When Miles was less than two weeks old, he started puking up large portions of every feeding. Trying to help him, we decided to try switching him to a formula labeled as 'sensitive'. Overnight, the vomiting stopped, and his formula intake increased dramatically. The formula was a low-lactose version, specifically for babies with a 'lactose sensitivity'. When we mentioned it to our doctor, he was very dismissive, and implied that he didn't think the switch was necessary, but if it made us feel better, there was no harm in staying on the sensitive formula.
Fast forward to Miles' first birthday. We decided to give whole milk a try. Within moments, he had puked up everything he had eaten in the past few hours. Same reaction to ice cream, and cheese. So, we went back to avoiding milk. And at his one year appointment last week, I again brought up this obvious (to me) sensitivity to milk. I had brought it up at his 9 month appointment, as well, and was told that it was probably just his system adjusting to solid foods. This time around, I got the exact same response, and the same dismissive tone. A few minutes later, the doc asked if Miles still had loose stools. I informed him that we had rarely seen anything but loose stools from Miles since his birth. Once more, he noted this fact and moved on. When I pressed him about it, I was once again told that it was most likely his system adjusting to his new diet.
So, I came home and did some research, hoping to ease my mind. Instead, I found that there are many types of milk sensitivities (not just lactose-intolerant or milk allergies, but a whole range of things). Several list vomiting and diarhea among the symptoms. And all suggest removing milk from the diet entirely for at least 2 weeks to check for changes. Until now, I haven't entirely cut out dairy because it's such a huge part of his diet, and because the doctor didn't seem to be concerned. But I know that his symptoms get worse when he has whole milk, or a lot of dairy in the same day. And I know that my mother, Patrick's mother, and I all have our own issues with milk - a fact our doctor has never asked about. And I have a gut feeling that there is something going on here. And I'm frustrated that our doctor won't even listen to my concerns.
So, what do I do? Do I go dairy free for two weeks and take the results to the doctor? Or am I being ridiculous and overly paranoid? And, more importantly, how do I express to our doctor that I do not appreciate his dismissive tone? I want him to take me seriously, and I'm no longer certain he does. But I also don't want to be (or come across as) that crazy parent demanding he listen to every half-baked theory that I have, either.
I don't know. I guess I just needed to put that all out there, to see what you all think. . .
Thanks for reading, and for any insight you might have.
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