How do you know if a baby is lactose intolerant....

Question

and are they from the beggining or does it just change one day?

Answer 1

There is a difference between lactose intolerent and dairy intolerent. Lactose is the sugar found in the milk of mammals... humans included and it is VERY rare for a baby to be allergic to breastmilk. You can get tests done on her urine to determine if this is the case.

However, she may be dairy intolerant... (intolerent to the protein found in cow's milk) or intolerent to something else in your diet. Try cutting out one thing at a time from your diet and see if it makes any difference. I would start with Dairy, then maybe wheat if the dairy doesn't change anything. Other common food that upset breastfed babies include garlic, onion, cabbage chocolate, caffinated drinks (and food).

Please do look at the two websites below. I found them extrememly helpful as my bub can not tolerate dairy in my diet... I am soon to try reintroducing though. Good luck

Answer 2

sounds like an allergy.  Dairy is usually the culprit.  Do an elimination for three weeks and see if there is improvement.  NO milk, ice cream, cheese, etc.  If it's lactose intolerance take lactase enzyme...or give it to her on the tongue before you breastfeed.  My baby would not tolerate her milk without enzymes.

Answer 3

Are you supplementing breast milk with formula? babies usually don't become allergic or intolerant of what they have been feed for weeks.

My niece's son was being breast fed; being a new mom she worried that he was not getting enough or any. Breast are not equipped with meters. So she gave him formula. Biggest mistake, he started having diarrhea and projectile vomiting (vomiting clear across the room )He was not gaining weight. The doctor did alot of test, however not for milk allergy. when he was losing weight the doctor wanted to hospitalize him. All the time her mother-in-law keep saying that her sons were allergic and would do the same things. The doctor said, listen to me not her. finally my niece said what if I go with the breast only or try a soy based formula? the doctor said it can't hurt; also bring him to the specialist. the appointment was over a week away, by then he was doing much better. the doctor had to admit he was wrong. They redid a test done in every hospital on a new born, a day or so after,to check for allergy to what ever they are being fed. He was allergic.

If you are only breast feeding it could be something you are eating.

Answer 4

My 4 month old baby is breastfed also and the stools tend to be pretty lose... If the doctor says is ok you don't have to worry, but if you have doubts, try consulting another pediatrician or better, a lactation consultant, that worked for me. But please, don't stop breastfeeding him!

The best way to know if  he's lactose intolerant is to do the test yourself, stay off milk and other dairy a few days to see how the baby reacts...

Answer 5

If you are not breast-feeding, start!  If you are, see your pediatrician.  

If you aren't breast-feeding I'll bet the stench from the child's defecation is toxic in odor...what does that tell you?  Hope you are doing it the proper way that God intended.  Bless your child.  Mary

Answer 6

my nephew was lactose intolerant and he couldn't p**p he was extremly constipated and since my sister didnt produce enough breast milk he was on formula since day one and by the 3rd day she knew and the dr switched him to soy then he broke out in a rash so he got switched again to lactose free formula he's 15months old now but he drinks whole milk and is fine the dr. said he grew out of it but when he gets older he might have some issues with milk but not really bad

Answer 7

The quote below is from the source.  If you suspect that your baby has a problem with your milk and you drink a lot of cow's milk, you could try cutting back.  Cow's milk is good in that it provides water, protein, and calcium, which a nursing mother needs.  You can get them from other food sources.  Your body will still make great milk for your baby.  As long as you baby is making 6 wet diapers per day, she is well hydrated.  If you have concerns later, be sure to check back with your doctor.

"What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

If your baby is lactose intolerant, he may have diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, or gas about 30 minutes to two hours after drinking breast milk or eating dairy products, like cheese or yogurt, once he starts eating solids. (Babies should not drink cow's milk until their first birthday.)"

Answer 8

Definitely nothing to be concerned about.  She would more than likely vomiting and extremely fussy if she were lactose intolerant.  

Answer 9

my son couldnt p**p and was screaming and i had him on regular formula i took him to the doctor switched to similac soy and hes been just fine he also spit up ALOT