BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

Hello! This is my first official post over here. I haven't been on LIF much since having my daughter 6 weeks ago.

I exclusively breast feed and I am pretty sure my daughter has a milk protein allergy. My pediatrician dismissed it at first saying all of her symptoms were normal newborn issues, but I felt the combination was too much so she did a stool test. The first one came back questionable so we are repeating it now, but I am pretty convinced anyway (the key indicator being her poop, which is never mustard/seedy anymore -always green, slimy, runny). This tells me that eliminating dairy might make a big difference for her.

However I have a happy, thriving baby who rarely spits up, so how extreme should I take the dairy free diet? Do I just cut out the obvious to start, or even avoid products if they say "may contain milk" after the ingredients? (Nutrigrain bars, for example). I love milk and cheese so this will be tough. Any tips?

Thanks in advance.

Re: BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

I am dealing with the same thing right now. Definite blood in the poop but there could be lots of reasons for it. As of now it looks like a dairy protein allergy. I am cutting out all dairy (even hidden dairy). That way I will now if things improve I can try to add things back in starting with the hidden stuff. My ped. recommended cutting out all dairy til 12months.
HTH, and it is tough!

BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

Thanks. I am waiting to hear from the pediatrician to know for sure about the blood in the poop. I already cut out obvious dairy so. Guess cutting it all out won't be much worse. Granted, it's only day 2...

Did your little one have any other symptoms besides the blood on the poop?

Re: BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

Nope...that's why I am so confused

BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

My daughter also has watery/goofy eyes and congestion and I think both are itchy too because she will rub her face into my chest. I'm hoping that will clear up too if I do this!

Re: BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

that happened to my baby too - the stool change, and the dr said it was normal. LO doesnt seem to be in pain or anything i think their stool just changes as they get a little older

BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

That is what my doctor said but she tested anyway and it came back with a possible positive for blood in the stool so we are waiting for the new test results. However the consistency is so runny and mucousy that I know something is going on.

BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

The office says that it was negative for blood but the doctor wasn't there anymore for me to ask more questions. Ugh.

Re: BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

Congrats on having your Daughter!! Green, slimy poop is usually a dairy (and possibly soy) intolerance. It's causing inflammation in her GI tract that will eventually result in blood in her stool if the irritation continues. There are other causes of green poop (foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, virus, teething...) but the slime is a true indication of a sensitivity. Cow's milk proteins (whey and casein) are just too big and complex for many babies to break down. If you eliminate ALL dairy you should see a return to yellow stool in about 3-5 days, with a full recovery in about 2 weeks. It's best to eliminate it all now and if her stool doesn't return to normal then you know there is another culprit. Fortunately, you are finding out early, before her system starts internally bleeding. And although elimination diets are difficult, they are really the easiest way to learn the truth and they are harmless to your DD! Best of luck to you. And congrats again!!! (Oh and if it is a dairy (and soy) intolerance....no worries at all...there are tons of yummy things out there for you!!)

BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

My DS was diagnosed with a milk allergy after blood in the stool. There were ZERO signs that he had an allergy except for blood. He never cried, no immediate symptoms. I cut EVERYTHING out of my diet. My DS is only allergic to milk protein, not soy. I have been very careful. No fried food, nothing near butter. I became that pain in the butt at restaurants and I check labels like a crazy person. My DS never had a problem again. He is now 7 months and I am still EBF. I have read a lot about milk protein allergies and he will not have cows or pasteurized cheese until he is 3+. If you are going to try doing it, make sure you get a lot of support. My DH found apps for my phone (I can eat) which let you know which chains have dairy free menus. I have a list of places that have separate menus (PF changs, On the Border). Grande Luxe and Cheesecake use separate fryers for french fries...Just let me know if you want my list :) Good Luck. It gets really easy!

Re: BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

DS was diagnosed with a milk protein allergy when he was 4 months. He was an incredibly happy baby, no gas, no vomiting, etc. The only symptom was that his poops became green, runny and had a few tinges of blood. I EBF, so I cut out all dairy and saw a drastic improvement (did not need to cut out soy). When he was 9 months, I tried reintroducing dairy into my diet and have yet to see a reaction. I just started introducing dairy into his diet (directly) and there has not been any problem so far. At first it was hard but it really is all about reading labels. The only time I ever really had trouble with the diet was if I had a party to go to and there wasn't any food options for me. Good luck!

BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

It's pretty common for newborns to be congested for the first 2/3 months. I'm sure cutting out the dairy will help though, even if it's not an allergy. My DS had similar poops when I had a fore/hind milk imbalance. I started to block nurse, use one side for multiple feedings,and that helped. It doesn't hurt to look into..hope your LO feels better!

Re: BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

Months ago, I cut out obvious dairy and it made a big difference for my girls. A few weeks after that I cut out all dairy for a few more weeks and therew as not that much of a difference for them, so I put the hidden dairy back into my diet. Now at 11 months old (9 months adjusted) I can eat what ever I want.

BF moms - Milk Allergy/Dairy Free Question

Thank you all so much. Despite my chat with the doctor today who thinks everything is totally normal, I am going to do at least two weeks of no dairy and see what happens. I would rather find out for myself.

I did switch to block feeding to prevent foremilk/hindmilk imbalance a while ago as well, so I do not think that is the culprit at this point.

I have a thyroid condition so I am not sure I can have too much soy anyway, so for now it's almond milk for me.

I appreciate all of your feedback and it makes me feel less crazy for still thinking this is worth a shot. My husband thinks I'm nuts since the doctor says milk isn't the problem, but I need to see for myself!