Question
The 5-month-old baby has been having diarrhea and has been eating lactose-free formula for over a week. For the past two days, I have been adding one feeding of breast milk in the morning and one in the evening. Originally, the baby was fed lactose-free formula once a day, and had a bowel movement every morning that was almost formed. After eating breast milk twice a day, the baby now has three to four bowel movements a day, which are not very loose but are obviously looser than the formula. I’m not sure if the baby has recovered?
Answer
For children with lactose intolerance, breast milk should not be consumed; they should be given low-lactose formula. In such cases, it is necessary to continue this for five to eight months, until the stools are normal and the intestines have gradually adapted, before gradually switching to regular formula. This process must be done slowly. It is very important to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes; if dehydration occurs, seek medical attention and receive intravenous fluid treatment promptly. If there are any further questions, feel free to ask again.