The local pediatric gastroenterologists have used the term "breastmilk
colitis"  for nursing babies with bloody stools. Often these babies are also
refered to my practice by their pediatrician. The protocal of the gastro. is
48-72 hours off breast with hydrolized protien formula feedings (no
suggestion given for effective expressing). The mother can then choose to
resume breastfeeding or wean if the stools have cleared up. If not, testing
such as upper & lower GI series are started and formula feeds continue.
     These babies often have similar scenarios- abundant weight gain, colicy
behavior, some symptoms of allergies such as rashes, and mothers with copious
supplies. It is not uncommon for me to find yeast infections in these
clients. Some clients choose to try modifying their breastfeeding to reduce
possible foremilk overload rather than go the weaning route. I've seen good
results in just 2-3 days with some of these babies.
       Clients who try the  3 day weaning route often see a dramatic change
in their babies which they then attribute to the wonderful doctor and
formula. Those that try to go back to breast often see continued better
behavior and no bloody stools. I feel this is because of a drop in maternal
supply during weaning , the dr. says it is due to the formula allowing the GI
tract to heal enough so it can "tolerate" breast milk again.
        I often find thrush in these baby/ mothers and wonder if other LC's
have seen increased incidence with situations of fore milk overload. This
makes sense to me if you understand how sugar inbalance can affect adults but
I have not seen this in print.
        Also I observe many of these babies have signs of allergies- is there
a possible way for allergies in the infant to be reflected in oversupply in
the mother? My thought sort of follows a path like immune response in infant
causes immune response in mother, due to mouth breast contact, where
abundance of histamine causes overactive breast. Or maybe these mothers are
borderline allergic (minimal reactions) and when they eliminate offending
foods thinking the baby is allergic , her body stops overproducing milk and
baby improves?
         Sometimes I think soo much I move into impossible realms but would
appreciate any imput on those ideas!
         Debby Kearney IBCLC at Disneyworld