Hi everyone
I thought I'd pick some brains after hearing a particularly amazing story
today. I was contacted by a fellow NMAA Counsellor, who had a mother of a
8 week old baby call her. The baby had passed several very small amounts
of bright blood with faeces (just a streak). Baby is thriving, feeding
well, no other signs of ill health. Naturally anxious mother took the baby
to the local children's hospital and was told by a doctor there that blood
in the faeces was very common in breastfed babies and that she should wean
immediately!!!
The mother approached her family doctor for a second opinion, only to be
told that the children's hospital had already contacted him, and he supported
their advice to wean the child, and refused a referral to a paediatrician!!
Have I missed something?? Is blood in the faeces a 'common' part of breast
feeding warranting weaning?? I must have been asleep when the news came out!
I have heard of blood from anal fissures (unusual in this situation) and
after bowel damage from cow's milk protein, but as for breastfeeding!! I
appreciate that cow's milk in the mother's diet may affect the infant, but
feel there must be more information available. Does anyone know more about
this. (I suggested the mother contact another family doctor to get the
referral to a sympathetic paed that she needs).
Any help appreciated!!