A woman whose original concern was threads of blood in her
now-5-month-old's diaper, beginning maybe 2 months ago, has just seen a
pediatric gastroenterologist who acknowledged that, since the blood seemed
to be decreasing, weaning wasn't necessary.  *However,* since the baby
looked pretty uncomfortable from the eczema on his scalp and legs (which
developed after the bloody stools), he felt switching to a protein
hydrolysate formula - at least temporarily - would be a good idea.

She plans to pump, and hopes to return to bfing.  My question:

Is there much potential for additional harm if an allergic 5 month old is
given one of these formulas for two weeks?

The mom is weary, and has had doctors telling her to wean for so long, for
so many reasons, that it would actually be a relief to her to try it.
She's removed dairy, eggs, and peanuts, which the allergist (who also
suggested weaning) recommended, but hasn't eliminated soy, corn, wheat, or
beef.  So there's room for more diet tinkering.

Anyway, the mom wants to try the doctors' suggestion for now, and I'm
wondering what potential harm there is.

Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC, LLLL  Ithaca, NY