Excuse me, has the doc looked at the type of diapers, the commercial wipes
being used (you know, the ones that CLAIM to have no chemicals or
irritants), the possibility of thrush? There are a number of factors that
could explain a persistant diaper rash, the least of which would be
breastmilk. When moms call me about a diaper rash, the first thing I
suggest they do is put aside the "baby wipe" type products and use good old
water to wash baby's bottom with. You'd be surprised how many rashes
resolve with this simple remedy.
Come on Jack, can't wait to read your reaction to this one.
Mary A. Banaszewski, RN, Lactation Specialist

----------
> From: Katie Schon, LLL Leader <[log in to unmask]>
> To:
> Subject: Elevated ph in breastmilk?
> Date: Tuesday, November 11, 1997 10:35 AM
>
> A mom called whose 3mo baby has a problem with chronic diaper rash. Mom
does
> not eat dairy or citrus and mostly has other fruits, veggies, rice and
> chicken. At her last visit to the doctor, the doc checked breatmilk ph
levels
> (nothing very fancy, just the dipstick method) and found the ph level was
"in
> excess of 7.5." The doc thinks this may be the cause of the diaper rash
and
> advised mom to feed formula once a day. (!) According to Ruth Lawrence's
> book, normal ph of breastmilk is 7.0 but I couldn't find out anything
more
> about this than that. Can anyone offer any information or advice about
this
> issue? Thanks.
>
> Katie
>