SO SAD: I think I have to sop BFing :(

Happycouple · April 2012

Some of you may have read my previous posts that DS has had bad sebhhoreic dermatitis (which is now better as the dermatologist predicted) and now eczema which mainly flares of up on his face. This has been going on for over 4 months. We finally saw an allergist and they did a skin test on him. he tested for a mild allergy to peanut, milk and more significantly to egg. I am now on week 3 of not eating any of nuts, egg or dairy.

I woke up this morning and his face is all broken out. Im using the stupid creams and doing everything the allergist tells me, but the minute I think it is getting better, it flares up again. Its likely something else Im eating, but who knows. I was allowed to introduce baked dairy back into my diet the past few days so maybe that was it too. He is so so itchy its so sad. We have to swaddle him when he sleeps so he doesnt claw the crap out of his face.

He is on one bottle of Nutramigen formula a day since my supply has dropped a bit. This is a hypo allergenic formula but may have traces of milk protein in it. The Neocate formula that is truly free and clear of all milk he refuses to eat--its disgusting.

Im at a point where I just doint know what to do and think i should stop nursing. Im harming his skin. I feel like its my fault. The allergist tested for the 12 most common things, but he could be allergic to frickin onion for all I know. Any advice? Do I stop BFing for a week and only give him formula (granted it has to be that special nasty formula if he will take it) and see if his skin improves?

Stopping makes me so emotional. I want to provide this for him, but I feel like its doing more harm and clearly this diet is no fun either, but thats the least of my worries. He is also my last baby and I will actually miss nursing him. Im kinda crying as I type. thanks for listening

hopecounts · April 2012

((hugs)) that's so tough.

I don't know about allergies and nursing but I know there's a check in on the Breastfeeding Board for Mom's dealing with it. I'd post over there and see what suggestions moms that have btdt and managed to keep nursing have before giving up on BFing.

Good Luck and I hope the LO gets to feeling better!

Imanurse03 · April 2012

I'm so sorry. I know it must be difficult. I have no advice but whatever happens, know that you're doing whatever is best for your DS. Hugs. Possibly post this on BF board, too. Hopefully you'll get additional advice and support.

MBandBud · April 2012

So sorry you are going through this. Something tells me the formula could cause it, too, so before you quit I would exclusively pump while trying the formula. That way you keep your supply up while trying out the formula. And get a huge stash if you can use it! My only concern would be going back from bottle to breast - b/c letdown is quicker than the bottle, but you can 'fake' let down with a bottle if that is a worry of yours. I presume you've talked with the allergist about next steps? Ditto post on the bf board. Hang in there.

dusk42 · April 2012

You could drop the baked dairy again (and doesn't it take a few weeks to get it all out of your/his system?). Is regular soy formula not an option? (I'm ignorant of allergy stuff.) I agree to pump if you try to switch to formula - it would suck if you had to switch to the spendy formula for no reason/no real improvement.

Is there any environmental component (clothing, etc.), or just the food? I'm sorry you have to deal with this.

Sarafuss · April 2012

dusk42:

You could drop the baked dairy again (and doesn't it take a few weeks to get it all out of your/his system?). Is regular soy formula not an option? (I'm ignorant of allergy stuff.) I agree to pump if you try to switch to formula - it would suck if you had to switch to the spendy formula for no reason/no real improvement.

Is there any environmental component (clothing, etc.), or just the food? I'm sorry you have to deal with this.

This. DS has a milk protein allergy. We tried Nutramigen and Alimentum and DS hated them both. We tried soy formula (Target Up & Up brand) and he's been fine on that. I'm not sure if you've tried this already but maybe it's worth a shot?

I'm sorry you have to stop BFing. This sounds so stressful!

Dragonfly1226 · April 2012

I am so sorry hon. I agree with the PP who suggested pumping if you do decide to try the formula. That way you aren't closing any doors yet. I hope your little guy gets better soon. (((((hugehugs)))))

perry7285 · April 2012

i wouldn't give up yet, especially since he doesn't want to take the formula that's truly hypoallergenic. it sounds to me like the baked dairy in your diet could definitely be the problem, so i would try cutting that out. if you're really committed to continuing to nurse him you could consider doing an elimination diet where you cut back to a few very hypoallergenic foods and then gradually add more in. it would be a royal PITA and of course you'd have to ask the doctor if it would work (i'm just guessing) but if you really want to BF it sounds like it might be worth it.

i'm sorry you're dealing with this sweetie. big hugs.

LucyPevensie · April 2012

perry7285:

i wouldn't give up yet, especially since he doesn't want to take the formula that's truly hypoallergenic. it sounds to me like the baked dairy in your diet could definitely be the problem, so i would try cutting that out. if you're really committed to continuing to nurse him you could consider doing an elimination diet where you cut back to a few very hypoallergenic foods and then gradually add more in. it would be a royal PITA and of course you'd have to ask the doctor if it would work (i'm just guessing) but if you really want to BF it sounds like it might be worth it.

i'm sorry you're dealing with this sweetie. big hugs.

I agree with this - no guarantees that formula feeding will go any better. Best of luck to you I'm sorry this is so tough!!

Want a personalized experience?

SO SAD: I think I have to sop BFing :(

Re: SO SAD: I think I have to sop BFing :(

Choose Another Board

Search Boards