I have been dialoguing online with a fellow LLLLeader/friend whose sister has
been having difficulties with her 6 mos old baby. Baby has been exclusively
breastfed but began "throwing up" feedings and losing weight. I'm not sure of
the period of time that this all happened over, perhaps several weeks, all I
know is that it took mom a while to realize that baby was going "backwards"
in growth. Compounding the strangeness has been the fact that baby is highly
gag sensitive, refusing solids, milk "weighted" with cereal, etc.  Mom is a
vegan, doesn't do dairy, so we could rule out dairy sensitivities. Reflux tx
didn't affect the problem. Pyloric stenosis ruled out. Baby was finally
hospitalized and diagnosed with B-12 deficiency--- either due to inadequate
levels in mom's milk, or else to inability of baby to absorb; MD still
unsure. After a B-12 shot, baby has stopped throwing up, has perked up, and
put on 1 lb in less than a week.

I've been aware of the potential issues of a maternal vegan diet, but this is
the first such case that I've come across. Thought you'd all be interested!

-Lisa Marasco, LLLL, IBCLC
[log in to unmask]