Hi Mary,

While cow's milk is the most commonly offending protein and soy is also common, the proteins of gluten is quite similar to dairy and also a common allergen.  For my dd who was diagnosed with allergic colitis at 4 months old, only when I eliminated dairy and gluten did she improve.  I also found my own digestion improved (greatly decreased gas).  I also found it very difficult to stop eating dairy and gluten as I craved them in the first few weeks.  For me, I only saw a slight improvement in my daughter when I just eliminated dairy.  Once I eliminated both dairy and gluten, it took about one week.  There are many different foods that may cause allergic colitis.  Other than dairy (and I would also recommend excluding goat and sheep dairy and only trial them once baby is well), soy, corn (hidden in so many food and vitamin supplements that it is probably the most difficult food the completely eliminate), fish and nuts are high on the list (every list I have read is slightly different), but really any food protein may cause a reaction.  Often the first that should be eliminated are those where there are allergies or digestion difficulties in family members and also foods most commonly eaten on a daily basis.

While they are not yet standard medical protocol, from what I have read, some people have found probiotics (for both mother and baby) or pancreatic enzymes may also help. 

Here is the ABM's  Protocol <http://www.bfmed.org/Media/Files/Protocols/Protocol24_English_120211.pdf>

Here is a small study using enzymes <http://journals.lww.com/jpgn/Fulltext/1999/10000/Resolution_of_Stool_Blood_in_Breast_Fed_Infants.69.aspx>

Here is one study I found on probiotics, unfortunately in formula.  But that probiotic is available over the counter.  There are also studies on probiotics and eczema, with mixed results) <https://www.mjn.com/professional/pdf/Baldassarre_LGG.pdf>

Here is a web site I just found with a lot of information (by Judith C. Thalheimer, RD, LDN and Anne Eglash, MD, IBCLC, FABM) <infantproctocolitis.org>.

There is a lot she can try before using formula.  Besides, most formula is cow or soy based, and the alternative formulas are expensive.

Best wishes!

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