Julia,

I second the recommendation that the mother consider donating the milk to a milk bank if eligible. My understanding is that current guidelines for infants with nut allergies are not to consider a food trial (any food known to contain or very likely to contain the allergen) until after age 3 and likely not until further testing has been completed or repeated. This has been the recommendation I have heard various allergists make over the last three years. I think it would be unlikely a Dr. would recommend using the breastmilk.

I have noticed that, from the families I have worked with, the younger the child displays symptoms of true allergy (not intolerance), the more likely the allergy is long-term and severe. I have no evidence to quote to you about this off hand, this is just what I see in the families I have worked with. YMMV.

There are many excellent sources of information and support that might be help the mother adjust and become less afraid. Food allergy, while initially overwhelming, is highly manageable. Mom may need support to maintain her faith in breastmilk and not turn to formula out of fear (it sounds illogical, but happens often).

Cassidy
CLA and LLL in Fayetteville, AR





________________________________


Date:    Tue, 25 May 2010 14:28:59 -0400
From:    Rosemary McNaughton <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Allergy ?

Julia -

I wonder if she might meet criteria for donating her stored milk.  Even if
she is not comfortable giving it to her baby there may be other babies who
could benefit from a gift of mother's milk.  She could start by donating the
oldest milk first, and keeping enough for emergency situations.

If allergens are removed from the baby's intake for now, the baby may have
healed enough to be able to take the milk 6 months from now (if stored
properly, and if needed).  I would say to consult the doctor about whether
to give pumped milk that may have nut proteins in it - but it doesn't sound
like this doctor is that familiar with breastfed babies if Alimentum was the
solution offered.

If she is continuing to pump, she could start building up a nut-free stash
(labeling clearly!) from now on.  If baby is regularly taking pumped milk
(mom at work?) then she may need support to boost her pumping production now
to give them back the buffer they're losing by not using the previously
expressed milk.

-Rosemary
LLL Leader
Northampton, Massachusetts, USA



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

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome