>This is the original message (June '01) from a friend that is nursing her
>(then) 11 month old.
>After this "diagnosis" Rachel (the mom) continued nursing as before, just
>added more veggie and fruit to the diet, mixing it with Milk of Magnesia.
>Today, October 13, you'll see her message as to where her now 15 month
>old is doing.  (Still nursing as before)

Patricia,
My first thoughts on reading this situation is to investigate food
intolerance, possibly *via* the breastmilk, or the solids. Does
Rachel (the mum) eat a lot of dairy (real dairy ;-)? Is there is any
history of intolerances to this or other foods in the family or in
mum's past?

My experience was a little different to this scenario, in that my
second-born became constipated when she completely weaned at about 26
months. We now know that she has food intolerances, but not to dairy
- rather to certain fruits. So constipation like Rachel describes is
familiar to me! We never used milk of magnesia (never suggested) but
did use a product that contains paraffin oil, that is
chocolate-flavoured (and kids like!). This worked well for quite a
while, except you get orange stains on underwear if the child 'leaks'
(which is common in this condition).

The fact that my experience has been problems with *fruits*, brings
me to question what the fruits and juices SJ consumes are. Just
something to consider if she might have an intolerance to one of
these.

Reassure Rachel that continuing to breastfeed is probably the *best*
thing she can do for SJ. If my experience is anything to go by,
weaning may make it all worse. Besides, *we* all know that
breatfeeding is very unlikely be at fault here.

Good luck to Rachel in being the detective to sort this problem out.
I know how frustrating and stressful it is to see your beloved child
suffering like this.

Joy
******************************************************************
Joy Anderson B.Sc. Dip.Ed. Grad.Dip.Med.Tech. IBCLC
Australian Breastfeeding Association counsellor
Perth, Western Australia.   mailto:[log in to unmask]
******************************************************************

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