Well, the pediatrician is likely correct regarding the continued vomiting and 
diarrhea being caused by secondary lactose intolerance - this is quite common 
after severe gastroenteritis. After rotavirus, the gut may be deficient of 
lactase - the enzyme that aids in digestion of the sugar lactose, present in 
breast milk and cow's milk. There is no evidence to suggest cessation of 
breastfeeding is the best course of action. The gut will take several weeks to 
heal, perhaps shorter for such an "old" baby. It may take longer than if the 
baby were not breastfeeding, but so what? The risks associated with not 
breastfeeding are probably much higher than the risks of a few more days of 
diarrhea. 

Not only do I have professional experience with this topic, but also personal. 
My son went through the same thing at age 11 months (dehydration, 
hospitalization, diarrhea so bad that his bum skin was raw and bleeding). I 
coped by continuing to breastfeed and using a topical compounded Rx 
application containing stoma paste to protect his skin. The other symptoms 
cleared up slowly, within a week or so. Our pediatrician did confirm the 
secondary lactose intolerance but advised continuing breastmilk intake.

I wish I had evidence for you to send to the mom. Perhaps a google search 
will give you the references to back up common sense.

Karen Wilson, RN IBCLC
Thornton, CO

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