Breastfeeding the Allergic newborn...give It Up???

Updated on April 03, 2009
J.B. asks from Fort Worth, TX
9 answers

We have determined my 3 week old is allergic to dairy and soy (for sure) and I suspect a couple of other culprtis too (eggs and nuts). And he can't do spicy foods. When I cut out the dairy & mexican food he has been much happier. However, it seems like I am always eating something that completely tears his stomach up. He will be grunting and groaning, tooting and crying out. It kills me that I did that to him, but it also feels like I can't eat ANYTHING! I am also not very good with nursing in public, even though I have a cover. I feel like I a feeding ALL the time and am missing out on time with my oldest. I am frustrated with the whole process, although it seems we have finally gotten the latch-on down.
Two things are keeping me from giving up at this point, but I am not sure how long they will...
#1 Guilt- knowing that BF is best for him.
#2 $$$-My older son was on Neocate formula for the same reasons ($50-$89 per can). With this one we would have to at least start with Nutramigen.
BTW he also has reflux and is starting Zantac today.
So...give it up or keep it up??????

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.R.

answers from Dallas on

Give the Zantac some time to kick in, that may solve a bunch of his issues. If he is having gas, give him Mylicon.

Good luck! I hope things get easier for you.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Dallas on

I would HIGHLY recommend going to see Dr. Ognmola / Cook Childrens. He's the BEST doctor there is when it comes to these kinds of issues!

My daughter was allergic to LOTS, and we had to use Nutramigen. But - at least she wasn't screaming all the time!!! (Thank goodness she outgrew it!) My friend was determined to continue breast feeding, and she went to him. He told her what to eat, and what not to eat, and she continued breastfeeding for a year.

Good Luck! Remember - the first 10 weeks with a newborn are the HARDEST!!!

Hang in there!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.G.

answers from Dallas on

Hey J.B. I really feel your pain. My older boy was 3 and my younger 6 months when we discovered my younger had food allergies. My pedi suggested I give up bfeeding for 2 weeks while we waited on blood tests to find our what he was allergic to so that I could eliminate those things from my diet. This was a breast baby ONLY. I tried 1 time to give him and bottle before I decided that I knew best and decided I would continue to bfeed. I ate only meat, veggies and fruit for 2 weeks. It was so hard and I was hungry and eating constantly but I got thru it. Found out he's allergic to eggs, wheat, dairy and nuts. Long story short, he's 20 months, still breastfeeding and I've been able to adjust very well to my diet. I really don't eat eggs, drink milk or eat peanut butter so for me, it hasn't been that hard - or maybe I'm just used to it. I frankly am proud and very happy with my choice because with all the things that he's denied, at least he can always count on me not saying no to nursing. I will say that it is getting more challenging to keep him away from big brother's snacks/food and eating out is hard, but not impossible. I hope your little guy outgrows his allergies and things settle down for you. I KNOW this is a huge source of stress. Keep us posted.

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

I would encourage you to talk with the pedi about it. I think you should wait to see if the meds will help. My baby and my niece both had reflux, my niece had be medicated. She is still nursing and she's almost 2! So, they can be nursed with reflux. Talk to the Le Leach League if you want. They always have great advice!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.

answers from Dallas on

so sorry to hear this! I completely understand though because we had the same issues. I felt like nursing was important enough that I continued with a VERY strict no dairy no soy no allergen diet--it made a big difference but really it seemed something was always bothering my child. She refused all elemental formulas so I nursed her and we made it--2+years till she weaned! Pretty much I ate nothing but fresh fruits and veggies and chicken and fish. I lost the baby weight but almost lost my mind as well. Very importnant to supplement with calcium and vit D and also fish oil for mom. No beef or anything prepared by anyone else--nothing from a box or from fast food restaurants. It was VERY hard and even now she is still allergic--age 4--we do timy amounts of soy and dairy day by day to help develop tolerance to the foods. If you can keep going --DO IT--but if you cannot be strict just bite the bullet and get the neocate or nutramigen!! My daughter wanted to nurse constantly too--it soothed her tummy. It will take over 6 weeks to clear all the allergenic proteins from your milk---so don't give up too soon. Things will improve! the reflux is from the allergens--it will get better too once the foods are clear from your system. unfortunately zantac did not seem to help her--hopefully it will help your baby feel better! Hopefully this helps-I know exactly how you feel. Do what seems best for your family--only you and your baby can really decide...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Amarillo on

Don't give up breastfeeding!! As you stated the cost is a good enough reason to continue. Look at your diet and see waht you can cut out that is causing problems for him. I don't know too many newborns that can eat spicy food from mom. Go on the internet and get a good well round balanced diet and eat that and cut back on the spice and dairy products. Remember to drink lots of liquid WATER and take a good prenatal vitamin while nursing for good health to both of you. Do remember to get rest when both your children rest. House work is the last thing on your list right now. No one is worrying about house beautiful and if they are hand them the mop and broom and let them have at it for the next 6 weeks. As for feeling ashamed of nursing in public don't just make sure you are covered so that you are not exposing yourself (baby should cover you up) and do it. I had a couple of large shirts I used and would have my back to the people so that it was quiet and go for it. Most people will let you ahve privacy. My favorite quote was feeding time at the zoo and they would say oh okay and that was it. Once the routine is established you can nurse within 15 minutes and be on your way. Right now your baby is eating more to tell your body to make more as he is about to go into a growth spurt (4 weeks to 6 weeks). Whatever you do, don't feel guilty as you two are a team and it will get better. The acid reflux will go away and it might be a result of the foods you have been eating. Just give it some more time. You are not missing out with your older son you are adjusting to being a mom of two and the transition from one to two chldren. The other S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.L.

answers from Dallas on

I think it's too soon to throw in the towel personally. Definitely contact La Leche League. You don't have to join and meetings are free. Also, give the zantac some time and see what happens. In the meantime, just try and stick to foods you know won't bug him. It's very normal for him to want to nurse a lot at this age, don't be discouraged. Give it time and you may find yourself feeling better about nursing in public. LLL can give you advice on nursing in public too.

I think that, in the long run, it will be better for everyone if you continue nursing. There are the health benefits plus it's definitely cheaper too. Good luck!!

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/food-sensitivity.html

M.D.

answers from Dallas on

I pray you don't give up... I know it's hard at first... I think you have to just eat some blah foods at first, but later on he'll probably be fine... His system is still just starting to work. I know with all my babies (3 of them) they were a little fussy at the beginning, I know I couldn't eat Mexican for a couple of months, but then later on I was. My children aren't allergic to foods that I'm aware of... I think breast milk is the best for our children... It's natural, the human race is the only species that substitute for natural milk...
I know what you mean by taking up your time, especially from your other kids... but this is the best for your baby...
God Bless

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Dallas on

As the mother of a severely allergic child I certainly understand your frustration.

First, your little guy is just 3 weeks old. His little stomach may not be mature yet. I would give the zantac time to work and I would give his stomach some time to mature.

Second, take guilt out of it. You are no doubt completely exhausted and you and your newborn are just getting to know one another. No matter how you choose to feed your son the dynamics have changed for your older one.

Finally, go with your gut and don't feel guilty or look back. Nutramigen is not detrimental to your son's health and I have no doubt that he will grow up to be a happy, healthy person, even if you choose to formula feed.

My son is severely allergic to dairy. When I removed it from my diet I did not make enough milk to nourish him and had no choice but to turn to nutramigen. My son is very healthy, has had few ear infections, has developed no new allergies (including seasonal), and has never suffered a major illness...not even strep or the flu and he is 6. Clearly, the decisions we made were right for our son and our family. I'm sure yours will be as well.

Good luck!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches