Extended Breastfeeding to Heal Gut

[NewToCeliacs]

We are on day 6 of a gluten free challenge to diagnose an obvious case of inherited celiacs from my newly diagnosed DH. Yesterday my 20 month old had his first solid poo in his life. We sat there and stared at it with excitement! Of course this morning it was mushy again, but we have hope moving forward during this time of healing. I planned to breastfeed to the full recommendation of 24 months old and then wean (I, too, am now strictly gluten-free to not pass any on to him). My question is: does anyone know if breastmilk can help speed healing?  Is there a typical amount of time that toddler healing takes? I’m willing to continue nursing through the entire healing process beyond 24 months old if it helps. However, I’m terrified of doubling the risk of his being “gluttened” by him being exposed to my diet too. Balancing act. BUT the benefits may outweigh the risks - and if they do I’ll keep breastfeeding the toddler for the foreseeable future. If they don’t then I need to sit back and analyze the best approach for best healing. 

[cyclinglady]

41 minutes ago, NewToCeliacs said:

We are on day 6 of a gluten free challenge to diagnose an obvious case of inherited celiacs from my newly diagnosed DH. Yesterday my 20 month old had his first solid poo in his life. We sat there and stared at it with excitement! Of course this morning it was mushy again, but we have hope moving forward during this time of healing. I planned to breastfeed to the full recommendation of 24 months old and then wean (I, too, am now strictly gluten-free to not pass any on to him). My question is: does anyone know if breastmilk can help speed healing?  Is there a typical amount of time that toddler healing takes? I’m willing to continue nursing through the entire healing process beyond 24 months old if it helps. However, I’m terrified of doubling the risk of his being “gluttened” by him being exposed to my diet too. Balancing act. BUT the benefits may outweigh the risks - and if they do I’ll keep breastfeeding the toddler for the foreseeable future. If they don’t then I need to sit back and analyze the best approach for best healing. 

Welcome! 

Just not getting glutened can speed healing.  That has been documented, but I have not seen any studies about breastfeeding and it’s effects on healing.  I am not a doctor, but I am sure it helps enormously!  

I breastfeed my daughter until she was 27 months old.    Towards the end it was not about nutrition, but comfort.  I nursed at nap time and before bed.  Prior to two, I nursed when she wanted to.  Her Ped say that he could tell that I nursed because her chart was empty except for vaccines and wellness visits.  (She does not have celiac disease.  Nursing was the best time with my baby.  It is the one thing that I miss the most.  It was great for bonding.  Besides all the nutrients, her mouth was shaped beautifully.  No braces!  An added benefit.  Some mothers are not able to nurse for a variety of reasons, but if you can,  go for it!  I pumped and stored my milk while at work (my company was so accommodating).  

Keeping your baby gluten free until you are ready to test him (so tricky at this age) is great.   Then you would not have to worry about sloppy kisses and other gluten exposures in the house.  Sometimes piece of mind is priceless!   Old member, Jebby has her own website:

Open Original Shared Link

She has celiac disease, works as a Neonatologist (preemie doctor) and has four kids.  She made her house gluten free when she found that she was getting glutened by her kids (slobbery kisses!).  She posts infrequently on her blog, but who has time?  Nice place to visit and trustworthy.  

My kid does not have celiac disease, but we are keeping an eye on her.  We have a gluten free house, but she gets a daily gluten free fix at school.  So, if we need to retest her, she is good to go.  Summer is not the time to test since she is gluten light.  Keep that in mind.  Test or challenge while they are young.  Missing school is not critical then.  It is tough in high school.  

I hope your DH resolves.