Megan and all, There is plenty of research in the GI literature to back up the idea that cow's milk protein allergy or intolerance (CMPA or CMPI) can give rise to damaged mucosa and allergy cells in the gut. I would absolutely support the mom in making dietary changes rather than trying formula (which will surely lead to premature weaning, as without an elimination diet, the CMP in her milk will re-offend when it is reintroduced). Continued breastfeeding is the best thing she can do for her sensitive child, even though it might seem right now as if her milk is making her baby sick. A food-sensitive child needs the protection of mother's milk even more than most children. Here are some abstracts that may be useful. I'm certain a little digging on PubMed will turn up more that specifically address the issue of allergy cells in the gut. (I have these particular ones at hand due to working with several babies who had reflux.) This one shows that infants can be sensitized to CMP via mother's milk. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1979 Aug;64(2):122-6 "Immunoglobulin E to cow's-milk protein in breast-fed atopic children." Kaplan MS, Solli NJ. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=458055&dopt=Abstract Another makes the same point: Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 1988;348:1-14 "Cow's milk allergy in the first year of life. An Italian Collaborative Study." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3071078&dopt=Abstract These authors (below) conclude "Acute reaginic type of CMPI is favored by early ingestion of formula bottles in breast-fed infants and by early sudden weaning. Hypoallergenic formula in five cases was unable to protect infants against further allergic manifestation." Arch Pediatr 1995 Jun;2(6):526-31 "[Milk feeding of infants and cow's milk protein hypersensitivity]" [Article in French] Ghisolfi J, Olives JP, Le Tallec C, Cohen J, Ser N. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7640752&dopt=Abstract These authors found that other foods in addition to CMP were problematic in 6 out of 6 food-sensitive babies: Acta Paediatr 1997 Oct;86(10):1042-6 "Multiple food allergy: a possible diagnosis in breastfed infants." de Boissieu D, Matarazzo P, Rocchiccioli F, Dupont C. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9350880&dopt=Abstract J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2001 Jan;32(1):59-64 "Vomiting and gastric motility in infants with cow's milk allergy." Ravelli AM, Tobanelli P, Volpi S, Ugazio AG. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11176327&dopt=Abstract In addition, the mother may find this website helpful while she tries an elimination diet: http://www.mspiguide.com/index.cfm From personal experience, I can say that cutting out dairy is really not all that hard once you get used to reading labels. I avoided both dairy and soy for many months, and had little problem reworking recipes to suit my needs. There are many good rice-milk products available. I'd be happy to share more of my personal experience if you'd like. (Nutshell version: two CMPI exclusively bf babies, two stints on elimination diets for me, both children "grew out of it" and can now eat dairy themselves in moderation.) Good luck, Margaret LLLL, Longmont, CO *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html