Switching to Formula?

lexmtown · October 2012

So I posted earlier about this, but I took my LO to the pedi this morning and she thinks he has a milk protein intolerance and said if I wanted to continue BFing that I need to cut all dairy out of my diet. After talking with family members, they are concerned that I won't get enough calcium in my diet and worried that it'll take too long for the dairy to leave my system (since I eat a lot...). Should we consider switching to FF? I honestly hate to even think about doing it because we overcame a lot of obstacles to BF and have finally gotten into a good groove, and I def enjoy the bonding time with my LO...

Izabella22 · October 2012

Could you take a calcium supplement? Most women don't get enough calcium from their diet anyway, so its not unheard of to take one regardless. Its definitely up to you about whether you want to commit to a dairy free diet and continue BFing. I'm not sure how long it takes to leave your system, but you could always try it for a few weeks and see if that helps before going to formula. Sounds like you are already considering it, but make sure its really what you want before you do. Its all in what is best for you and your LO.

MichelleL1118 · October 2012

I have a milk protein allergy, and manage to get plenty of calcium in my diet without eating any dairy. It takes about 2 weeks for the dairy proteins to completely leave your system, so you'll continue to see an effect of the dairy intolerance in your son for that amount of time, although it will diminish as you go longer without dairy. The hardest part of being dairy-free is eating processed foods, and knowing what to look for in the ingredient list that indicates the presence of dairy products (there's a long list, it goes beyond just milk/cheese). Personally, I would do an elimination diet & continue to BF before I ever considered switching to formula, and I'd talk to my own doctor (or a nutritionist) about how best to ensure I'm getting the proper nutrition without eating the things that have been eliminated from my diet.

aliena · October 2012

ok, so no dairy for me either, but the calcium thing is totally do-able with calcium fortified orange juice and other veggies. I also added back in soy after a couple of months, and LO has no problems there. It ALSO takes awhile to clear the dairy out of LO's system so its not going to be a sudden cure anyway. Its been shown that bm is better for little allergic babes (less allergies later, so on.), so if you can continue to bf.

shotzie · October 2012

This is your decision, your family shouldn't be weighing in on this. Like pp's have said, there are plenty of other foods that contain calcium. Target has chewable multi vitamins and calcium supplements that are dairy and soy free too.

It's in your LO's best interest for you to change your diet and yes, you can do it. It does take anywhere from 2 to 4 or 5 wks for your systems to be clear of dairy proteins, so give it some time. My DD2 is soy protein intolerant as well, so I had to cut soy too [it's in a lot of packaged foods].

The special formulas for dairy/soy protein intolerance cost an arm and a leg. And it usually takes trying one or two before you find one your LO can tolerate, depending on how sensitive they are.

Check out the MSPI Moms post below. You'll find the link to our blog [it's in my siggy too]. You'll find recipes and other helpful info. You can do this.

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