Should I give allergic baby alimentum or breastmilk?

Question

My baby is 11 weeks old and has had a terrible rash since he was 2 weeks. I have tried cutting out wheat, dairy, citrus, eggs, soy, and nuts from my diet (all at the same time, just to see) and the rash is still there. The Dr. thinks it is *something* i'm eating, but not sure what since I'm pretty much just eating rice and chicken. Anyways he gave me alimentum to try for a week to see if the rash goes away.

My question is... if the rash DOES go away, is it better to continue on that formula or is it better to breastfeed him (knowing that he will continue to have an allergic reaction, since we can't figure out what it is)? I want to breastfeed because I know it is healthier, especially for allergic babies, but I'm not sure if it is better for him in this case since he is allergic to it, or if that might actually make his allergy worse....

Answer 1

Maybe he is allergic to your breastmilk.

Answer 2

make them do any allergy test on the baby. some babies are allergic to milk. you can still bond with the baby during feeding if you cuddle it.

Answer 3

my baby girl had a similar issue, and i had to switch to alimentum. i did not like it, but i would rather give up breast feeding, and know she is going to be healthy.  

Answer 4

2 weeks is very early for allergies to show up in an infant.  But It is possible your baby is allergic to rice.  My daughter was tested for it on a list of common allergies.  She tested positive to Wheat, corn, apples and peaches for food and also to grass and mold.  It could be a number of things even the detergent you use.  My daughters eczema was easily irritated and even the baby detergent and soaps irritated her skin.  I had to use detergents and soaps free of dyes and perfumes.

Anyway, the real question...sorry got off topic.  It's really your call.  I'd say try to figure out what it is causing it.  I' know personally I'd like to breast feed but if the rash clears up I'd find it hard to go back knowing your baby will be uncomfortable.

Answer 5

Find a lactation consultant.  I don't believe your doctor.  They don't usually know much about breastfeeding.

Answer 6

Have you cut out fish?  What about hidden dairy/soy/wheat?  It goes by MANY different names; it's not just cutting out milk and cheese :(

Where is the rash?  My son had a rash on his chest for awhile when he was a newborn.  Turns out it was because of the laundry detergent (one marketed for baby items!), because he was a 'chest on chest' sleeper/snuggler.  Rice is also a highly allergic food.  You CAN eat a LOT more than just rice and chicken.  THere is a great Yahoo group for breastfeeding and reflux; they know a lot about allergies too.

If it hasn't made it worse yet, it probably won't get any worse.  I would check out things like what he's wearing (wear only organic cotton and wool), any perfumes/scented products you use, etc, before using the formula.  It's expensive!!  Check out lists of 'hidden dairy/wheat/soy" and eat a better diet and keep breastfeeding.  A rash, unless it's preventing sleep or making him miserable, is not really enough of a reason to stop breastfeeding, IMO.  

How long have you been on the diet?  You might need to take up to 6 weeks to get it all out of your system, and his too.

Answer 7

you could try it my son is on it and he is doing so much better than before but it is really your choice. best of luck