Michael Haight, MD at Univ of California-Davis (Chief of Pediatric
gastroenterology) has been using Pancrease in babies with bloody
diarrhea/allergy...I think for a couple of years now.  I just prescribed
some this morning for a mom--it often really seems to help the baby feel
better faster. I believe he is collecting data to publish, but unfortunately
nothing is published about it yet.

The theory is that taking Pancrease (a naturally occuring enzyme produced by
the pancreas) breaks down the proteins that the mother eats into smaller
pieces, so that when she uses them to make breastmilk, and the baby ingests
them, the baby's body no longer recognizes them as "bad".  Dr. Haight
actually doesn't usually have moms stop nursing at all...just starts the
pancrease and elimination diet simultaneously...and continues the enzymes
for 3-6 months.

What is extra attractive about this option for this baby is that the
pancrease should break down all proteins further, so if cows milk isn't the
culprit it may still help.  BUT  I would make sure she is reading labels of
processed foods and has been given a list of "key words" to look for that
suggest milk protein might be in them.  Often moms think they are on a "milk
elimination diet" when they cut out milk/cheese...like the mom I saw this
morning.

Is there a doctor involved who might be open to prescribing this?  Where are
you?

Kathy Leeper, MD, IBCLC
Medical Director
MilkWorks, a nonprofit breastfeeding center providing consultations,
education, support and related supplies in Lincoln, NE

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