Help for my friend please

[Jem26]

My friends little one is having a few problems, very similar to how Jem was when I first noticed she had a problem.

He is having lots of little poos throughout the day, not runny but they do contain mucus. She gave him 2 petit filous the other night at teatime and within 30mins he had a runny nose and was irratable, couldn't take his bottles all night, seemed very windy. The next day he was irratable, sleepy, snezzy/mucusy and his poos were formed but contained mucus. If she puts cows milk on his cereal in the morning he seems fine.

I told her it sounds just like how Jem was after dairy but she usually had runny nappies with mucus but can they still be formed and mucusy??

Poor little boy.

[Copper]

Hmm it sounds like a problem with dairy. The only way to find out is to exclude dairy from his diet for 2 or 3 weeks and see how he is, then try him on dairy again and see if his problems return.

How old is he?

[Jem26]

Thanks Copper, he is 7 months.

She didn't think it could be dairy because his nappies are solid and have mucus where as Jem's were loose.

I shall give her your advice, thank you:)

[cnc]

This might be a stupid question, but has she been to the doctors, just to see what they think?? I know a lot of them are useless, but I didn't think it was wise to make alterations to a babies diet, without at least informing a doctor (whether they support it or not).

[Jem26]

No not yet, well she has seen the dr in the past but not been much help, I think its only since weaning she has had these problems.

[yvie]

Yes Haylies poo was like rabbits but with mucus.....lovely topic eh? lol

She used to scream in pain she was so constipated, we tried all the usual, lots of water, fruit, lactulose (!!!!!!!!)( that wasn't a good idea but didn't know at the time.)

It only got better when we stopped all gluten and milk, but then re introduced gluten again and she was ok with that.

[Copper]

I asked how old he was because as Claire has pointed out your friend needs to talk to her GP/health visitor. He still needs milk and if your friend wants to exclude dairy she will need to have a substitute milk. I think that Wysoy (soya milk for infants) is not acceptable as you run the risk of the baby becoming soya intolerant. I guess this means your friend would need some sort of prescription milk. From other posts here on this subject your friend will have to be firm about this possible intolerance. At the end of the day a mother knows here baby/child best.

[linny]

I have no experience of dairy free babies, but it may be worth seeing if there's anything else in the Petit Filous that he could be allergic to, other than the milk content.

[tigerlily]

Ah, yes, the Petit Filous...that's how it all started with Eden too! One doesn't have to have diarrhea to have a dairy intolerance. Every child (and person) may display DIFFERENT symptoms. Tell your friend to speak to her GP as a Health Visitor is NOT allowed to prescribe any formula. She has to be pushy, though, because very few GPs know much (or anything!) about childhood food allergies and are keen to get rid of the parents via a referral to a dietitian, which can take weeks or even months. She can still see the dietitian in due time but obviously needs a hypoallergenic formula NOW. I remember going to see the GP about Eden's dairy intolerance (when she was 8 months) and refusing to leave until he had given me a prescription. Many GPs only know (if that!) WYSOY, so it would be smart to have some names written down and say that you would like THIS ONE or THAT one, PEPTI, for example. Once GPs realize that a mother/parent is clued up on the subject, they aren't reluctant to precribe it! Believe me...we've been there with 4 GPs...!

Vanessa.

[goose]

I would get her to check with the gp first to see wether or not to cut out certain food expecially at that age.

[Copper]

Well done Vanessa I knew that you would be able to advise. I am not that clued up on babies and small children with dairy problems. I am learning a lot here so if any future grand children have this problem I will be able to help. :)

[Lou C]

Hi, I agree with Vanessa. When we discovered Zachary had a dairy allergy luckily I was still breastfeeding at the time so there wasn't the urgency to get an alternative straight away. I had spoke to my health visitor about my concerns about soya formula, she knew a bit about alternatives and told me to ask the GP for Nutramigen, which is another hypoallergenic formula. Because I knew what I was asking for the GP looked it up and prescribed it. I am lucky really as my GP is very good, and readily admitted that she hadn't come across a baby with such a strong reaction and was only too happy to refer me for further advice. I think sometimes the fact that you have some knowledge stands you in good stead with the GP as they realise that they are less likely to be able to fob you off. Lou xx

[cnc]

I agree with Lou. If you go in armed with the info, then they're more likely to be helpful.
We can't expect GP's to know about everything, this is a quote from one of my GP's "that's what we GP's are good at - knowing what we don't know!!" But then investigated what should happen next. A decent GP should know their limitations and be prepared to get you sent for further advice. Another GP I saw told me that they weren't sure what was the problem and so were shipping me off to a specialist!! I think my point is, that even if your GP can't help you themselves, they should be prepared to find out where you can get the help you need.
Hope your friend gets things sorted.