Hi all,

I was talking to another mother recently and she mentioned something
intriguing, which I would like to share and also see if anyone else has had
a similar experience.

She basically told me that she's found that there have been many newborns
who were given antibiotics at birth (since the mother had a fever, so the
baby was automatically given 2 days of IV antibiotics at birth) and later
developed certain allergies to foods.  Her reasoning was that the
antibiotics kill the acidophilus/good bacteria in the newborn's system, and
basically render the digestive system to loose it's ability to process
proteins and immunity....hence inability to digest milk, etc.

Her daugter (now 3.5) and mine (now 2.5) were both given antibiotics at
birth, and they both have milk protein allergies (mine has peanut as well as
asthma - hers has wheat, soy).  Has anybody seen this correlation in their
experiences?  I plan to ask my pediatrician for some info and stats as well.

Secondly, I also wanted to know if anyone has tried taking probiotics
(acidophilus - powder or pills) to help reduce their allergies to milk and
even asthma? Apparently L. acidophilus produces lactase, the enzyme that
breaks down milk sugar, but is this helpful to lactose intolerants only or
also milk protein allergics? This other mother mentioned that the probiotics
have helped her daughter, as she now drinks goats milk...but has not out
grown wheat or milk or even soy.

I would be interested to know if anyone else has done any research on this
or has more information - or how valid this is...It is very intriguing,
nonetheless.

Thanks,
Aisha Piracha-Zakariya.