lactose intolerance?

[Tamaralee]

Hi,

I'm hoping you can help me with some advice as I am really confused as to what to do. I have been exclusively breastfeeding my 11 week old and since day one she has been riddled with tummy problems (ie reflux, wind, colic-type pains). She poos constantly (as in every 30 mins) and her poos are really really runny- ie liquid- and bright yellow with little curds/grains? in it. Every time she does a poo she screams in pain until it's all out. She is gaining weight brilliantly though, so there is no question as to whether she's getting enough, her attachment is good (I haven't had any probs yet) and she is always happy when she comes off the breast. It's just when it gets to the digestion part that she becomes miserable. So, my questions:
(1) How do you know if it is lactose intolerance or something similar? What are the signs?
(2) I am considering (reluctantly) trialling her on formula for a week to see if it makes a difference. If I express at all her feed times for that week will I maintain my supply, just in case it doesn't make a difference?

I do realise all the benefits of breastfeeding and I would love to keep going, but seeing my bub in pain all the time is really eating away at me. Sorry for the loooooong post, but I've just received so much conflicting advice I would like to hear from a professional.

Thanks in advance,

Tamara

PS I should also mention that I have trialled posture feeding, expressing some milk off the top, and changing things in my diet. Feel like I'm running out of options here.

[Pinky McKay]

Hi tamaralee,
Please please dont give your baby formula as a solution to your breastfeeding problems. Your baby's discomfort can be solved by some simple modifications to your breastfeeding rather than exposing your little one to potential allergens and accompanying problems -in fact allergies can also create similar symptoms to what you are describing. If this is the case, eliminating cows milk protein from your diet may help - this has to be done for a week to two weeks to see a noticable difference.

What you are describing is more likely to be foremilk intolerance - true lactose intolerance is extemely rare in breastfed babies, would be present from birth and would cause poor weight gains. In short, a relatively simple solution is to allow your baby to 'finish' the first side first, before offering the other breast and to follow your baby's feeding cues rather than limit feeding times or follow a strict feeding schedule.

I have explained this at length in my book 100 Ways to Calm the Crying, but for some excellent research articles on the topic see the following article:

http://www.llli.org/FAQ/foremilk.html

best wishes,
Pinky