Lactose intolerant????? Help!

[Rach03]

I was lactose intolerant... went away when I was preggers with DS and he is now 15 months and I am still in the clear. But, DS is now having trouble with homo milk. Nursed until 10 months, started formula at 10mths and tried easing to homo milk at 13, 14 and now 15 months with problems. Was hard to tell if he was reacting to milk or teething... things seem to come at same time.

His symptoms would include decreased appetite and loose stools. Decreased appetite was main difference. Also started refusing yogurt which he used to love. At 13 and 14 months, right after I stopped the milk, he cut a tooth. So, was it the milk or the tooth?

He has never been on milk more than a week... and only made it up to about 2 oz a day total.

Just started again, and we are having same symptoms.

But, he LOVES cheese and seems to have no reaction at all. He also is having Nestle Stage 2 formula with no problems at all. I know the formula is easier to digest, but I would think if he is lactose intolerant he would be reacting.

Ideas? Are these just 3 bad coincidences. Can I try 2%? I used to by lactose free milk, but it only comes in 2%, not homo. Could the homo be too strong?

What should I do???

[Jimbob]

The milk definately sounds like it is causing problems as you have had the same issues on all three occasions. I think I would either get some lactose free milk and see how he goes with that or just keep him on the formula for a while longer. There is no rush to stop formula I know a lot of people that keep their lo's on it until 2. With regards to cheese I have heard of lots of cases where a child can eat hard cheese and yogurt but not drink milk. I admit these have usually been people that are MPI but it could be the same with lactose intolerance. I will have to do some research when I have time.

Kelly

[Rach03]

Is it okay to try 2% this young? I do plan to keep him on formula, but I would like to introduce some milk as well. Thanks.

[Jimbob]

From what I have read 2% milk is a reduced fat milk. In the UK we are told to only give whole milk (full fat) to children under 2. Where are you from?

Kelly

[Rach03]

Canada.

[Jimbob]

The guidelines may be different in Canada than they are in the UK. It also depends how much fat is in the rest of your ds's diet.

[Rach03]

OK. Will chat with family doc too... maybe he will outgrow it? I hope

[meltown]

my dr said that as long as your LO is growing ok any milk is ok but skim.  he said that whole is obviously better but if you cant get whole or your lo wont drink whole then 2% is fine.  it only matters if your lo isn't growing correctly.

[Jimbob]

As I said there are different guidelines in different countries.

[Rach03]

Dr. said it was very unlikely DS was lactose intolerant as most babies are not... suggested con't with whole, but extremely small doses.... we are know doing only 1/2 oz of whole milk 2x a day... systoms seems to have disappaited. DR. said to increase in very small doses, 1/4-1/2oz per week... said there may be some more 'symptoms' but they will likely subside. So, DS is now getting 1oz total whole milk per day with no symptoms. This is good!

[Jimbob]

Thats good news, I hope it continues.