Holy Cows !

The last few weeks Ryder has gotten fussier and fussier and had a lot more gas. We started using Mylicon when it got so bad we couldn't stand seeing him in pain. Sometimes it helped, sometimes not. He would turn bright read and thrust all his body parts in and out. His little body would get rigid and his scream was like no other. This one was high pitched and painful.

Last week we learned that Ryder wasn't just fussy and gassy for the fun of it. His little body can't process cow's milk and soy. So, I have the challenge of cutting all cows milk and soy out of my diet. You really don't know how many items have those in them until you start reading labels!

Here is what I have learned:
Milk protein intolerance (MPI) is delayed reaction to a food protein that is normally harmless to the non-allergic, non-intolerant individual. Milk protein intolerance produces a non-IgE antibody and is not detected by allergy blood tests. Milk protein intolerance produces a range of symptoms very similar to milk allergy symptoms, but can also include blood and/or mucus in the stool. Treatment for milk protein intolerance is the same as for milk allergy. Milk protein intolerance is also referred to as milk soy protein intolerance (MSPI).

It is commonplace for milk or milk derivatives to be included in processed foods such as bread, crackers, cookies, cakes, prepared meats, "soy cheese", soups, gravies, crisps, margarine, and products labeled "non-dairy", such as whipped topping and creamer (non-dairy simply means less than 0.5% milk by weight).

The worst part:
It can take 10 days to 3 weeks to eliminate cow's milk protein from my system AND I have to allow a full 2-3 weeks of dairy elimination before evaluating the results in Ryder.

Things that help:
Mylicon (or Baby GasX)
Bath to relax him
Breastfeeding him gets his gut moving
Baby massage that is specifically for gas


Wish us luck !