergy road is a rocky one for parents and babies. I wonder, how was your little one diagnosed with these allergies? Are there symptoms other than blood in the stools?
Sometimes, even after the cause of the allergy has been removed, it takes some time for the gut to recover. Mothers of babies with cows milk allergy also have to be detectives, needing to read labels to avoid the protein in foods other than milk - whey and casein used in baked goods and by products of egg. Or there may be a another protein that hasn't yet been identified that is causing problems.
What is your allergist's plan for the future where your little one is concerned? What advice have you been given about introducing solids?
The other thing to consider is that, as much as foreign proteins in breastmilk may be contributing to the problem, breastmilk has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, and this is protective where allergies are concerned. It also supports the baby's immune system, making secondary infections etc less likely.
Are there others in your family with allergies? How do they present? This can give you a clue to the future with your child.
In his book "Colic Solved" Bryan Vartabedian has a great chapter on food allergies and their impact on the gut. He is also presenting at the Australian Breastfeeding Association seminars in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Launceston in March. (His book is available through Mothers Direct)
Many mothers find it useful to see a dietician, to ensure that you are eating properly - it is a tough gig, mothering when you are hungry, and constantly worried that what you eat will affect you baby.
Breastfeeding is important, and mothers who maintain breastfeeding, in my opinion, have more options in dealing with their child's condition than non breastfeeding mothers. It is a difficult decision.
Last edited by MantaRay; January 4th, 2010 at 09:34 PM.
I agree with Barb about investigating your bubs allergies with your specialist before you switch over. Even though my SIL's dd was switched to formula this was no long term fix and even at nearly 3 she is still struggling and her main diet is the formula. I often think if she'd be better if my SIL did persist with Bfing (which she gave up at 6 weeks). Just to add that my SIL went through months of hell to get the right formula, although initially my SIL didn't seek medical advice for my nieces isues.
I did the RPA Friendly Food allergy elimination diet when BF with allergy issues. I had to go off dairy and soy, and foods high in salicilytes. We found that she and my other daughter are allergic to milk protein, soy, almonds, oats and bananas. BUT she had other intolerances as well. It was a hard road at first, but once we got out diet worked out, it was so worthwhile.
I BF until she was 18 months and weaned herself, my goal was 2 years.
I found the diet to be hard at first. It took me a good 6-8 weeks to adjust myself. Make sure you keep your proteins up to keep your energy up. Start your day with proteins in order to keep you going throughout the day.
I would have eggs on toast, or baked beans on toast. I made my own bread to keep chemicals and allergens out of our diets. I would have bacon or ham as well.
For lunch, carbs are helpful in getting you throughout the day.... then for dinner less carbs and more meat.
BBQ's and stir frys are your friends. And while at first you look longingly at other foods, you can adjust!
Using rice milk as your alternative for milk sources you can do heaps of recipes and nuttlex instead of butter. After doing this for 3 years now, I'm good. We are a dairy free house.
Goodluck on your journey. It is a hard one, but if you choose to go down it, it get much easier as you go, and you find yourself adjusting to the lifestyle.
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it's not easy, you have done such a good job, for it to not be working must be doing your head in.
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