Elimination Diet - for reflux

Hey all

I am on Day 16 of the Elimination Diet to work out what is causing bubs reflux, her wind pains as well as her eczema and I have to say - it is definitely worth doing! Its a BIG sacrifice (and hard work when your partner orders in a pizza and eats it in front of you, whilst also knocking back some lovely red wine... grrr...!!) but to see the changes in my baby are worth it. She is much smilier and happier and sleeps better and all in all is whole new little girl!

BUT... I don't really know how to test whether its Dairy or Lactose she's intolerant to, or how to test the difference between Gluten Intolerance or Yeast Intolerance. I've done many google searches, but can't find the answer!

2 days ago I introduced dairy in the form of organic unhomogenised milk and yesterday she was back to the screaming, uncomfortable baby of old. But now I don't know if its the lactose in the milk she doesnt like, or just dairy in general!?! Do I now just buy lactose-free products and eat those for a day to test that theory? And how do I work out the Gluten and Yeast Intolerance? Buy gluten-free bread to eat for a day, then later on try normal bread? Is there a more 'scientific' way than this?! There are so many articles on to remove foods on the elimination diet - but not so much on how to reintroduce them!

Also, if you have done the diet yourself, how extreme did you go on what you removed? I have taken out wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, corn plus any reflux or colicky foods (broccoli, beans, etc) and any known eczema-type foods (tomatoes, strawberries) and all meats bar turkey and lamb. (So, I'm basically not eating much at all!) I succesfully reintroduced beef, which I'm pleased about so I can get some protein back in my diet, but now am focussing on the key items (dairy, wheat etc) so I can have a more varied diet and will introduce the lesser things (cucumber, tomato, cold meats etc) later on. Is this the best way to do it?

But for those maybe thinking about doing the diet - do it! After 4 days the amount of pained screaming reduced dramatically and by Day 10 her skin had completely cleared up (she'd had rashes on her cheeks since she was 3 weeks old (she is now 4 months old - thats a long time to see bubs without clear skin... the Health Care Nurse kept saying she'd grow out of it 'next week' - but after 13 weeks I figured the HC Nurse really doesnt know what she's talking about!!))

But to just not have her screaming every night when we put her down or have her doing random pained-screaming throughout the day is wonderful. She's sleeping better, which means WE are sleeping better, and so I actually have energy to get out and about again after 6 weeks of being a hermit with her!

Cheers

My SIL was on a special diet with her son because of similar situation - skin rashes /eczema etc. not too sure about screaming.I don't remember but I know he did cry a bit.I want to say you are doing a fantastic job and send you a big hug. It is distressing to see our babies in pain and for us not to be able to help them.
Let alone sleep deprivation.
I will have to ask her Dear nephew is now 4 so it isn't too long along.She continued to breatsfeed but I know she stopped eating potatoes an dlots of other things as he showed an allergy/intolerance to it.
I hope you have continued success and your baby settles.

ah Nay Nay I hear ya... I have been on a dairy free diet for 6 weeks now to help with Jovie's reflux issues. I have some fantastic information about it. Basically I know my older daughter has issues with milk (whole milk - not cooked) so generally that could mean an issue with a protein in the milk.

So in December I went off all milk products but used A2 milk which has altered the protein which can cause problems. That didn't help, so on the 30th December I went off all dairy products. I have trialled goats milk cheese & that went fine, then I trialled some soy milk & she reacted severely to that. I am also battling with breast refusal, so she will go off the bb's for a day or two and sometimes I can't express enough milk, so I use probably around 4 bottles of goats milk formula a week as well & she seems fine with that.

I have seen a lactation consultant who has done some research on cows milk. Its very confusing with the lactose intolerance and cows milk intolerance. Basically its a process of elimination if you want to go through that. I don't so I just shy away from all cows milk products.

Have a google for a site called milksucks and you should find some information (although obviously biased against cows milk...). There is alot of information out there, if you want some more info contact me christy7@bellybelly.com.au

Hi!
Just wanted to offer support as DS and I are also doing the Elimination Diet to see if it helps his VERY frequent night waking. We started the diet Monday morning and we are living on lamb, turkey, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini, rice, and pears! I haven't seen a marked difference in DS sleep yet (though tonight is looking promising so far) but I feel fantastic so perhaps there is something I have been eating that I shouldn't be! Lots of people think I'm crazy for trying this (most are pro controlled crying as a way to fix night waking particularly in older babies) but at least it will be one more thing to rule out if it doesn't work. Good luck with the reintroductions - I don't think I'll be to that point for at least another week or possibly 2!!

Can someone please tell me where I can learn more about this Elimination Diet as my DS has reflux too and I'm sure it's dairy related. Ta.