Yesterday the nutritionist at the WIC clinic called to tell me about a mom
who was there with a 7 week old baby, fully breastfed and thriving. She had
brought in a prescription to get predigested formula free from the WIC, from
the pediatrician.  The problem is that the baby has had an itchy rash since
birth. He scratches his face constantly. They have tried not using any type
of soap on him, and when that didn't work, using a special nonallergic type
soap on him. That didn't work either, so now the MD feels the rash is
related to breastfeeding, and wants the mom to wean for at least a week to a
predigested formula to see if the baby improves. Mom wants to comply with
physician and see if it does help. Baby is going to see a dermatologist but
that is a week away.  I have asked her to come in to see me on Thursday, so
I could get our neonatologist to look at the rash, and to see how her
pumping is coming . Any ideas about what would cause a baby to get an itchy
rash all over his body?  If you have any ideas please send them so that we
can consider that possibility when we look at the little guy.  Thanks.  Oh,
also mom says he has been stuffy, and she uses a vaporizer to help him
breathe when he sleeps.
Ann Calandro,RNC,IBCLC