LI babies will often have periods of inconsolable crying and gut discomfort, showing signals such as drawing legs in and out and reddening to the face, trapped gas. LI comes from the intestines as there is not enough of the lactase enzyme to break down the lactose. Human milk is high in lactose to support the massive brain development babies undergo in the first 2 years of life. The intestine must be given time to self-repair by methods such as block feeding and ensuring the breast is fully drained during a feed.
LI babies often have loose stools which will appear greenish or frothy and their peri-anal skin can become inflamed and appear burnt. As you wipe baby’s bottom the skin can break and there will be a huge need for repeated use of barrier creams to sooth the bottom. LI baby will NOT be constipated and there will not be any blood or mucus in the loose stools. The LI baby will NOT vomit.
