After months of process of elimination since weaning DD onto whole milk, it's pretty obvious she has an intolerance to milk (severe diaper rash, frequent loose stools, gas, etc.). My pediatrician was not so sure because she was still able to handle cheese and yogurt. In the last few weeks she's been having reactions to yogurt as well.
I've spoken with several PA's and pediatricians over the phone and they are very pushy about lactaid and continuing to try milk. Our pediatrician is almost panic-y about her not getting the fat she needs for good brain development. I've done research on how to get good fats in her diet, but they still seem to think she's not going to get what she needs without cows milk. They also believe she is not intolerant because of her age (they say she needs to be beyond toddler stage to be diagnosed). I'm willing to try lactaid, but our family buys almond milk and she likes it, so it would be nice to all drink the same thing.
So, I guess my questions are- if your child is lactose intolerant, how do you obtain the ever-important fats? Also, how do you handle an unsupportive pediatrician?
Re: Ped not supportive of dairy intolerance suspicions?
If you are not really liking your pedi's advice I would find a new pedi. They should be looking at your concerns, not just trying to pacify you.
Sorry I have no other advice
My son's issue is with milk protein, and he had constant ezcema, bloody/mucus stools, nasal congestion, and occasionally facial rash until we completely eliminated it. Our pedi was a bit old school and kept suggested "colic, environmental allergies, etc" for the first few weeks. Luckily I work in a hospital and was able to go talk directly to a peds GI doc, who essentially diagnosed DS before I could even finish telling him all the symptoms. After that we saw a pedi allergist at my initiative, I told our pedi I was making the appt, and he just said "ok, do what you want". The allergist was also very helpful, got the testing done, and has helped us plan out food challenges (which unfortunately DS has failed the 2 we've done, but I'm glad to have guidance on it). I guess my point is that you're not alone and don't be afraid to find a new pedi or look for help from a specialist.
Also, in regards to the fats issue, my DS gets plenty of healthy fats. Lots of avocado, hummus, and coconut milk yogurt. He's very tall for his age and not once have we had an issue with his growth since completely eliminating dairy.
we're not lactose intolerant here, but my son is allergic to milk (plus many others) so we avoid.
avocados are in our meals every day. my son loooves guacamole on a chip
I drown everything in olive oil or dairy/soy free butter.
I'm a vegetarian/vegan (depending on the year) and was lectured by my pedi multiple times regarding my diet. Now that i am pregnant again i get constant conversations by her to start eating dairy/meat products b/c it's healthier for the baby. I voice my opinion many times but it's impossible to convince a doctor sometimes b/c they can be very stubborn. They are doing things by the book many times.. (things have changed).
one thing i learned is that you know your child more than anyone else and to always follow your gut. If you think dairy is hurting her and not agreeing with her -avoid it. You are her mommy and you know her best. If she continues to give you a hard time, find another pedi.. one that is on the same page.
Make sure the milk you choose to give her is enriched / fortified. There are soy/milk free yogurts and so many other products now-a-days that has calcium.
I would change the pedi in a heartbeat. Bottom line I need someone I can trust. If I feel he/she is not listening, I'm not going to bother in trying to change him.
I looove DD's allergist. I was also concerned about the calcium and proteing intake for my DD (allergy to milk, eggs and other non food related stuff). The truth is you don't need milk in LOs diet, yet it's easier to make LOs eat protein and calcium through milk. I suggest research for vegan recipes on how to substitute and balance the lack of milk. It's more work but completely doable.
GL!