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Occult blood - allergy? OS?

snairic102snairic102 member
in Breastfeeding

subject: occult blood - allergy? OS?

Longtime lurker here...

 DD is 9 weeks old and is EBF.  About a month ago, she was having mucousy (still yellow) poops,  The ped tested and found found occult blood in her stool and told me to cut out dairy.  I also decided to cut out soy.  Since then her poops are no longer mucousy, but it's hard to say if there are any other differences as she has never shown any other symptoms of allergies/intolerance (e.g., fussiness, overly gassy, excessive spitups).  I had two slip ups with soy early on (that stuff is everywhere!), but I am pretty sure I haven't had any form of dairy.  

At her two month checkup yesterday (so 5ish weeks since I changed my diet), her poop still tested positive for occult blood.  The pediatrician didn't seem overly concerned - didn't ask me to make any additional changes to my diet and said it was fine to continue EBF as we are.  At the time, I was so surprised to hear that there was still blood, that I didn't push or question the ped at all, but now I am wishing I had.  Does it seem strange that they don't want to identify the source of the problem?  I don't mind any dietary restrictions that she needs.  On the other hand, I would rather not limit dairy/soy if those are not even the issue. 

Has anyone had or heard of a similar experience?   I do have an oversupply and she is a snacker - eats every 2ish hours during the day for only 10-12 minutes on one side.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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Re: Occult blood - allergy? OS?

  • snairic102snairic102 member

    This explanation is super helpful - thanks.  I don't think my oversupply is too extreme, but I'm willing to try anything that may help.

     A few questions about block feeding...

    She eats around every two hours, and I currently offer only one side per feeding, so I am already block feeding with two hour blocks.  She doesn't usually empty the breast though.  Would you recommend using the same side for two feedings in a row? 

     I am going back to work in 1.5 weeks and will pump at work.  I was planning to pump both breasts at once at work.  Is it feasible to do this on the weekdays and block feed on the weekends? 

     Thanks again! 

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  • snairic102snairic102 member
    imageAmyG*:

    Well the problem is that traces of blood can show up in stool for many reasons, and traces are just that, traces, and not really a concern in an otherwise healthy baby.  It's partly due to their immature digestive system. 

    Oversupply and the lactose overload that usually comes from oversupply can strip off the top layer of digestive tract, speed digestion and you'll get miniscule amounts of blood showing in diaper. 

    Before doing anything else I would begin block feeding to lower supply to meet baby's needs, get more hindmilk into baby which will slow digestion, which will help the digestive tract heal. 

    many babies will show signs of milk or soy intolerance while they are dealing with oversupply.  just like when you have an intestinal bug, you may be temporarily lactose intolerant with milk making your diarhea and vomiting more pronounced. 

     Edit: meant to quote this reply

    This explanation is super helpful - thanks.  I don't think my oversupply is too extreme, but I'm willing to try anything that may help.

     A few questions about block feeding...

    She eats around every two hours, and I currently offer only one side per feeding, so I am already block feeding with two hour blocks.  She doesn't usually empty the breast though.  Would you recommend using the same side for two feedings in a row? 

     I am going back to work in 1.5 weeks and will pump at work.  I was planning to pump both breasts at once at work.  Is it feasible to do this on the weekdays and block feed on the weekends? 

     Thanks again!  

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