Hello everybody,

First time caller here - or is that first time "Netter"? I've been reading
for about a week and 'am duly impressed with all of your knowledge and now I
need your valuable input. My name's Nancy and I'm an IBCLCer and an
LLLLeader.  A week ago a mother came to me to rent a breastpump.  When
inquiring as to what her needs were, she said she wasn't sure because her
baby had developed an allergy to her milk.  As it goes, the baby is 5 weeks
old but was born 3 weeks premature. The baby was 4.4 lbs but not allowed to
go to breast because the doc wanted the feeds to be "accurately controlled".
Mom pumped for all babies needs and gained dramatically - in fact an average
of 16 oz per week!
Discharged at 2 weeks, baby continued to do well and the transition to the
breast went surprisingly smooth.  No nipple confusion at all.  At 3 weeks,
baby started developing shrill screaming episodes and constant moaning and
groaning.  Mother very distraught.  Ped. Said "only colic".  Gives mother
Lactaid to give to baby.  No change. At 4 weeks, Doc takes stool sample,
test results show blood, lactose, and fats. Ped says baby has a
malabsorption problem and can't digest her mother's milk.  (even though baby
is gaining a pound per week).  Dr. says discontinue cabbage, beans tomatoes,
broccoli, (but not dairy).   At 5 weeks baby still miserable yet weighs
8.8lbs.  Ped. Takes baby off breastmilk totally and prescribes predigested
ABM. Mother says baby is a "new person" after one feed. I suggested she
discontinue dairy products as it is likely to be the allergen that's causing
the baby's violent reaction, while she gives her baby's intestine a "rest"
on the ABM.
After one week, mother is concerned that baby is having frequent reflux
episodes on ABM (2-3 hours AFTER EVERY FEED of ABM) and wants to get back to
the breast.  Stool sample test shows that there is an improvement in the
"malabsorption" problem and Ped. OK'd a trial breastmilk feed.  Within two
hours of the feed, baby responded with screaming and pain.
Mother is convinced baby is allergic to her milk.  She is too overwhelmed to
consider an elimination diet and I'm not so sure an allergy is the problem
anymore.  Has anyone seen this situation before?  Your input is greatly
appreciated.
Sincerely,

Nancy Ferland, IBCLC
Sleepless in Suquamish (just across the sound from Seattle).