Diarrhea ...

I apologize to any squeamish folks reading this blog but I need to address this messy topic and I know that every mom out there can relate ...

DF and I are facing a new challenge in our house; persistent diarrhea. BF has had chronic diarrhea for approximately five weeks. Although she has been on two courses of antibiotics during this time, she never really got better in-between her ear infections. At first we were mildly concerned, however, with the diarrhea comes some other chronic issues like horrific diaper rash!

Early this week we decided it was time to venture to the pediatrician. After a thorough check, we were told that it is likely just a series of viral infections causing the diarrhea. Is BF in daycare ... yes ... well there's the problem. So, we went back to our regular life to let the virus run its course

Last night, however, after diaper explosion number five and a diaper rash to rival all other diaper rashes, DF and I no longer felt like we could wait passively. We decided that there has to be something we can do to help stem the tide! Feeling totally overwhelmed and uneducated, I started to do some research. First, I came to the conclusion that there is indeed a good chance the BF does have a viral infection in which case I just need to push fluids and continue to feed her a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.)

I also came across some other dreary possibilities but the one that jumped out at me as a realistic cause for her diarrhea and yeast diaper rash was the lack of good bacteria in the GI track. As we all know, antibiotics can often wipe both the bad and the good bacteria in our systems. BF has been on several heavy-duty anti-biotics so it stands to reason that she may not have any good bacteria left. Should I pump her full of yogurt (acidophilus)? Well, it looks like the reviews are mixed. Some small studies have shown that acidophilus can be an effective tool in preventing diarrhea but others contradict this finding. What to do ... well I think that this might be the solution to our problem so this is our approach for the moment ...

Breakfast: formula, bananas, yogurt, and a few cheerios
Snack: formula, whole wheat bread
Lunch: water, red peppers with rice, fish (simple protein)
Snack: formula, rice crackers
Dinner: formula, carrots, chicken, and pro-biotic formula

We are going to keep her on this diet for a few days (and keep our fingers crossed) and see what happens. At least it makes me feel better that I am trying something!