I'm not sure what the problem is??

[Lilasmom]

DS is 5 months old and is EBF.  He currently weighs 17lbs (was 9lbs 14oz at birth).  We've had issues with him being gassy and being quite crampy since he was born.  On top of that we've had issues with reflux.  For the first few months after he was born he could easily spit up a dozen times in the hour following a feed.  It's gotten better and now probably spits up 3-5 times after a feed.  I don't think he always gets heartburn, but there are times where I can tell he definelty does.  The issues with gas and cramps has not improved since he was born.  A lot of the day he is unhappy.  He whines constantly and his little body gets so tense and he holds himself really ridgid.  Then he'll curl himself forward and bring his legs up like he's trying to bear down but nothing is coming out.  I'm not sure if he's bothered by something I'm eating, or if I have a foremilk/hindmilk inbalance.  I've talked with my local breastfeeding consultant and she's suggested cutting out dairy for 3 weeks to see if that's it.  So, it's been a week now since I've cut out dairy.  I've also started taking some Acidophilus tablets, hoping that he'll get some of the probiotics though my milk and help him digest better.  When my milk came after he was born I definelty hyperlactated.  I had huge amounts of milk and had/have a forceful letdown.  My milk has certainly come down a lot since the beginning.  I still can feel my first let down and my milk comes out quite forceful for a minute or so.  I'm not sure if this is a sign that I still have too much milk?  I don't feel like I'm overly full.  Also, I've not been able to transition DS to a 4 hour EASY.  He just can't make it much past 3 hours before needing to eat again.  He drains one side in 5 minutes and I often have to put him on the second side to satisfy him.  He often will get frustrated and will bob on and off the breast after my initial letdown because he's become so accustomed to not having to work for it, so maybe I don't have enough milk???  I'm sorry, I'm so confused and just do not know what the problem is.
P.S  DS has eczema since he was a month old or so that has continued to get worse.  Allergies??   

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

Hi, not sure this is right but will he not feed on side one for longer which would increase supply over time. Or does he get frustrated? And then the same the otherside.

Thats if it is a supply issue?

Sorry not really sure about refux but someone else will know about that.

Don't worry someone always knows the answer on bw. Sounds like you've done really well to get to 5 months. my ds is only 12 weeks and i've had lots of supply issues, i hope i can do as well as you

Kate

[Samuel's mum]

At 5 months not everyone does get to 4 hours and it doesn't have to mean supply 'problems'. If you do have oversupply it might be that he's 'filling up' on proportionally more foremilk so not lasting as long. One quick tip is to let the first flood of letdown come out into a washcloth and then let him feed.

If he doesn't want to 'work' try some breast compressions (see the FAQs).

You are describing potential 'dairy protein' issues (e.g. eczema) so an elimination diet makes sense. It does take up to 2-3 weeks but have you seen any changes yet? Apologies if this is patronizing but have you checked the lacto acidophilus capsules are the dairy-free version?

You might want to speak to your doctor about reflux treatment.

[Lilasmom]

I didn't know some acidophilus tablets contained dairy  .  I checked on my bottle and it doesn't mention dairy in the ingredients.  I actually have noticed a change in DS.  He is quite happy now most of the time.  He still has some moments where he seems uncomfortable and will cry, but then a few minutes later he'll have a large BM and is fine again.  Most of the time though he seems to have an easier time having a BM (previously he seemed to alway be stuggling), and thus why I think he's happier.  He's much more relaxed now.  I'm not sure if it's because I've cut out dairy or the help of the probiotics??  Actually I spoke with a naturopath store and they said they have acidophilus in powder form especially for infants (you mix it with a little water and squirt it in their mouth).  Have any of you used it or know if it's recommended or not??  Oh his eczema seemed be getting better too!!!  So maybe it is the dairy??!! 

Oh I forgot to add, DS had two days in a row that he slept 2, 1.5 hour naps and a 40 minute nap at suppertime!!!!   Now the last two days haven't been great, but it's progress!!!!!!  

[Samuel's mum]

Glad things are looking up. TBH if you are ebf and things are looking up anyway I would probably hold off on giving him probiotics directly. I know people do it but it's strong stuff and it sounds as though things are improving anyway. It sounds like you've found a balance that works so why rock the boat.
With the acidophilus I know they market 'non-dairy' versions (just google) as many regular versions are sourced from dairy.

[Lilasmom]

Hi!  Just thought I'd write a quick update.  Today is day 16 since I cut out all dairy products from my diet and DS is a new baby!!!!    He is SOOO happy all the time.  He wakes up babbling, is rarely fussy and can occupy himself for 15-20minutes at a time.  He's laughing all the time and is ingeneral so much more happy.  He seems to be having an easier time with digestion and is not having any problems with BM's.  Also, his eczema is improving (not sure if this is from cutting out dairy or my religious mosturizing  ).  Also, a few days ago he jumped from a 3 hour EASY to a 4 hour EASY overnight?!!!  Plus he's extended his A time to 2 hours that same day and has been sleeping good 1.5 hour naps consistently as long as I get him to bed AS SOON as he shows those sleepy cues.  I'm so happy that my little guy is feeling so much better.  I only wish I had thought of this sooner and could have spared him so much discomfort.   
I on the otherhand am finding it really hard to find foods to eat that don't contain dairy.  Previously I ate A LOT of dairy, so now I feel like I'm starving just eating the same things over and over again.     I guess I'll have to get creative with recipes.  I've read that LO's often will outgrow their sensitivity/allergy to dairy.  When do you think is a safe time to try it to see if he's outgrown it??     

[Samuel's mum]

That's great news! It must be such a relief.
If you post on the allergies board you may get some more experience of this. My personal suggestion would be to hold off as long as you can - are you really cutting out everything? All the hidden too? You're my hero!
It's just going to be a balance between your needs and taking the risk that returning to dairy might have a negative effect which could then linger as the dairy proteins leave your system.
TBH as you've noticed such as transformation it may be more than just a sensitivity and may be around for a while. I would suggest you hold off as long as he is ebf and then when solids begin you could experiment with dairy in some early recipes (say around 7-8 months) and if that work return to dairy yourself. Could you hold off that long?

[Lilasmom]

Hi Samuel's mum!!  Yes, I've cut out EVERYTHING.  I'm constantly reading the ingredients of foods and a lot of things have dairy.  7-8 months is better than I thought.  I thought I'd have to have absolutely no dairy until he's at least a year (which is how long I breastfed DD).  I'll hold off as long as long as he needs me too.  I don't want to be the cause of him being in so much discomfort.  I feel horrible it went on as long as it did 
 .  Anyhow, thanks again, and I will check out the allergy board for some ideas!!!   
P.S I stopped taking the acidophilus tablets after you mentioned it might be made with dairy, and he's still doing fine without it!!

[Samuel's mum]

I'm really no expert but I would have a cautious go at around 7-8 months and just see what happens. Some babies are OK once micro-fissures in their gut have had time to heal and the digestive flora is rebalanced. But not all