Allergy Update

Just thought I would update everyone on Katie's possible allergy. As you probably remember, two weeks ago it was discovered that there was a small trace of blood in her diaper one afternoon when we were at the pediatrician. The most common cause of a bloody stool in infants is a milk-protein allergy. While there isn't a specific test the doctors can give Katie to determine if this is what the problem is, they typically ask the mother's to eliminate ALL dairy sources from their diet (the obvious culprits + ingredients such as whey). This coming Wednesday it will have been 2 weeks since I have started this new diet and am about 99% sure that I have not consumed any hidden ingredients.

Throughout all of this, the good thing is that we have not seen any traces of blood with the exception of the day at the pediatrin and the day before T-giving...other than that, apparently it's just a very small trace (microscopic) amount, which should mean the allergy is minimal.

Yesterday afternoon, however I went to change her diaper and actually witnessed her pooping out blood - I am not sure of the amount, but assume it equaled to an 1/8 to a 1/4 of a tsp. We went to the pediatrician this afternoon - met with a different doctor - and she is ready to really get to the bottom of this whole situation. She said that there can be two primary reasons for blood in the stool - milk protein allergy or a C. Dif bacteria. Details on the bacteria can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clostridium_difficile.

She doesn't seem to think that it is the bacteria, but wants to rule it out before we start pursuing the idea that it is something in my breastmilk. We have the pleasure of collecting some major stool samples by tomorrow - this time the substance will go into a tupperware-like container and taken to the lab. We should have results in 48 hours.

In the meantime, I need to schedule an appointment for Katie to see a Gastrointerologist - they will do a variety of tests (Not sure what that means) and then go from there.

The absolute WORST case scenario is that they will ask me to completely quit breastfeeding - an option that neither of us is happy about or think will actually happen - and she will have to go solely on formula. Anyway, please send some positive vibes that this isn't the case!

Oh - on a positive note, the little monkey put on almost a WHOLE pound in the past 6 days!! So, at least I know I don't have a milk supply issue...maybe just a milk quality issue. She now weighs 8 lbs 15 oz!