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Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 18:23:13 -0500
From: Esther Oppliger <[log in to unmask]>
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Subject: Breastfeeding mom with diarrhea
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I talked to a mom today who has an eight day old baby, and the mom is
having extreme problems with gas building up during every breastfeeding
and then diarrhea each time as well.  This problem started three days
ago.  She nursed a previous baby without problems.  Mom is lactose
intolerant.  She had some problems with diarrhea during the last couple
months of pregnancy and stopped taking her Prenate Ultra with a little
success. She is currently taking the same vitamin.  She did take some
Milk of Magnesia a few days ago after delivery when she felt she might
be getting constipated.  She says the baby is doing fine.  She is about
ready to give up breastfeeding because she feels such discomfort with
the gas and then urgency with the diarrhea during each feeding.  She
doesn't feel like she is able to take care of her baby and tend to her
four year old.

        I have never heard of this occurrence.  I did a brief search of the
archives and did not come up with anything related to mothers with
diarrhea during breastfeeding.  I suggested she stop the prenatal
vitamin, try to preserve breastfeeding by at least nursing every other
feeding, perhaps try pumping to see if she gets the same reaction.
Could there be something hormonally related that stimulates the gut?  I
am at a loss.

Thanks,

Esther Oppliger, ARNP, IBCLC
Garden City, Kansas