Dear experienced ones,

Okay, i've searched thru the archives going back to 2000.  i've reviewed my 
own files and researched some new ones online. Hopefully, this will be a quick 
question:

(permission to post) - Recently, i've had two moms within two weeks of each 
other present their newborns with copious bloody stools before 4th week of 
age.  Both moms exclusively nursing, in constant contact w/newborns, in 
normal health, w/good support systems at home.  Both immediately followed 
the dairy elimination protocol, (not so quick to eliminate soy).  Neither one had 
started vit. D supplements w/baby.  Both of them reported improving diapers 
within first two weeks, to the point of no visible blood, dark or bright red.  
Everyone is happy.  Then, suddenly, two to three days of copious bloody 
stools again.  (That is the question, for those who don't want to read all the 
details, lol!).

As the first mom put it, 'it definitely got worse before it got better'.  Her baby 
is now seemingly healing, happy, and mom is now totally dairy and soy-free in 
her diet.  She is about 2+ weeks ahead of the second mom in this timeline.  

The second mom is just now struggling with day three of this second round of 
bloody stools, although she admits today is much better than before.  She has 
not given up soy yet, but says she is starting ASAP.  Assures me of 
compliance on the dairy issue.  She is really wanting some explanation as to 
why it gets better, then worse, then hopefully better. Plus, she has had no 
support from her ped.  Feels guilty for not immediately putting baby on formula 
for one week.  She is now doubting herself a bit for deciding to have faith in 
her milk.  By all accounts, she is in great, normal healthy postpartum, she has 
no allergies herself, no medical issues. 

The only thing i wonder about is comments i've heard about 'healing crisis', or 
possibly the gut going through a 'house cleaning'.  Just getting rid of 
the 'remnants' perhaps?  (There's my question!, :-))

BTW, both babies have normal hemoglobin, good weight gain overall, lots of 
wet diapers, of course.

Both moms do have OAMER, and within first week, were practicing block 
feeding, and both very aware of making feeds easier for babies.  Explosive, 
frothy stools abated almost immediately.  I would imagine that that issue may 
not be as likely a cause of renewed bloody stools if both moms were feeding 
like they say they are?

I am including all this info so as to clarify that i've been thorough with these 
two moms in particular (at least, i hope!).  The crux of this post is, what's up 
with the second round of bloody stools?  Any cases out there you would care 
to share?  Okay, sorry this wasn't so quick after all!

Thanks in advance, and i am so grateful for Lactnet!

Alicia Burgett, IBCLC in PP
Spokane, WA (still snowed in!)

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