In a message dated 1/7/02 6:44:36 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<<  One of our techs has a 3 month old that has been exhibiting upper
respiratory symptoms since 6 weeks of age.>>

Does this baby have any other symptoms?

 <<she is positive for beef, chicken, pork, fish, shrimp,
potato's rice and apples.  Not dairy. >>

Much as I doubt the validity of this test, these foods would not at all be
difficult to eliminate. But, I would start w/ cow milk.

<<  Mom has recently started her on rice
cereal.>>

This is the opposite of what a baby w/ allergies would need. Why give cereal
to a baby who is already struggling w/ allergies?

<< In a month they plan on furthertesting her for soy and environmental
allergens. >>

Useless, IMO.

<< Baby has begun tx with Zyrtec and is doing well.  The Allergist
has suggested Mom watch her diet and if no improvement then consider
weaning.>>

This approach gives him a lot of credability in my mind. Suppressing
allergens is believed by holistic practitioners to cause far more serious
illness (such as asthma) later on.

<< Of course this Mom really doesn't want to wean.  I have suggested she
monitor her diet and portions.>>

You cannot limit portions when there is an allergy--you need to eliminate
them.

 I have some experience with allergies w/ my youngest in early
infancy--homeopathy and elimination solved the problem. My dd had recurrent
respiratory infections in toddlerhood. I took her to a homeopath--she has
rarely been sick since then, actually has the strongest immune system of all
my children. Finally, my little guy had a recurrent respiratory problem
(actually the same one that seemed to hang on) last winter. I used his
homeopathic remedy concurrently with PT (2 visits) and he has been well
since. I have worked extensively w/ moms w/ allergic babies--when elimination
alone doesn't work (it often does), referrals to a homeopath, naturopath
and/or chiropractor usually results in healing rather than medicating. I
personally believe it is very dangerous to suppress allergic responses and
encourage my clients to find an approach that restores balance.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

             ***********************************************
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