Newborn Dairy Allergy Predicament

My son had very similar symptoms when he was a few months old. It turned out to be an irritated colon from a very mild stomach virus. Of course we found that out only after a 6 wk elimination diet for me. I exclusively BF. And we only found it out after they stuck a camera up his booty. I insisted, because I was dropping major weight. The key for us was the lack of any other symptoms. Usually allergy kids show a lot of gas and iritability. It has a medical name, if you are interested, email me. I can send you more details when I have it in front of me at home. ____@____.com

H.

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I was at the same crossroads just a month ago (my daughter is about 2.5 months old now. I was ready to GIVE UP because it is just so hard. My baby girl was screaming in pain though so I knew exactly when I had missed some dairy intake on my part. I had read that it can take weeks for it to get out of your body, but from my experience so far it is just a day or two before I could tell it was out (no screaming). In our situation, the dirty diapers are evidence of this too (stringy avocado looking -bad vs. Grey Poupon - good).

I say keep him latching on unless the doctor says 'no'. I did end up dumping some expressed milk but labeled the rest and put it in the freezer. Our pedi said this will probably pass when baby is about 4 to 6 months old so depending on how old your baby is you could aways put dates on what you have already expressed stored in the freezer and try giving it to him later (3 months later) to test if he is still allergic.

Now that my post-partum hormones are somewhat in check and I've changed my diet, I can see that it isn't as difficult a situation as I initially thought it was. So I have to read labels for a few months and watch what I eat, if that is my biggest problem at the moment then I am a lucky dog!

hang in there mama!

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Since he's a boy, I would avoid the soy formula and stick with the Nutramigen for now. Soy is an estrogen mimicker. Call La Leche and if they recommend that you don't use the milk in the freezer, you can donate it to one of the breast milk organizations that provide breast milk to preemies. La Leche should have info on the closest milk bank for you.

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If you want him to have breastmilk, work on getting your supply up. Remember that while you are at work, you will pump what he will eat the next day, so pumping a freezer full right now probably isn't necessary. Putting baby to breast is the best way to build up his supply.

Dairy intolerance is a big deal, and you may struggle with it later, so if you can, try and cut out all the dairy. I found this about eliminating dairy and how long it takes before the effects are noticed: "Eliminating a food for less than 2-3 weeks may not be effective—cow’s milk protein, for example, can persist in mom’s body for 1½ - 2 weeks, and it may be another 1½ - 2 weeks before the protein is out of baby's system." The milk you already have can be saved until you know for sure this is the problem (keep it separate so you know which the "dairy" milk is vs. the non-dairy).

Baby’s symptoms will usually begin to improve within 5-7 days of eliminating a problem food. Your baby may not improve immediately, however, especially if the reaction is to a food that has been a regular part of mom's diet. Some babies seem to feel worse for about a week before symptoms begin to improve. Sometimes it takes several weeks to see an improvement.

I don't think it will be best to switch baby completely to formula while trying to get the breastmilk cleared of dairy. I think one week isn't enough to evaluate results, though, seeing how long it takes for your milk to be completely free of dairy. Perhaps you should discuss with your doctor what you have found about dairy, and say that one week isn't enough to properly evaluate the situation and that you are not willing to completely switch to formula. Breast milk is still best, even if you have to take all the milk proteins out of it, so why would switching to something that is inferior be better? Better to give it the time it deserves and reevaluate - especially since you have not even seen signs of a food allergy!!!!! If he was in pain after eating, it might be a different story. But as he was showing YOU no signs and the doctor just found traces, I'd say ask for a new appt to reeavaluate (explaining your reasoning and research you've done to that effect) in two-three weeks and continue to only supplement when you NEED to. This is a great source for reading up on the dairy issue in breastmilk: http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/food-sensitivity.html

The decision to give formula instead of breastmilk is sensitive, and one for each individual woman to make. But if you WANT your son to have breastmilk, then by all means, cut out the dairy and work on getting your supply up by nursing him as much as possible, pumping when he's not nursing, eating oatmeal (no milk, though!) and drinking lots of water. Only supplement when absolutely necessary if you want a good milk supply. My son had absolutely nothing but breastmilk for 7 full months as I worked (pumping at work), and barely ate solids from 7-10 months. So basically, he had almost only breastmilk for the first 10 months of his life, and I never once supplemented. I had trouble pumping, but made sure and had him to the breast every time he asked to eat. It's possible to return to work and not have to use formula at all, if you want.

**ETA - I think it is wonderful that someone suggested donating your breastmilk (in the freezer) if diary is an issue, BUT do read up on what is ok for donation. You can not be on any medication or herbal supplements (though there are exceptions). Here is a FAQ about donating milk from the Mother's Milk Bank of Austin (the rules are pretty similar elsewhere). http://www.mmbaustin.org/scripts/index.php?option=com_con...

Good luck!

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So sorry J.! But do not feel guilty about the breastmilk thing. Your baby will be fine. He got the first breastmilk when he was born and that is the most important. My son was a premie, had jaundice and feeding issues, I was not able to breastfeed him either. He was on soy formula and did great. He is healthy and happy 4 year old with only a dust mite allergy. My daughter I breastfeed but felt I never got to spend time with my son (he was only 13 months old when she was born). So, I stopped breastfeeding her very early. She was on nutramigen formula for reflux. She is a healthy 3yr. old with only seasonal allergies. Hope this helps.
S.
www.sanangelo.jbfsale.com

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The little dairy he may ingest from your milk while you are in the process of cutting out dairy is better than the formula, keep nursing. Full nursing would even be better than formula as their bodies are designed to process your milk. Babies sometimes have sensitivities to things we eat (I had to cut out broccoli too) but keep an eye and pay attention and cut those things out. If you look at the stats, kids who were fed formula have more and worse allergies than those that were breastfed, so breastfeeding is the best thing you can do.

Both my kids would projectile vomit whenever I had dairy during the first 6 months of their lives. I cut milk out of my diet but they were fine when I ate cheese or yogurt (which biochemically are different and easier to digest which is why babies moved to solids are allowed those before whole milk). After 6 months I was able to broaden my diet again (think about it, their stomachs are developing at this time which is why it is a benchmark for introducing solid food). For now, I wouldn't worry too much about items that may have dairy in them but aren't easy to spot (crackers, cookies, etc...), but cut out all items that are obvious (milk, cheese, etc..) for the time being and keep an eye on your son. If he is having problems then cut out more, but really, don't take him off of nursing, it really is the easiest thing for him to digest.

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I think it would be better for him for you to cut out all formula and go to strictly breastmilk. Formula is harder for babies to digest, no matter what kind it is. See askdrsears.com for more information. Good luck.

DON'T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK. You can make more (and you will)... and that breast milk won't get him sick.

According to this website (http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_asklc_ans49.html) blood in the stools is due to malabsorption issues in the intestines... that the lactose and bovine protein is causing the intestines to bleed which then interferes with the body's ability to absorb all other nutrients. (By the way, that article mentions other aspects that you might want to review.)

So, if your question is whether you should keep feeding him a diet that contains bovine proteins and lactose, I would say no. Put him on formula until your system is cleared out; pump & dump to keep your production up. My goodness, he is so young! You don't want his ability to gain weight to be compromised... you don't want his intestines bleeding... you don't want any ulcers to develop on his intestines... or for any of those sites to develop infections... and you don't want his allergic reaction to cows milk protein to worsen, become severe, last longer than he may otherwise have it, or make him sensitive to other food allergies. (My daughter has an allergy to cows milk--which is not the same as being lactose intolerant; our pediatrician estimates she should naturally outgrow it by age 4).

What can you eat... Beans, lentils, rice, potatoes, fruit, corn products, pasta, tortias, oatmeal & brown sugar, tomato sauce and salsa, vegetables, salads, fish, chicken, mayonnaise (chicken salad; tuna salad), pork, lamb, olive oil instead of butter... There are lots of soy puddings and yogurts in most grocery stores. Stay away from store bought bread as it contains milk; however actual french bread should not be made with milk (which is why the crust of french bread should look different than regular bread. If the french bread's crust is moist and spongy, then it contains milk). The article also advises to avoid beef since it also contains bovine proteins and you want all bovine protein out of your system.

My daughter was sick from constant sinus infections and congestion issues, pretty much since birth until age 2. She has developed reactions to antibiotics because they were introduced to her so often and at such a young age. THEN we were told that all of it was due to a cows milk allergy. I wish we could have realized her allergy sooner; I wish I could go back and avoid the 2 yrs of doctors appointments every 6-8 weeks, sinus xrays, antibiotic allergies, ear tube surgery...

Good luck (You can do this!)

Contact La Leche League! If you want to keep breastfeeding all of this formula is going to interfere. Breastmilk works on a supply and demand basis. The more formula you give your baby, the less breastmilk you will have. If your baby truly does have food allergies, there is nothing better you can do for him/her than breastfeed!

Here is the La Leche League help line number: For telephone help, please call our 24-hour HelpLine, ###-###-####. A Leader will call you back within 24 hours.

Also, if you like to read, you could check out:
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers by Jack Newman
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League

Good luck. Breastfeeding is worth a little work up front. It will be so much easier later, and it is really good for your child in the long run!

Get the book Baby 411. They explain how to deal with different situations. YOU cutting out dairy is the LEAST likely source of your problems. It's a WEALTH of knowledge on BF and Formula. Good luck!

Personally I would be a 2nd opinion. I would think thaty your baby would show other signs of being allergic to dairy. Rash, colic..etc...Could something else be causing blood in his stools...would not want that to go un checked for sure.

Hi J.,

I know what you are going through. My son started having blood in his stools at 2 months and he was on 100% breast milk. He didn't show any other signs and otherwise was the perfect baby. I chose to cut out dairy, which is easier said than done. It really is in EVERYTHING. I ate a lot of pasta and nuts, high calorie things that would help me produce enough milk. I started looking for vegan products/recipes because they were dairy free. I have to admit that my diet was pretty limited. And even when I splurged and had a little bit of butter on some toast, it would show up in his stools within a day. It would also go away pretty quickly. It takes time, probably more than a week, for the milk proteins you eat to go through you, your milk and then through him. Just be patient, because it takes time.

The good news is that kids usually outgrow a protein allergy. My son switched to whole milk around his 1st birthday with no problems. We haven't had a problem with any dairy products since. I nursed him for the full year, but that was a personal and financial choice. If your son is doing fine on the formula, don't feel guilty!

Hi! I wish you well with your new baby. Congratulations. It's hard enough for a grown up to restrict a certain ingredient from their diet, and even hard for a kid. My daughter is on a diet where she can not have any milk or wheat so I know how you feel. I also have a son, but he is not on any diet but I did not breastfeed my son, however I did give him a formula with DHA and ARA, which is supposed to be just like breastmilk. You might want to ask your doctor if there is a formula he can put him on with DHA and ARA. Don't feel guilty about not being able to breastfeed now, it's just one of those unexpected things that you have to take one step at a time. Good luck!

We were in the same situation when my little was born. I was breastfeeding 100% when we found out she had a problem with milk. I too had to cut out all products containing milk. It was a challenge but it is possible especially if you keep in mind the reason why you are doing it.
I would suggest to get rid of your stored milk and continue to breast and bottle feed as you are doing once you eliminate milk products from your diet.
Once my little girl turned one, I slowly began introducing milk products into my diet and thank God, she had no reaction after breastfeeding. Good Luck and congratulations on your little one.

Go with your gut! Everyone will have an opinion but mommy gut is the best. I would say the milk you have and pump new milk and give him that. Then if you hear things are good at your next visit use the saved milk.

I know I am late on this but wanted you to know I am dealing with the same problem as well. I exclusively breastfeed my little boy but he didn't develop the allergy until about 3 months of age. He is now 5 months. I have since been to a pediatric gastroenterologist @ TX Children's. She and my pediatrician told me to not worry about it as long as he is feeding well and growing which he has always been doing both very well. I have just reduced my intake of dairy. I have never totally eliminated anything. The gastro said she doesn't really like to tell moms to eliminate dairy b/c she feels they go crazy. Ha! Plus I am sure she would though if there was a severe allergy and/or discomfort for the baby but my little one seems happy and fine. There have been small traces of blood in his stool continuously since it all started about 1 or twice a week sometimes. But both dr.s assured me that it doesn't hurt him and as long as it is minimal it's okay. I wouldn't throw away your breastmilk especially if he doesn't have any other symptoms other than the blood in the stool and hopefully its minimal. It will always be better than any formula. I am taking fenugreek supplements and drinking the mother's milk tea to keep up with my little ones milk demands. Good Luck! Let's hope our little ones grow out of the allergy real fast!

My baby was very collicy, so on a whim, I cut dairy from my diet. Her behavior improved within days. I'm sure that it does take a some time for all traces of dairy to leave your system, but my suggestion would be to cut the dairy in your own diet, and continue giving him breast milk. It does seem that everything contains some sort of dairy ingredient, but I found plenty to eat regardless. Chocolate was hard. By the time my daughter was 6 months old, I had introduced small amounts of milk products back into my diet. It was something that she quickly outgrew, but I know that some kids don't, and that there are many out there that believe that dairy products are evil, and should be erradicated. I like to go for moderation.

I'd keep it in the freezer until you know for sure that's what his problem is. It'll keep. I'd hate to throw it out and find out his problem is not related to milk. Just mark it with an X.

Something you DO need to look into is an alternative to soy. They find that soy encourages estrogen production and a baby boy really doesn't need to be producing estrogen! They've also found a much higher content of melamine in the soy formula because supposedly it comes up with the beans during harvest out of the soil. Melamine is the toxin that made the pets sick from the pet food last year and made all the formula fed babies sick in China.

There's lots of info on soy, but here's an article I just happened to be reading this morning on soy formula
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/0...

Now, I don't recommend the recipe they give for making your own formula but you might check into alternatives to soy. At least if you can keep your milk supply up while pumping he should be able to get mostly breast milk and only some formula, which will help.

You might want to try rice or nut based milk to drink instead of soy milk. I LOVE hazelnut!

S., mom to 5

I nursed all three kids for nearly a year each. I don't claim to be an expert, but my experience with getting your milk supply built up is to nurse your baby as often as possible -- no pumping, no bottles. Additionally, each breast should be EMPTIED before changing sides. With my first baby, I kept a large safety pin on my nursing bra to remind me which side the baby last nursed; in addition to a spiral pad that told which side, and how long, the baby nursed. At this point, you should be aware of your milk's "let-down" shortly after the baby begins nursing. And finally, the act of the baby nursing (his smell, his cry, his manipulation of your breast, etc.) is made to work so much better for him and for you -- breastfeeding isn't just about the nutrients of the milk.

If it was me, I'd focus on nursing exclusively right now. I wouldn't wait for dairy to be out of my system -- I think breastmilk with a bit of dairy is better than any of that formula they are recommending.

Good luck to you and your baby -- I hope it all works out and you can get on with enjoying these early years!!

My son had the same problem. I was breastfeeding and giving formula. I had to cut out all dairy and soy from my diet for about 4 months. My advice to you is to keep breastfeeding, because the Nutramigen and Alimentum is not that well accepted by some babies. Most kids don't like the taste of it compared to the other formulas. My son didn't like it, so I was so glad that I kept breastfeeding so he could keep receiving milk. If you just give him formula for a little while, your milk will dry up. I know that it is hard to cut those things from your diet, but it's well worth it for your little one. I also lost 15 pounds :) You just have to make sure that you get enough protein in your diet and take a calcium supplement. Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. Hang in there.

Hi J.. I went through the same thing with my daughter. She did not have blood in her stool but at about 6 weeks she started spitting up really bad. She would spit up all the breast milk she drank it it was more projectile and alot, not just a little spit up. The doctor suggested I cut out all dairy and see if that helps. As soon as I stopped taking in any dairy, and it only took about a day, she stopped spitting up. They also gave me samples of soy based formula to try and she kept that down without any problem at all.

I stopped all dairy intake for myself for about 4 weeks then my milk production decreased so much that my daughter didn't want to nurse because she just wasn't getting enough. That part doesn't make sense because I was drinking soy milk and plenty of water so that may have been another issue.

One morning I put one of those little creamers from McDonalds in my dacaf coffee and after I nursed her that night she spit up like crazy for the first time since I cut out dairy. So even a tiny bit effected her at the time.

We ended up putting her on soy formula and it worked like a charm. She kept it down perfectly. We did not give her any dairy until she was a year old and by that time she seemed to have grown out of it because she was totally fine with it. She is 19 months now and drinks milk, eats cheese and yogurt and so on without any problem.

Hopefully your son will grow out of it and you will be able to nurse him or put him on a formula that will keep his little tummy happy.

I would personally ask the doctor to do a blood test and test for food allergies. It is not the most accurate in diagnosis, but will at least give you a clue as to if that is what is wrong or not. I am not one to like to put my kids under any kind of needle willingly or not. However, doing that blood test was the best thing I ever did for my son! I honestly feel that had we gotten a different diagnosis it would still be well worth knowing for sure!

Good luck!

Hello J.,

to build up your supply you can find 'mother's tea' at a health food store (like wholefoods, sprouts, etc). you can also buy star anise and make tea (it's cheaper if you buy it bulk...you can also buy the teabags too). Good luck. There are lots of things you can do to cut out milk. check out a health food store for alternatives. ~C.~

We had the same thing happen-keep breastfeedong but stop all dairy. Its really not that hard-I am still breastfeeding my daughter at 2 yrs old occasionally so I am still dairy free. I have tried re-introducing it but she still reacts:( I can give you recipes-mostly we just exchanged soy or rice milk for milk and smart balance for butter-this works in most recipes too! Vanessa never seemed really fussy either but its really bad for their digestive tracts to deal with it-especially if they are seeing blood. But, your breastmilk is so good for him and really, the bulk of dairy leaves your system after a few days-the rest is just trace amounts-I never stopped breastfeeding her and saw and improvement very quickly in her stools after I stopped eating dairy.
Things to check that dairy is usually in:
*Most breads(Sara Lee Whole WHeat is good and there is also a Natures Way that is good)
*Alot of processed foods/chips and snacks
*Some cereals
*frozen meals
*a lot of spaghetti sauces
A good place to shop is in an organic section of the store
Its really not hard! You just get used to checking labels;)
But I sure do miss cheese!;) I am pregnant again and keep craving pizza and mac and cheese!
Anyway-I understand what you are going through-let me know if I can help!
S.

Dump out the stored milk and put him on the formula until you get more stored up. He's not going to suffer any lasting effects of being on formula for a few days. Your still wanting to breast feed and that's good! But he's been supplemented from the beginning so it's not going to be a huge shock to his system to be on just formula for a few days. And he's not going to miss out on any great anti-bodies that won't be there a few days later.

I also think you need to listen to your doctor. He may not be reacting in any other allergic ways but his tummy might not be feeling too great. I'm very lactose intolerant and have been that way since I was baby. I don't break out in rashes or any other visible reactions other than, and I can't believe I'm writing this, but I'll end up going to the bath room after every meal with dairy in it. If I eat dairy products I'll get stomach cramps and then I'll have to go to the bath room and yes there has been blood before. If your doctor thinks its dairy please listen to him. It wasn't until I was an older child that my parents and doctor figured out what was wrong with me and I remember lots of times feeling so bad and not knowing why.

On that note my own daughter went through a time where she was having a problem with dairy. It was between the 2-6 week age period. She was having REALLY runny bowl movements with every diaper. How we solved her problem was with probiotics. They are the nice little bacteria that you find in yogurt. We put some granules in her bottles, found over the counter at the pharmacy but you have to ask to get it out of their refrigerator, to help get her natural stomach flora going. Now she doesn't have any dairy troubles. Might be something to ask your doctor about.

I just wrote about this in another answer to another person but I wanted to add that going dairy free yourself will be a challenge but it's not an unreachable goal if you learn to read the product labels right. Not all milk products are listed clearly. Make sure you look at the whole label, even the ones far at the bottom of the list. Milk products can also be called whey and milk fat, and too many others to list. Just be aware of this when reading.

Lastly, I want to say that if something happened and you had to completely formula feed your baby you're not going to be the worst mother on earth. It's a hard decision to make and if you do have to make it you won't be alone. Countless women have to make that decision every day. Your baby will love you no matter what you end up feeding him. But that said your son is only 2 weeks old. Give it some time before you panic. Remember your feeling a lot of extra emotions right now. I think the answer is in front of you just have to relax and take it.

Good luck!
Jen
http://www.mommysjoy.com

Basically, every thing you eat affects your baby. I have seen mom's drinking diet 7up (apartame)and breastfeeding. I am Vegan, never thought I would be. Everyone thinks I am missing out, the only thing I am missing is my fibroids and illness. After about 1 week of a strict vegetarian diet, you will feel great, just remember to eat as much and often as possibele. I eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, Ezekial bread, brown rice, almonds, walnuts, beans. All as Organic as you can (your baby's sensitivites could be pesticide and chemical related). Try to avoid high fructose corn syrup, msg, and artificial colors. You and your baby are what you eat. Checkout www.notmilk.com. I just sent Juanita a message, her 1yr is dairy and wheat intollerant. Also, a trip to Whole Foods or Sun Harvest may help. They have lots of leaflets with food products that are dairy free. You can also get a tea that is made especially to help production of your breastmilk (don't recall name, they will be able to help). I have a B.S. in Holistic Nutrition, I enjoy teaching what I have learned. If you have any questions, I can be reached at www.mybiopro.com/claudia13

First of all, you are not alone. I echo those who've suggested you contact the La Leche League. I got a tremendous amount of support from the ladies posting on the message boards who've all experienced the same problem.

My son had the blood in his stools too. I was DEVASTATED when our pedi said my son was allergic to MY breastmilk and that I should put him on Nutramigen. I sought a second opinion from a wonderful pediatric GI specialist, Dr. Rahel Berhane (in Round Rock and Austin), and she said breastmilk is the most natural thing you can give a baby and my son was most likely sensitive to something in my diet. She assured me he was ok and not experiencing pain and that I absolutely should continue to nurse him. She said to start by cutting out the most common of the allergens, DAIRY. She said if after 6 weeks he still had blood in his stools, then we'd move on to cutting out another allergen, NUTS. Well after about 3-4 weeks of cutting my dairy out, the bloody stools went away and my son was fine.

I went 8 months without so much as a bite of cheese or a swallow of milk. If I can do it, anyone can do it. You have to be patient. You have to learn to read EVERY ingredient on every label. But honestly, it sounds much harder than it really is. My #1 priority was providing breastmilk to my son, and if that meant I didn't get to eat some of my favorite foods, well too bad for me. I wasn't the most important part of the equation! Another thing, you have to enlist help. My husband and my mother all became proficient at reading labels. My husband rarely brought home something I couldn't have and when I went to my parents' house for meals, my mom always had plenty of food for me to eat there. Also, be prepared to ask questions at restaurants. I quickly learned where I could and could not eat at. I "bothered" plenty of waitstaff at different restaurants who had to make many trips back-and-forth from the kitchen to my table to find out from the chef if something I wanted to order contained butter or any other dairy. Also, Silk makes some very good coffee creamers, if you're a coffee addict like me. There are plenty of foods out there that you can fill up on and not feel too deprived. Unfortunately I was a cheeseaholic before, and I had to get over that during that 8 months. There are even decent ice creams made out of rice milk. It's not Blue Bell, but so what! My favorite thing during my dairy-free phase was Blue Diamond Chocolate Almond Milk. Yummmm!!

Ok, so you have to cut out dairy. SO WHAT! It's a small price to pay if you really want to continue to breastfeed.

My son is 11 months old now and, Dr. Berhane was right... He outgrew his lactose sensitivity. At about 9 months I started reintroducing dairy into my diet and now I eat dairy without restriction and I'm still nursing my son. He's fine. In fact, he eats Yo Baby Yogurt as an afternoon snack almost everyday.

Good luck! You CAN do it!!

J.,
My son has been on Nutramigen and he has done awesome on it. The doctor has said that it is one of the best out there so if you feel guilty about not breast feeding him just be comforted that this is really good. It is expensive so I have always bought it online from ebay. I have been able to save about $10 a can and never had any problems.
-Sandee