CMPA

My baby was diagnosed with CMPA at 6 weeks and has been on prescribed formula since, she is 12 weeks now. The GP has advised me to call when she is ready for weaning so they can refer to a dietician. However, I’ve heard a lot of people saying they have had support from a paediatrician to introduce a bottle of ordinary formula and they guide you how to do this safely. Should I be challenging the GP, or is this standard practice to wait until she starts weaning?

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We were never advised to give baby any normal formula or attempt to wean him onto it, he was on prescribed formula from 10 weeks until recently and he's 16 months old. We've only recently started the milk ladder at 12 months under guidance from his dietician x

Sorry, maybe I've missed something. My daughter was diagnosed with CMPA late, at around 5 months I think. We were denied support for months as she was gaining weight and no rash, fobbed off as colic and reflux... Which she also had! 🫠 Should she have a dietician? Absolutely no one has asked how we are getting on or how to introduce anything. Should I chase it up? I just assumed I'd start the milk ladder myself!! X

@Charlotte similar here, only suspected diagnosis at 5 months! My gp didn’t do the referral it was only when I called the health visitor and said I’d be grateful for some advice re weaning and how to introduce other allergens etc she said she would refer us to the dietitian, so I’d definitely ask! X

I was told by the GP that the dietician would support to introduce milk back into the diet because a lot of babies do grow out of the allergy so I would deffo request a referral to a dietician for support around this xx

Thankyou so much ladies. This has genuinely been one of the most isolating and draining situations. Never felt my concerns were listened to and had no idea a referral was needed! Thankyou mamas xxx

@Charlotte yeah I believe it’s very common with CMPA to have battles in getting the support you need! Fingers crossed you get the support and your baby grows out of the allergy too! Good luck with it xx

@Charlotte I completely understand, I have cried at every appointment for one reason or another x

hmm, I think it really depends on your situation and what feels right for you and your baby, but if you're feeling unsure, maybe just ask the GP for more info on why they recommend waiting, ya know? Just looked it up on the 'Heal App' and here's what it says: "It's understandable to feel uncertain about the best approach for your baby's CMPA (cow's milk protein allergy) management. Typically, the standard practice is to wait until weaning begins before introducing any new foods or formulas, especially with CMPA, to ensure safety and monitor for any reactions. However, if you feel that additional support from a pediatrician could provide you with more confidence and guidance, it’s perfectly reasonable to seek a second opinion or ask for a referral to a pediatrician who specializes in allergies. You might also consider discussing your concerns with your GP directly, expressing your desire for more support during the weaning process.

@Charlotte my little one was diagnosed around 5 months too because I had to fight with GPs. They referred me to the allergy clinic - positive test, they then referred to me a dietician. They gave me a copy of the milk ladder and told me to do this around 18 months old and discharged us 🙃 I followed a woman on insta called ‘the dairy free mum’ her posts were more helpful than my dietician!