My son is a breastfed, lactose intolerant 3 1/2 month old. For the past month I had completely eliminated ALL dairy products and he is doing fabulous (i.e. no more gas, fussiness, constipation, sleepless nights, etc)!! His pediatrician does not acknowledge that my dietary changes have caused these improvements in my son's behavior, so he does not give me advice or information about my diet to continue with this success. Basically, my question is this: If I were to take a medication, such as Lactaid or something comprable, could I reintroduce small amounts of dairy back into my own diet? I experimented with what levels of lactose I could eat without upsetting my son and it was VERY small levels (i.e. 1 TBSP sour cream and 1 oz. cheddar cheese did it). Is anyone aware of lactose-free dairy products OTHER than milk??
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
I am not a mother, but I AM lactose-intolerant and have been for my entire life.
I'm not sure how taking Lactaid would help, but here are a few things I do know.
There are so many dairy-free products out there! Lactaid actually has their own brand of food, along with the pills. I drink their milk and their ice cream is great! I actually gave my room mate a dish of the ice cream and she couldn't tell the difference. There is soy yogurt out there, but I don't particularlly enjoy it, but then again I don't like soy milk.
Also, I know that I can tolerate organic dairy products a little bit better than regular dairy. For example, I have a slice of organic cheese on my sandwich and not get sick or I can have half a container of organic yogurt in comparison to no regular yogurt. I would give it a try.
Most dairy-free products can be found at a normal grocery store. Organic or specialty grocery stores often have a much better and MUCH larger selection. I go to the chain Whole Foods for most of my food.
Try www.wholefoods.com to see if there is one in your area or www.lactaid.com to see all of their products.
Your baby is NOT lactose intolerant, ALL breastmilk contains lactose, and babies who are lactose intolerant show failure to thrive at birth. Your baby IS milk protein intolerant, and cow's milk protein is found in mom's milk after mom consumes dairy.
Dairy protein is a common ingredient in many foods you will see it listed as casein and whey. So by limiting foods with that added you may be able to consume more dairy if you miss it, look foods labeled paerve as those are guaranteed milk and animal product free (Once you learn the couple of symbols you'd be surprised how many products are). You could also try goat's milk, goat/sheep cheese, and goat/sheep yogurt. As he may not react to other mammal protein such as sheep or goat.
More about lactose vs milk protein allergies:
http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/lactose.htm...
http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fa/in...
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/lactose-intol...
http://www.cryingoverspiltmilk.co.nz/Food/LactoseI...
My son was lactose intolerant for his first three weeks. There is soy milk, and soy products to replace the milk. I used Lactaid as well and it worked fine for my boy. There is also the option of a lactose free formula that you could start your baby on. I think the best bet is to talk to your doctor and inform him of your diet and the changes you want to and have made.
whilst my daughter replaced into an infant, she might infrequently drink her formula, she replaced into constipated each and all the time and she or he might scream each and all the time!!! I hated my first 4 months of being a mommy. We switched her to Enfamil Nutramigen and it replaced into like I had a sparkling baby. If she isn't fussy, and if she is eating sturdy, then she is in all hazard effective.
The only other thing I know of is, turtle mountain "so delicious dairy free" and "purely decadent dairy free" ice cream.
they have a brand of formula called alsoy my son is the same way so if ur on wic talk to them about switching ur formula u may need a not from the doctor but thats good formula and my son never had a problem once he was on it good luck
I would try contacting you local Laleche group and ask them they can probably more helpful for you.