Search Results for 'breast feeding'

[Anonymous]

Hi Anne,

If you do have frozen breast milk, or you do continue to pump and wean, you can look into donating. When my supply dwindled with Dylan, I didn’t realized there were milk banks I could get breast milk from. When my supply dwindled with Carter, I looked into it.

It is very expensive to purchase, but insurance will cover it if you have a preemie enough child that you can argue will benefit from breastmilk rather than formula. I’d bet there would be an argument for these reflux babies as well.

Anyway, I heard about milk banks because a few years back in a hospital in CT a mother died and her 23 week preemie survived the delivery. The father said he wanted them to find breastmilk for the baby, and nobody was going to argue with him after what he had been through. His daughter did fine and left the NICU, but I am sure the breastmilk helped her tons!

Anyway, just thought I would share the story and the avenue if there are you moms who have the frozen BM or have to pump to wean.

Ann Marie

[Anonymous]

Hi Julia

First I have to say if you don’t want to stop breastfeeding don’t. My dd still can’t handle dairy so I understand your frustration. I have never had a blood test on her but I do understand they can be unreliable under the age of 2 and are not meant to pick up intolerances, well for that sake not much can prove intolerances. How is she feeling?? Is she in any pain?? When you say that she barely tolerates the food you eat, what do you mean? How does she react?

Is she losing weight?? Or just not gaining very fast??

Have you had any other tests done on her??

[Anonymous]

My dd is 14 months old now and at the 10 percentile for her height and weight.She weighs 19.11 lbs, and is 28 3/4 inches. She hardly eats(hates baby food) and barely tolerates the food I eat, and only really wants breast milk. The NP wants me to wean her and give her cow’s milk, and all the foods I have eliminated from our diet. She even wanted her to take pediasure. Meanwhile last time she saw the dr. he said her weight was fine and he was pleased I was still breastfeeding, and said it was normal for Aiyana to wake 3-4 times a night for it. The NP was horrified at this and said she no longer benefits from my milk so to stop b/fing. (I know le leche league would disagree)

Originally, the GI said she had a milk allergy so I am relunctant to try all these things in fear of her reflux acting up. So, to ease my mind the NP had Aiyana take a blood allergy test and they tested her for all gluten, egg, soy, milk, peanuts and child allergy list and other things. It all came back negative!! But, can this be trusted? Can I really stop the elimination diet now??? I feel so torn, I just really want to cry. I don’t want to put my baby in jeopardary. But, she needs to eat, and I have the feeling she would eat “regular” food, you know pizza, eggs, pancakes, breads, etc etc.

I am just scared, confused, and need input. I accept any and all comments, so even if you don’t know what to say still post something. PLease,I am desperate. Thanking you all in advance.

MommyofTwo2006-8-24 14:0:15

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys. After all we’ve been through, I’m such a sissy for being afraid of the rock hard painful breasts….but I really am!!! I think my chronic plugged milk ducts have scarred me for life. For the longest time I just thought I would keep nursing as long as possible just to avoid having to run into another plugged duct!! My husband has suggested that I might make a lot of $$$ as a wet nurse with hypoallergenic milk…..haha

Christine I can’t believe you pumped that long….way to go for you!!! It took Lucas 10 weeks and a lot of weight loss to “learn” to latch on, and only with the help of an expert lactation consultant was I not also pumping for a year as well.

Thanks Laura, I forgot about Kellymom, and I’ve got it bookmarked, duh! Also, crazy about being a superproducer and the plugged ducts. They were the worst thing in the world nad only removing dairy from my diet got them to go away. It was actually that move that clued me into Lucas doing better without dairy and soy….everything happens for a reason, right?

[Anonymous]

I was producing 50 ounces of milk a day when I decided to quit pumping. (Myles didn’t nurse, so I pumped and fed). It was hard and it hurt for a little while, but compared to labor and delivery it was a breeze. I did it gradually; pumped when I was really uncomfortable, but only enough to relieve the pain. Took hot showers when I could to relieve the pain. Motrin helped alot.

Weird, but if you increase your sodium it may help to decrease your milk supply. I had to avoid things like Saltines and other salty foods while nursing (well, pumping) because my supply dropped. So, when I was ready to quit I ate all the salty foods I missed.

Good luck and great job nursing him so long. He’s a lucky little boy!!! I wish I could have given my kids breast milk that long.

[hellbennt]

Here are links to breastfeeding clothes. I find I just buy a shirt here & there… but I have read about the sites I list over at http://www.thebabywearer.com &, if I had more money that I was willing to spend on nursing clothes, I would!

First of all, let me RAVE about Mimi Maternity nursing bras! I used them for 15months with Jonah (and STILL have those 2 in ‘rotation’ with Ari!). I bought 2 w/ Jonah & went & bought 2 more this time. I get the non-underwire type (don’t want to invite mastitis!) and they are so so so comfy! I also buy the Medela brand sleep bra- the one from Jonah is all stretched out (hey it lasted a long time!) but it just ‘died’ now, so I was able to use it until I got to the mall…and, I bought another one this time ’round…

Currently, I have a few tops and I’m also not as modest anymore, so I just use a regular shirt & cover up my big ‘ole post-partum belly with a blanket as the top of my breast is covered by the shirt, LOL!I’ve only bought from here:

http://www.babystyle.com – look under ‘maternity’ and from there there’s ‘nursing wear’ and also ‘transition wear’ – there’s also the ‘Outlet’- doesn’t look like there’s much at the moment, but I recently bought 2 shirts on super duper sale- there was much more of a selection, so keep checking back!)

and I’ve bought from: http://www.motherwear.com & http://www.motherhood.com when I had jonah & still use the shirts this time around…

I also bought a ‘Corsierre’ from a co-op (group buy) that I hope to fit in soon (I’m almost there, lol!) they also seem to run small (according to their own size calculator)- I’m almost almost in a Large and my bra is currently a 36/38 D (if I went by them, they’d tell me to get a medium, um…no way!)…

you can buy a Corsierre here:

http://www.milkface.com/specials.asp this is in canada, so convert the money,lol! People RAVE RAVE about the ‘boob’ brand tops but I just can’t spend the money, even w/ them on sale…however, the quality is supposed to be first rate!

If anyone sews (I sure do not!), here’s a pattern for making your own ‘boob’ brand shirt: http://www.sewing.2ya.com/ (link is in the upper, top left-hand corner) Anyone wanna try this? make me one LOL?

http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/breastfeedingclothes.html this is in sigapore and they tend to run small…a nice mom on TBW actually sent me one! it’s a large and a bit snug- I’m hoping to fit in it soon– I hear that shipping is reasonable, too, even from there!

[Anonymous]

I’m happy to say the worst part was the car trip there. He was cranky b/c he got waked up to leave and b/c he hadn’t eaten of course. Fed him 4 hrs before his appt. Had to leave at 6:30 a.m. to get through downtown traffic. Fortunately once we got signed in they took him early b/c of his age.

He did fine – fell asleep during the ultrasound and didn’t cry during the barium swallow. It was like his swaddle blanket so he’s used to it. He was busy checking out the lights and machines, too, I think. I had him a pumped breast milk bottle ready to go right afterward. Staff was very nice – even brought me hot water to warm it. If he didn’t take it, I was prepared to just nurse him outright. That’s one good thing about breast feeding – you just take the food with you and it’s already the correct temp.

I should get results today, Ped’s office just called, so will let you know what I find out.

[Anonymous]

For those of you who bfed into toddlerhood….

We are “proactively weaning” meaning, we are having daddy put Lucas to bed on the nights he doesn’t work (his schedule has his home at 11 pm several nights a week) and I am trying to sometimes put him to sleep without nursing….We’re doing this because I was happy to nurse for two years, even with the strict diet, but I’m getting to my limit. Unfortunately for me, the “don’t offer, don’t refuse” won’t work unless I want to nurse him a lot longer, which I don’t really want to do. Plus, I just want to eat tomatoes and bread again….

So, putting him down without nursing is a real horrible challenge since he has all these associations with nursing– not just the “normal baby” ones, but all the reflux– nursing fixed my pain– associations. Anyway, I had horrible nursing issues with plugged ducts, and I’m scared of what will happen as we nurse less and less. I’m still nursing some days once (in the night if I’m too tired to deal with a struggle and he’s waking a lot).

I know i’m close to the end, with only once a day, but I’m very afraid to go cold turkey, and don’t really want to. The kicker is that he seems to be sleeping better without nursing….this is such a strange discovery and could possibly be just the lull between teething, but I’m not sure. If I thought I could sleep MORE and he would sleep MORE if I never nursed again, I would be so tempted, but I’m not sure what to expect for myself and breast pain, etc. Help! This is yet another of the mothering mysteries that nearly no one talks about so I have no clue!!! All I know is that you can use cabbage for pain and that it’s supposed to decrease your milk supply. I used it regularly when he was an infant and it never decreased my milk supply!

Any thoughts?

[hellbennt]

slippery elm? there are those over on the yahoobreastfeedingreflux board who use it for their children at night- I got this link from there- it even has pediatric dosing…sounds intersting- i never tried it:

Slippery elm article: http://www.ajc.com/health/altmed/shared/health/alt_medicine/ ConsHerbs/SlipperyElmch.html

hellbennt2006-8-22 16:50:15

[hellbennt]

is he formula fed or breast fed? I’ve heard of moms contacting the TECH person at the hospital (don’t know how you’d do this…but it is do-able) who will be preforming the test and ask her/him directly just exactly how long you have to with hold food from your baby…I ask about breast fed bcse breast milk digests faster & I’ve read that some mamas are told they don’t have to with hold a feeding as long as they were told they have to…worth looking into…

[hellbennt]

		Back		Colic Management Tips & Treatments
		Management Tips Rule out other causes of crying, change the babies nappy, feed if hungry etc. Offer the breast or a dummy as sucking can relax and distract the baby. For breast fed babies, posture feed so that the baby has to suck milk up, by e.g.feeding with the baby lying on your tummy. This will help slow down the milk flow, and is especially effective with the morning feed. For bottle fed babies, try using a smaller holed / anti colic teat or narrow neck bottle, to slow down the milk flow. Burp your baby after a feed. Give your baby a cuddle, or try a sling or baby carrier. Try calming your baby with movement, such as rocking, driving, walking with your baby in a pram or even an electric powered swing. ( Some councils hire out these swings for babies) Music, relaxation tapes, womb sounds for newborn babies, may all help relax your baby. Experiment and see. Rhythmical or continuous noise such as the washing machine, dryer or vacuum cleaner is also soothing. A deep warm relaxation bath, or gentle massage may work. A warm towel wrapped around the baby’s stomach, or wheat bag placed on their stomach, can relax them. Let your baby lie on your stomach, the warmth of your body combined with your heart beat and rhythm of your breathing, will all help to relax and comfort your baby. Wrap your baby snugly in their cot blanket or bunny rug with their arms and legs inside the rug. Some babies like to have a hand free for sucking. Try laying your baby in different positions, the colicky baby is often happiest when held in a position which puts some gentle pressure on the stomach, such as tummy down over an arm or knee. When sleeping try laying your baby on her left-hand side. Some mothers found their babies slept best in this position, although it must only be attempted whilst using sleep safe device available from department stores or the Royal Children’s Hospital Safety Centre. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent your child from rolling over. Remove or add clothing if hot or cold, to make sure the baby is comfortable. Move your babies legs in a bicycling action, as this may help expel bowel gas. Let your baby sit in the crook of your arm with his knees drawn up and body flexed forward. It may be of some benefit to stay at a mothercraft hospital. Refer to helpful addresses. These units have had some success in managing colicky babies, through establishing routines in feeding, sleeping and playing times. Refer to attached listing. Treatments Some medical practioners may prescribe drug therapy in an effort to treat colic and these generally consist of three types: Wind medication – Containing a chemical that causes the small bubbles of gas in the infants stomach to join together into one large bubble which can be easily expelled. Eg: Simethicone (InfaCol ‘Wind Drops’). Anti spasmodics -The digestive system contains glands that secrete mucus, which aids the wave like contractions of the digestive system(perstalsis) in propelling food along the digestive tract. This range of colic medication has a drying effect on the glands of the digestive system, causing the peristalsis of the digestive tract to slow down.Eg: Atropine (Donalix colic mixture). Sedatives – This has a sedating effect on the infant. Eg: Phenobarbitone. Usually taken in a liquid form, Phenobarbitone is actually an oral barbiturate designed as a treatment for epileptics. It works by partially blocking the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain, thus controlling epileptic fits. One of the side effects of the drug is that it acts as a sedative, which is the main reason it is prescribed today in the treatment of a distressed child, in an effort to calm the infant down. Please note that The Royal Children’s Hospital no longer supports the use of Phenobarbitone as a treatment for colic. Refer to our article on Phenobarbitone for further information. Top of page Back Home

[hellbennt]

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		Home Management Tips & Treatments
				THE COLICKY BABY
		The first thing we need to say about colic is that there is no general agreement among the medical profession about how it is defined. Colic is a term that is often given to a healthy infant under three months of age, who is distressed. A colic infant isn’t easily consoled and cries excessively, which often varies with good and bad days. Some colic infants cry all through the day, while others only cry in the afternoon, however the typical pattern of a colicky infant is one who cries increasingly throughout the day, but mostly in the early evening or late afternoon. It is a condition that varies in its severity, with some babies settling on being held, while others are inconsolable, (this occurs in about 20% of cases) Infant colic is sometimes described as consisting of a colic attack, which usually happens once or twice a day, and lasts for one to two hours. Colic is not associated with illness or hunger, and is not relieved by feeding. Colic should also not be confused with wind. “Wind” usually meaning the bubble of air brought up during, or soon after a feed. With wind, the baby can be calmed by gentle burping and soothing. A colic infant may also often settle after burping or passing wind, but burping does not prevent colic. Failure to burp a baby does not cause colic. Colic is a painful condition that usually peaks at around six weeks and stops around three months of age, although it can persist for up to five months. It includes a variety of symptoms ranging from the pulling up of legs, clenching of fists, tensing of abdomen, bloating, cramps, passing flatus, frequent loose bowel actions and crying. Although the medical profession does not know what really causes colic, some believe it is due to an immaturity of the digestive system that develops as the baby grows. Based on this belief, some experts in colic have developed the following theories: Intestinal spasm caused by wind getting trapped in the baby’s intestines. Minute bubbles of air are swallowed during the feed, which cause pain and spasm further down the digestive tract in the intestines. Internal spasm caused by an immaturity of the digestive tract. Peristalsis or muscle contractions occur all along the the digestive tract. The contractions are repeated in waves to propal the food through our digestive system. It is thought that because the nerves of the intestine are not fully developed, the contractions become uncoordinated and spasmodic. Refer to related article on motility immaturity. Lactose intolerance due to the baby having a deficiency of intestinal lactase to break down the amount of lactose in the feed, resulting in undigested lactose building up in the baby’s intestines. Refer to our article on food intolerance and allergies, for further information. Cows milk protein intolerance thought to be due to a hypersensitivity to cow’s milk protein. Recent research is indicating that this may account for a high proportion of colicky infants. Research has shown that these babies are reacting to the cow’s milk protein in their mother’s diet or in formula feeds. When the breastfeeding mothers removed all forms of dairy foods from their diets, or went to a dairy-free prescription formula such as Neocate, these babies’s colic ceased. Around 50% of these babies have been found to be sensitive to soy protein as well.Refer to our section on food intolerance and allergies for further information. Colic is a symptom of cow’s milk protein intolerance. Stress. For many years colic has been blamed on anxious, inexperienced parenting. There is absolutely nothing to support this theory! Baby’s temperament. An active, awake, busy and tense baby is more likely, according to research, to have colic. Caffeine. Many mothers have said eating certain foods seem to make their baby’s colicky; some babies are especially sensitive to caffeine. Try to eliminate any foods that you think are making your baby upset for a few days to see if there is an improvement. Potential problem foods include wheat, eggs, fish, peanuts, other nuts, chocolate, alcohol, citrus fruit, spices, cola and carbonated drinks in general. Gastro-oesophageal reflux. This is when the baby regurgitates the stomach acidic gastric contents back into the mouth or oesophageaous. Refer to our article on reflux for further information. Spinal functional disturbance. Incorrect positioning of the spine, can interfere with the vagus nerve, which is involved with the workings of the digestive system. This is called a spinal functional disturbance, and can be rectified through a visit to a chiropractor who will apply slight pressure to correct the spines alighnment. Refer to our article on chiropractive treatments for more information. IMPORTANT: Please see your doctor if you think your child has colic to rule out any other causes of the crying. Changing formulas is not a cure for colic, often only having a very temporary effect, and should only be done under the care of a medical practitioner. Breast milk remains to be the safest, least irritant and most nutritious diet for sensitive babies. Stopping breastfeeding is not a cure for colic and should only be done under the advice of a paediatric gastroenterologist. A paediatric gastroenterologist specialises in colic and may also be of assistance in better managing this condition. Top of page Management tips & Treatments Home

[hellbennt]

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Food Intolerant & Allergic Baby

FOOD ALLERGY A food allergy is an immunological reaction to one or more proteins. Egg, Cow’s milk and peanuts are the three most common food allergens. The offending proteins enter the bloodstream, and the immature immune system treats it like a foreign object or antigen (i.e. virus), and reacts to it forming an IgE antibody. This antibody then joins with histamine in the body resulting in an allergic reaction, which can include a range of symptoms from rashes and swelling through to difficulty in breathing. Most food allergies begin in infancy. With food allergic children usually having a history of eczema or food intolerant symptoms including reflux and colic. Allergic reactions to food are usually quite immediate although can be delayed, with blood and skin tests also being used to identify problem foods. However intolerances can also show up as allergies in infancy skin tests, so are used in young children as a guide only. FOOD INTOLERANCE Food intolerance is the term used for non-immune reactions to food; however they do involve the immune system. The offending food (generally protein) enters the bloodstream, and the immature immune system treats it like a foreign object or antigen (i.e. virus), and reacts to it forming a non IgE antibody. This antibody then can cause a host of digestive system symptoms ranging from occasional intestinal spasms and wind, colic like symptoms, through to gastro esophageal reflux or eczema. The effects of food intolerance can be dose related, and may build up over days from eating a range of foods containing the same problem substance. Therefore the symptoms displayed can vary in severity from hour to hour, day to day even week to week. Due to the large variance between cases with each child differing from the next, we are only just beginning to get an understanding of this condition and how it relates to infant distress. Research is indicating that food intolerance, more specifically protein intolerance, plays a major role in infant distress. Please note that we at DISA have yet to find a child that exhibits all of the symptoms below. In the infants we at DISA have come into contact with, generally only on or two symptoms where displayed. Generally the infant presents as simply fussy, colicky or symptomatic of reflux. Symptoms of food intolerance may include: Aggravation of reflux Wind Reflux Vomiting Colic Discomfort Irritability Obstructive nasal symptoms / blocked nose Loose stools, mucus in stools Constipation, or struggling to pass bowel motions. Disturbance of sleep due to discomfort Distress Rashes The research we have found states that the onset of symptoms after eating a problem food can vary from almost immediate to delayed (up to 24 – 48 hours). However we at DISA have found that some of these infants show symptoms in relation to having distressed or fussy episodes within a day or two of birth, others slowly worsen in the weeks following the birth, and others are fine even up to ten to twelve weeks before the food intolerance symptoms or distress presents, thus adding to the confusion surrounding this condition. Basically if in doubt, rule it out. Food intolerances are both easy and hard to rule out. As food intolerance isn’t an IgE immunological reaction to food, although it is an immunological reaction, blood and skin tests are not helpful, as they don’t always show up on these tests. So what do you do? Basically there are two methods which regardless of whether the infant is breast or bottle fed, revolves around removing the protein from the diet, then reintroducing the protein. Some parents chose not to do the second part of this process once they’ve seen their child improve to the change in diet; this of course is up to you. The elimination diet involves removing most problem proteins such as milk and soy protein from the diet, in either yourself if you are breastfeeding or simply doing a trial of a hydrolyzed formula. There are many hydrolyzed formulas available and generally parents find they are put on soy then a partially hydrolyzed formula, and if they don’t work then the infant are placed on Neocate formula. Please note that DISA has come across many infants that did not respond until they got to Neocate. Failure to respond to soy or hydrolyzed formula or the elimination diet does not rule out his condition. Only a Neocate trial can be used to rule out food intolerance completely. At DISA we have found that a 3 month old food intolerant infant generally takes two to three weeks to respond to a Neocate trial, a 6 month old infant four weeks and a twelve month old four to six weeks. This is longer if the child is ill or teething within this time. In Australia Neocate is available from any G.P. who are authorized to give three month trials, however then in Australia you are required to see a Paediatric allergenist/gastroenterologist, for ongoing authority scripts, which brings the price down to around $20 per 8cans. Some researchers are now theorizing that untreated food (protein) intolerance may sensitize the immune system, making the infants more prone to allergies. This is because the incidence of allergies later in life appears to be higher in children who had symptoms of protein intolerance as infants. This is still only a theory and there has been no research done yet into this area that we are aware of. Please note that infants with food intolerance will have their symptoms such as reflux return when they are sick, immunized or teething, this is suspected to be due to their involvement with the immune system. MILK INTOLERANCE Milk intolerance is a different problem from cow’s milk allergy. It may be an isolated problem or part of a broader range of food intolerances. This is an intolerance to the protein in dairy foods, and gets worse as the amount of cow’s milk in the diet is increased. An intolerance is the term used for non-immune reactions to food, and initial research indicated that milk protein intolerance fell into this category. It was suggested that the infant was born without enough enzymes to break down all the protein in the feed, resulting in undigested protein building up in the large intestine creating gas and gastrointestinal symptoms. However this didn’t explain why it was worse when these babies had a virus, were teething or had just been immunised, or why some parents reported rashes that coincided with the gastrointestinal symptoms. It is now believed by specialists working in this area that milk protein intolerance is more complex, and does involve the immune system, and that protein intolerance occurs when the infant is born with an immature immune system that is unable to distinguish what should and shouldn’t be in the blood. In Infants with protein intolerance it is now theorized that two things are happening The first is that the infant because of an immature digestive system does not have enough enzymes to break down all the protein in the feed, allowing undigested protein to enter – the large intestine creating gas – the bloodstream The second is that when the undigested protein enters the bloodstream, the immature immune system treats it like a foreign object or antigen (i.e. virus), and reacts to it forming an non IgE antibody. This antibody then causes an array of reactions in the body ranging from reflux and intestinal spasming, through to rashes and irritable behaviour. Pliease note, the antibodies formed in intolerances are different to the IgE antibodies formed in allergies. This is why intolerances are referred to as non-IgE mediated allergy. This would explain why the symptoms reappear when the immune system is compromised and why many parents of known milk protein intolerant children say there is unsettled behaviour associated with the gastrointestinal symptoms as well as coinciding rashes. As a number of milk protein intolerant infants in the past responded to a soy formula, it was wrongly confused with lactose intolerance for some time. As many milk protein intolerant infants will be sensitive to soy protein as well, a soy formula cannot be used for this condition. The two conditions are not related. Lactose intolerance is an inability to break down large amounts of lactose, a sugar in milk, resulting in undigested lactase building up in the large intestine creating gas, whilst milk protein intolerance is a reaction to protein as a result of an immature immune system. The resulting symptoms are similar, causing confusion even for medical professionals. Milk protein intolerance we now know is the more common type of food intolerance in infants. Occurring both in breastfed and bottle fed babies as protein is passed through breast milk, research is indicating that at least 8% of all infants born will present with this condition. Some specialists believe this figure is understated. This is an immaturity that the infant will grow out of eventually, although it is thought now that if it is left unaddressed, and the infant continues to have the offending protein, they may become sensitised to the protein increasing the risk of allergies. Symptoms S ymptoms of milk intolerance in babies may include one or more of the following: Aggravation of reflux Wind Reflux Vomiting Colic Discomfort Irritability Obstructive nasal symptoms / blocked nose Loose stools, mucus in stools Constipation Disturbance of sleep due to discomfort Distress Rashes, recurrent hives Leg cramps Apparent difficulty w3ith passing bowel motions Diagnosis Infants presenting with this condition may exhibit one or more of the above symptoms, with the range of symptoms differing among different infants For example, one may be distressed with infrequent bouts of diarrhoea and constipation, while another infant may simply be distressed. This makes it a difficult condition for medical practitioners to diagnose. A diagnosis is hence made by removing all milk and other diary products from either the infant’s or, if breastfeeding, the mother’s diet. As 50% of these infants are also intolerant to soy protein, soymilk or soy formulas are to be eliminated as well. Goat’s milk formulas are not a viable alternative. Often babies are put on a formula such as Peptic Junior which has the protein component already broken down into its subunits. However as this is based on cow’s milk this only works in some instances (around 15% of cases). Milk protein intolerance is most successfully treated by the introduction of Neocate, which is a totally non-allergenic extensively hydrolyzed formula that is completely broken down into amino acids and is not based on cow’s milk. It is the only available formula that can be used to identify and treat milk protein intolerance. Although your GP can prescribe it, you will need to see a specialist paediatrician (paediatric gastroenterologist/allerginist) for repeats. In breastfed infants the lactating mother is required to eliminate all diary and soy products from her diet for at least two weeks. To compensate for the loss of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, she should eat an additional meal, as well as take a calcium supplement of at least 1200gms each day. It is also recommended that she try this diet only under medical supervision so as to monitor her nutritional needs. Most parents report an improvement within a couple of days, yet it may take up to four weeks before any change is noted, longer if the infant is teething, immunized or has a virus. Generally the older the infant, the longer the response time. Reflux and Milk Protein Intolerance We’ve known for some time that a baby with reflux is likely to be milk protein intolerant as well. What we’ve learned since then is that in some infants the reflux is a symptom of the milk protein intolerance, that the intolerance is causing the reflux and that once the milk protein intolerance is treated the reflux improves. This has important ramifications in the treatment of reflux, as the only sign exhibited by some infants that they have milk protein intolerance caused reflux, is that they have reflux. So we are now seeing specialists in the field treating diagnosed reflux with dietary changes as a first step in the treatment of reflux. Some parents become confused when their baby, on medication for reflux, find on going to a specialist that they are advised to stop all medications and instructed to avoid diary and soy foods if breastfeeding, or switch to Neocate if bottle feeding. They become more confused as Neocate is a watery solution that is refluxed more easily, so can appear to make the reflux worse! However, as we are learning more about milk protein intolerance this is becoming a necessary step in the treatment of reflux. MULTIPLE PROTEIN INTOLERANCE Please note that it is now being theorized that if you are protein intolerant and it is not addressed, this may compromise your immune system so that it becomes more sensitive, and more likely to form an allergy later in life to the offending protein. A small percentage of babies have been found to be multiple protein intolerant, which simply means they are sensitive to more than one protein. These may include eggs, fish, peanut, soy, meat or gluten, however all foods are a potential problem. All foods contain protein, with each type of food having different proteins, so apple has different proteins to pear, etc. Some foods have higher levels of protein than others, with meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, cheese and other foods from animals, generally having high amounts of protein, whilst plant foods usually have small amounts of protein in comparison. Animal proteins generally are referred to as complete proteins because they contain all the essential amino acids that are needed by our bodies. Plant food proteins do not contain all the necessary amino acids, so are referred to as incomplete proteins except for Soya beans protein which is a complete protein Proteins are made up of amino acids, with there being about twenty two amino acids that occur naturally in foods. It is the number of, types of and different combinations of amino acids that determine the type of protein it is, whether it is milk or a carrot protein. Now some of these amino acids are made by our bodies and others we gain from food. Our bodies need protein to function. When we ingest protein, enzymes break the protein down, allowing the amino acids to be absorbed into our bloodstream; we then use these amino acids to form and grow body tissue, produce antibodies, enzymes, and hormones as well as store oxygen, assist in blood clotting and provide energy. So protein is essential to life Multiple Protein Intolerant Infants are identified and treated in much the same way as milk protein intolerant infants, although obviously this has ramifications for a breastfeeding mother. As breast milk helps develop both the digestive and immune system, and is the most nutritious form of food available for an infant, treatment is dependant on a number of factors and is tailored to each individual situation. Neocate on the other hand is already broken down into amino acids, so when it is absorbed into the bloodstream, the immune system is unable to react to it. LACTOSE INTOLERANCE Lactose intolerance exists when there is difficulty in digesting lactose. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase in the baby’s intestines. This enzyme breaks down the amount of lactose in the feed, so the result is that undigested lactose builds up in the intestines, causing pain. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include: – Abdominal discomfort – Bloating and excessive wind – Diarrhea People with lactose intolerance can usually still digest some lactose without adverse reactions. However more severe symptoms may develop in infants for whom milk is the staple food. Lactose intolerance may also occur temporarily after gastroenteritis in infants and children. It is important to understand the lactose content of various foods. Milk, ice cream and yogurt have significant amounts, but other dairy products have significantly less. Yogurt is less likely to cause symptoms because the enzymes present may break down some of the lactose. Diagnostic tests are possible if confirmation of lactose intolerance is required, although they are usually reserved for severe cases. Please note that the faeces test only indicates intolerance and does not confirm lactose intolerance. (If an infant is intolerant, the intolerance generally results in spasms of the small and large intestine, resulting in the lactose not being digested properly resulting in undigested lactose in the faeces) Milk Protein Intolerance and Food Chemical Intolerance Food chemical intolerance is thought to occur when the infant’s body reacts to chemicals, – Salicylates – Amines – Glutamate – Food Additives (colors & preservatives) In the bloodstream, causing a similar range of symptoms to intolerances. However it is generally, but not always classified by behavior, ranging from sullen, withdrawn behavior through to irritable, hyperactive, angry behavior such as is found with ADD. Food chemical diets are achieving a lot of success and awareness in children who are having behavioral issues or alternatively not doing well at school. However it can in infants present as colicky behavior. It is theorized that in food chemical intolerance the following is happening. Firstly, the food chemicals such as amines, salicylates, glutamate or food additives are absorbed into the bloodstream, where they begin to rise slowly over time. When they reach a certain level in the blood stream, a threshold, the chemicals stimulate or aggravate the nerve endings of the body resulting in a host of symptoms. Salicylates Amines and Glutamate are naturally occurring chemicals that are found in foods, in plants they act as a natural pesticide or deterrent to pests. They also act as a natural preservative in plants. Generally the tastier the food the higher the level of chemicals, and they tend to be concentrated near the surface of foods. The level of Salicylates tends to decrease with the ripening of foods, where as Amine levels increase with ripening or aging. High protein foods tend to be low in food chemicals and vica versa. Children that are sensitive to food chemicals are often found to be sensitive to colors and preservatives as well, so information on them is often grouped together. Food Additives comprise a range of both natural and artificial chemicals that we use to color, preserve or enhance the flavor of foods the most likely problems are: 102,107,110,122,123,124,125,126,127,128,129,,132,133,142,151 ,155,160b,210, 211,212,213,214,215,216,217,218,219,200,201,202,203,220,221, 222,,223,224,225, 226,227,228,249,250,251,252,280,281,282,283,310,311,312,319, 320,321,621,622, 623,624,625,& products labeled “Natural flavors’ or HVP TVP Although protein intolerance generally occurs at birth and is common in infants, food chemical Intolerance is quite rare in infants, in comparison. With chemical intolerance becoming more common or identified as the child moves onto solids or in the toddler years. Both are identified in the same way with the introduction of Neocate, then trials of the suspected trouble foods; or with breastfed infants, an elimination diet of the suspected problem foods. Please note, it is now being theorized that if you are protein intolerant, and you are eating the offending protein, this may compromise your immune system so that it becomes more sensitive, causing it to start reacting to food chemicals or preservatives on entering the bloodstream as well, leaving you with a multiple food sensitive infant who reacts to everything. This is important because it means that although your child may appear to be food chemical intolerant and even though they may react to food chemicals, as one specialist told me it may not be the food chemicals that is the problem Also some researchers are now theorizing that untreated protein intolerance may sensitize the immune system to other chemical substances such as amines and salicitates later in the child’s life. This is because the incidence of food chemical intolerance appears to be higher in children who had symptoms of protein intolerance as infants. This is still only a theory and there has been no research done yet into this area that we are aware of. Colitis In some infants untreated food intolerance may result in inflammation of the colonic mucosa or the lining of the large intestine, which becomes red and sore, and may even form lesions that bleed resulting in bloody diarrhea. Until this heals, it can cause the peristaltic action of the bowel to spasm, cramp and, in general, not work as it should. It can also cause pressure receptors in the bowel which stimulate the passing of bowel movements in infants to not work as they should. This is why constipation, apparent bowel pain, or difficulty in passing bowel movements, diarrhea and bloody faeces are all indicators of colitis. Like food intolerance, this is a transition condition, which responds well to eliminating the offending foods so will get better with time. If milk protein intolerance is suspected and the child fails to respond to the introduction of Neocate or changes in the maternal diet, a colonoscopy may be necessary to identify the problem. Although the treatment is the same, a baby with colitis will take longer to respond to the dietary changes. This is a transient disorder, which responds well to eliminating the offending foods. Once you’ve got a good idea what your child is or isn’t reacting to, it’s worthwhile contacting the following Department of Immunology Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Camperdown, N.S.W. 2050 AESSRA P.O. Box 298 Ringwood VIC 3134 Ph 03) 888 1382 Dept of Allergy Royal Childrens Hospital 151 Flemington Rd North Melbourne 3051 DISA Guidelines on introducing foods to food intolerant infants. 1. Basically if your baby is on something like Neocate you are dealing with a baby that is likely to be sensitive to protein and possibly food chemicals, so playing it safe is the key. 2. You will need help don’t start foods until given the all clear and then in the order as advised by your specialist. Discuss with your specialists guidelines for doing so 3. Don’t use commercial products as there is always more than one factor, IE Even the plainest rice cereal has rosemary in it, so that in order to know what is the problem – You buy fresh, – You cook it, – You prepare it – And you don’t add anything – Besides boiled water, – Or water if you know waters okay! 4. If introducing a food for the first time and your baby has had severe or allergic reactions, try the food first on their finger, wait a while (I.e. a couple of hours), their cheek, and then their lip. If no sign of a reaction, you can try giving the child a quarter of a teaspoon. 5. You may have thought a food diary was for Neurotics but not any more. Use a calendar, a scrap of paper, but you write down every time you introduce a food and watch for any reaction. 6. Any change is a reaction, miserable behavior, distress, constipation, diarrhea, and pain, rash swelling etc Rashes, swelling or any reaction involving breathing needs to be reported to your specialist immediately. 7. Start small and introduce the one food for a week, starting of with a quarter of a teaspoon and doubling the amount once a day over the week. If at the end of the week it’s okay it can be included in the Childs diet if not, mark it according. 1 for not to bad 2 for bad reaction 3 for absolute hell! This will help you later on! 8. Introduce foods in the following order 1. Rice 2. Fruit (Excluding citrus/berry & kiwi fruits) & Vegetables(excluding onions, tomatoes, mushrooms) 3. Cereals(one at a time I.e. wheat/oats/rye 4. Meats(starting of with white meat excluding fish) 5. Other (sees your specialist in regards to soy/ milk/ nut/ fish and egg products). 9. Generally with soy milk nut and eggs you introduce them in things first like milk in baking etc once well established and generally not within the first year and certainly not until your specialist tells you to. 10. Once you feel your Childs reacting you stop the food, if unsure you keep going and if still unsure cease it and see if there’s an improvement on ceasing the food. You then mark the food according and give the child a break before trialing the next food. 11. A break between trials of different food ranges from a week or more, depending on the child and the reaction. 12. Once you’ve gone through a variety of foods you can go back and try foods that scored low on the initial trial. We’ve found 2 months at least for foods rating 1, 4 months for foods rating 2 and 6 months for foods rating 3, was a good guide for our children. If your child rates higher on retrial we found it best not to retry that food within 6 months. 13. We found it impossible to determine everything on labels due to all the names given to soy, milk nut and egg products I.e. Vegetable oil has soy in it as soy’s a vegetable, Lecithin and Emulsifier is often soy, also we found numerous cases of cross contamination, I.e. a child had a reaction to nuts from rice bubbles because of cross contamination, the company used the same machinery to make a cereal with nuts as they did the rice bubbles, so found it best if you stick to the general rule that you don’t buy commercial or manufactured products in sensitive infants until that infant is well established on foods.. 14. We also found all takeaway and deli foods, especially hot chips to be a problem because of the above! It’s not only what they’ve used in the cooking process but what they’ve cooked before, i.e. fish in the oil, before cooking your chips in it! So again we found it best to go by the general rule of no take away until the infant is well established on foods. 15. Many mums where told if their child couldn’t have one food that means they couldn’t have another, I.e. pear then they couldn’t have apple, we have found this not to be the case, it is much of a much ness and unless you are talking dairy foods which all have milk in them, then we found no rhyme or reason to the foods. 16. We found that the following where best avoided until the child was over twelve months and well established on foods 1. Spices, herbs, sauces, stock 2. Fizzy, alcoholic drinks and commercial cordials 3. Commercial and Manufactured Foods 4. Deli and all Take Away/Restaurant Food 5. High Protein Foods (dairy, soy, nut, egg, fish) TIPS The more a food is cooked or prepared the more protein your child will ingest, so try steaming the food so they just lose their crispness instead of boiling it and offering as a finger food instead of pureeing it when introducing for a trial. Fruit is often best offered as a finger food for the same reason when introducing it. Sandwich bags are invaluable for these children If you weren’t organized before now you will need to be, try not to leave the house without a meal packed for emergencies, including a treat bag, it will stop you from being tempted to take a risk on foods whilst you’re out. Don’t trial foods if there teething or sick We found they recover quicker from a reaction on straight Neocate, even if for just 24 hours. Don’t have untolerated food out unless necessary, as they will find it. Explain to visitors the situation before they come or on arrival, as being a good host may cost you three days of their life A badge that clearly states NO FOOD PLEASE can stop many frustrating situations for both you and your infant when out. DISA, its members and volunteers are unable to accept any liability for any advice or information given. Professionally qualified advice should always be obtained if required

[Anonymous]

We tried both gentlease and soy, both were not tolerated well. We switched to Alimentum and noticed a difference in a day. My Best Friend had a baby three months ago and he has done nothing but scream for three months, they tried Zantac, it did nothing. She was breast feeding and thought that was the best thing for him. Not willing to try a dairy free diet, she tried Alimentum last Saturday and today, Friday he is a different baby. I would try switching the formula, she may have MSPI.

[Anonymous]

Funny because we could never make the bottles in advance. I found that if I tried to add the cereal to the breast milk and leave it overnight in the fridge, when I needed it, the cereal would have decomposed or something, but it was never thickened. It wasn’t until later that I found out about the antibodies in the breast milk breaking down the cereal. If I added the cereal to the bottle of formula, when i went down to get it a few hours later it was so thick like sludge and wouldn’t flow through the nipple. Certainly made for fun night-time feedings… nothing like waking up and having to prepare a bottle of formula in the dark with cereal and corn syrup, picking out all the lumps from those Dr. Brown’s bottles that you can’t shake but only stir… fun, fun, fun….

Hope it works better for you than it did for me!