Baby Allergic to breastmilk?

by Gabriela
(San Antonio, Tx.)

I have a 2 month old boy and I recently found out he's allergic to Milk and milk protein. I took him to the hospital in the begining of Oct. because had blood in his stools. The nurse had me stop breastfeeding him for the days we were in there. I found out his allergy and also he had a virus, which they took care of. So they put him on a formula called Neocate. This formula makes him constipated, big time! The 2nd to the last day we were in there I was put on a no dairy diet. I was told to pump and dump that night and it would be okay to breastfeed in the morning. Also that night I had family visit and they brought food which contained a lil eggs in th noodles that was all. Was told the same again, pump and dump. As I did, I breastfeed in the morning. He was doing better, we then were dischargered from the hospital. I continued to brestfeed for about 2 weeks more and again he had blood in his stool. A couple more weeks he stopped and stated again. So I stopped breastfeeding (which i am not happy with) but the blood in his stool stopped. I looked on the net for answers and found that milk and milk protein takes up to 2 or 3 weeks to leave my breast milk and my system. Was I told wrong information in the hosptial? I would love to continue breastfeeding! When is the right time to breastfeed again?

answer from the lactation consultant

That is one adorable baby! Oh my goodness, he could be a sibling to my daughter Abby, have you seen my photo of her on this page? photo of my Abby I cant believe how much they look alike, wow.

Here is a really good article on food allergies, you should read: more info on food allergies with breastfed babies
The first thing you must do is see a nutritionist to modify your diet if you wish to return to breastfeeding. That way you can clear your milk of the milk proteins first. If your child has protein sensitivity, you must alter your diet greatly but most of the time if you do this you can continue to breastfeed.
Next you will work with a local lactation consultant on rebuilding your milk supply (you did not say how long it was since you last breastfed). It is not as simple as pumping to get it back but it is very doable if you work with a good lactation consultant. What you will do is called RELACTATION. I have helped several moms do this but again, I strongly urge you to get local support.
Dont give up. Keep searching for answers! You are doing a great job.
Liz Pevytoe, RN, Ibclc