XP: Is this a milk allergy?

KTZ17

Preemie moms - does this sound like a preemie problem?  Has anyone else's preemie's bowel movements suddenly changed like this?  I thought maybe her digestive system has matured so now she goes more often?  See below:

In need of some insight...my DD is 10 weeks old, but was born at 31 weeks 3 days so she's about 2 weeks adjusted age. I breastfeed her and supplement with Enfamil Enfacare for preemies because I don't have enough milk for her. Usually she had 2 bowel movements per week and they were dark green due to her iron supplement. Starting last Friday, her bowel movements became more frequent, 5-6 times a day, looser, more mustardy in color, and they smell bad. She has always had gas and has had a patch of dry skin on her forehead for as long as we can remember. She isn't a fussy baby. I spoke to her doctor and she said give it a week and we'll see but it could be a milk allergy. What do you think?

Mrs. Alice

5-6 times a day doesn't sound too unusual for a newborn, actually 2 times a week is very little.  Most BF babies have mustardy looking BM.  Mine were very gassy too.  I don't think the popp usually has a foul odor at that age, but that might be from the iron? My twins have a milk allergy. They were BF and also received some Neosure which is milk based formula and never had issues.  It wasn't until they started drinking WCM that they had greenish diarrhea and horrible diaper rashes.  You also mentioned that you are BFing and supplementing because of supply issues.  Are you also pumping?  Unfortunately supplementing is a slippery slope because your supply can't increase without the demand.  Your pedi might also have you try a different formula if you continue supplementing.  Good luck in figuring it out!

jbranden12

Anna poops 8 times a day at least and she is 3.5 months adjusted. She has a milk protein allergy that manifests itself with blood and super mucousy stools. I think some babies have dairy intolerance that is not necessarily an allergy, so you could try cutting out obvious dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.) and see it if it helps her gas at all.

KTZ17

Your responses have made me feel a little less worried. She does not have blood in her poo. Sometimes I think it does look mucousy but mostly it's watery. It's almost after every feeding, but based on your responses, that could be normal. What makes me think it might not be an allergy is because she is not fussy or irritable, and wouldn't she be if she wasn't digesting well? I just wonder why she changed from 2 BMs per week to 5-6 per day...

KTZ17

She's been on the Enfacare since she was in the NICU because my supply is low. I see a lactation consultant and now I'm making 50% of what she needs. The only change was from the liquid formula to the powder, but I switched on I think a Sunday and her BMs didn't change till Friday.