sudden weaning

[jobo713]

My 5 month-old-son has been exclusively bf from birth. For the past 4 months, he has had diarrhea, and we have been to lots of doctors for help. They all say it's a food allergy, and I have been eliminating anything I thought it could possibly be. He is now developing eczema, so I have finally decided to try hypoallergenic formula. I would like your opinions on how to make the switch. This week we are doing a trial with formula to see if it clears up the diarrhea (it did immediately), while I am trying one last elimination diet and pumping. I am going to reintroduce bm in 5 days and see if it works, but I am not very hopeful. I need to have a game plan if necessary. Do I switch him back to formula immediately? How do I deal with the inevitable engorgement? Any advice on how to deal with this emotionally? We gave formula a try for 3 days before and I was an emotional wreck!

[KerryS]

What foods have you eliminated?

[jobo713]

dairy, soy, corn, wheat, egg, peanuts for 6 weeks. I just started eliminating oatmeal, rice, and all nuts (was eating almonds, walnuts, macadamia, and pecans) in addition to the others.

[Korena_O]

I'm curious how did you know it was diarrhea as all babies bowel movements are suppose to be liquidy untill they're eating solids.

[whitnessforhim]

dairy, soy, corn, wheat, egg, peanuts for 6 weeks. I just started eliminating oatmeal, rice, and all nuts (was eating almonds, walnuts, macadamia, and pecans) in addition to the others.

Are you saying you eliminated all of this while still nursing and you didn't see any different result in your baby? I'm thinking there is something else at play here but I'm not sure what. I hope others chime in to give their feed back.

[jobo713]

I'm curious how did you know it was diarrhea as all babies bowel movements are suppose to be liquidy untill they're eating solids.

He always has mucus in his stool. It looks like someone sneezed into his diaper. Also, his stool always tests positive for blood in the doc office, but it has never been enough to see.

[jobo713]

Are you saying you eliminated all of this while still nursing and you didn't see any different result in your baby? I'm thinking there is something else at play here but I'm not sure what. I hope others chime in to give their feed back.


Yes, I eliminated all of those things while nursing him with no change in his stools. I haven't had dairy in 3 months, but they still seem to think that's what it is. I don't see how that's possible.

[Jacksmommy]

Dairy may be the most common allergy. I assume you watch for and have eliminated even all hidden dairy?

[jobo713]

Yes, I haven't eaten processed foods in 8 weeks- only fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, oatmeal, rice, and nuts. And I am now not eating rice, oatmeal, or nuts.

[whitnessforhim]

Yes, dairy is hidden in a lot of things. I have a dairy allergy and it amazes me how many items contain dairy. Its not just the obvious things. Even the slightest amount of dairy could effect your baby.

[whitnessforhim]

And the only improvement you saw in your son is when he was on the hypoallergenic formula?

[Jacksmommy]

My nephew has many food allergies. My sister took him to a nutritionist where they did a blood draw (finger stick) and then gave her a list of foods he reacted to from mild to severe. I wonder if this could be done with a baby.

[jobo713]

It is unbelievable the products that contain dairy, but like I said, I'm not eating anything that has an ingredient list- only pure foods.

[jobo713]

And the only improvement you saw in your son is when he was on the hypoallergenic formula?


Yes, that's the only time it has improved. He has been on Nutramigen for 5 days now, and there is only a small amount of mucus in his stool. I just can't imagine what it could be unless it's oatmeal or nuts. Even that is unlikely since I did a total elimination diet (turkey, lamb, potatoes, rice, squash, pears, millet, olive oil, salt, pepper) for 10 days and didn't see any improvement.

[jobo713]

My nephew has many food allergies. My sister took him to a nutritionist where they did a blood draw (finger stick) and then gave her a list of foods he reacted to from mild to severe. I wonder if this could be done with a baby.

I asked our allergist and GI doc about testing to see what he is reacting to, and they said it can't be done. I'm not sure why. I wish that they could because I really don't want to put him on formula.

[whitnessforhim]

I asked our allergist and GI doc about testing to see what he is reacting to, and they said it can't be done. I'm not sure why. I wish that they could because I really don't want to put him on formula.


Surely if its been done it can be done. Do you think maybe they are refering to the fact that he's to young for it to be done? Maybe their just being jerks about. Is it possible to find another Dr. who might be more helpful? They don't seem all that helpful if you ask me.

I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time with this.

[jobo713]

I don't know why they wouldn't test him. I have been to my ped, an allergist, and two different ped GI docs. The latest GI doc encouraged me to continue to breastfeed when diarrhea was the only symptom (he's gaining well and happy), but when the eczema started, she recommended that I put him on formula.

[Jacksmommy]

I don't know why they wouldn't test him. I have been to my ped, an allergist, and two different ped GI docs. The latest GI doc encouraged me to continue to breastfeed when diarrhea was the only symptom (he's gaining well and happy), but when the eczema started, she recommended that I put him on formula.


But have you been to a Nutritionist? Until my sister took my nephew to see a nutritionist, his food allergies went pretty much dismissed and undiagnosed. I really recommend you try see one if it's at all possible. It's a whole different area of expertise.

[Prettyskittle82]

Yes, I eliminated all of those things while nursing him with no change in his stools. I haven't had dairy in 3 months, but they still seem to think that's what it is. I don't see how that's possible.

I would want a 2nd opinion. Both my children had a reaction when I drank milk, but never blood in the stool. I don't understand that.

Both my kids had watery poop.

[Prettyskittle82]

They are so quick to associate it with breastfeeding. What if you switch him to formula and it doesn't change? Good luck either way. I hope you figure it out.

[jobo713]

His poop is normal on formula. I tried to reintroduce breastmilk yesterday, and it's mucousy again. I guess we're going to wean. I still don't understand what it could be- I have eliminated dairy, soy, corn, wheat, nuts, eggs, oatmeal, rice, and fish. So frustrated and disappointed...

Thanks for your help.

[Jacksmommy]

I'm sorry. I can only imagine how disappointing that is.

[BrandiJR]

My daughter would have projectile vomiting if I drank milk or ate anything with onion or onion powder! And she also had runny poop...but never with blood. Although her stool was never tested for blood either. Now (she is 9 months) I am able to drink milk, but I only drink about 4-8 ounces a day.

I wanted to give you hugs because I could not imagine how hard this is for you! I know how emotionally attached I am to bfing my baby and I am actually dreading the weaning stage. I hope that something can be done to try and help continue the breastfeeding experience for both of you!