milk protein allergy question

I jsut came from the pediatric gastroenterologist who thinks that DD might have a milk protein allergy based on teh fact that he found some blood in her stool-- not much, but some. He is not positive if it is in fact this allergy, though. However, i am BFing and I have to go on a very restrictive diet, which cuts out nearly all food that I eat! I am not entirely convinced that she has this, though. She is thriving, and is actually gaining more weight than she probably should be gaining, and she is fine most feedings, but 2 or 3 a day, she fusses at the breast and cries. She has some crying episodes, but they don't seem abnormal. She actually seems much better lately than she had been a few weeks ago.

My question is- Has anyone here successfully breastfed a baby who actually had a milk protein allergy? Is it possible? The doctor said that most people stop BFing and switch to formula, but I am not ready to do this yet, especially if she may not have this.

Question 2- How did your DC act before you began treating him/her form the allergy? Did he/she cry when eating, seem irritable/ uncomfortable most of the time, etc?

Thanks!

Re: milk protein allergy question

I just came back from the GI too and I feel exactly the same as you. I also had shrimp and soy milk right before he had a bloody stool ( he only had 2 total), but the GI said there's no way to know for sure what it was, so he's assuming it's dairy.

They had made me put him on Alimentum, but he said I can BF now if I cut all dairy from my diet. We have to go back in 2 weeks, and if he detects blood in his stool (there wasn't any today), then I have to stop BFing completely. I am so depressed about this, and I hope they don't make me stop.

It's sp frustrating because there's no way to get a definite answer, it's all guesswork

IMO, DS has been much more fussy & cranky on the formula than he was on my milk. He's also more gassy.

I wish I could help you more, but I'm just as clueless - I want to go for a second opinion, but I don't know who or where to go, or if there is a point.

Keep me posted if you have any new developments. GL

Re: milk protein allergy question

My DS is allergic to milk. When he was an infant he would cry and arch his back during feedings and spit up A LOT. He was diagnosed with reflux as an infant and tolerated Soy formula the best. When he was one and we transitioned him to cow's milk, he had a bad reaction and was then diagnosed with a milk allergy. He's three now and is still allergic to milk.

Eliminating milk from your diet will be hard but not impossible. Just read every label, look for foods marked Kosher Parve (although these still may have minute amounts of milk and still be Kosher parve), and watch for hidden sources of milk. Don't rely on labelling "dairy-free". There still may be milk protein in the product.

Hidden sources of milk - in lotions, shampoos, baby wipes, dental products.

FM if you need any info.