Positive for Intestinal Parasites

i would definitely get the whole family tested. my medical doctor is also open to naturopathy which i love, but never at the expense of medicine that works.
i totally get not wanting to pass the antibiotic to your baby, but you could also pass the parasite, right?
you're right, online information, including this site, will overwhelm you. you need to find a doctor whom you trust, who doesn't pooh pooh your concerns and will treat you in a way that lines up with your beliefs and health philosophy.
it took me a long time to find mine, and she doesn't take insurance so she's expensive. but i only go to her for an annual, and when it's absolutely necessary. please find someone like her- someone you can trust without throwing yourself open to the dangerous world of internet medical research.
khairete
S.

Hmm.
Given the choice of possibly passing a parasite to my child through breast feeding or possibly passing an antibiotic to my child through breast feeding - I'd choose the antibiotic.
Parasites can be tricky and hard to get rid of - that's what makes them so successful (from their point of view).
Get your whole family tested - pets too, if you have any - and treated with what ever med that clears it up.

The trouble with alternative medicine is there's too much room for snake oil and quackery - stuff that doesn't work, does more harm than what ever you're trying to cure, or just have to take for ever while the quack happily separates you from your money for as long as you're willing to put HIS kids through college by buying his wares.

There are safe antibiotics. I'm sure you will discuss this with your doctor.

Please do not do a cleanse - these are SO stressful on the body and they accomplish so little. There is no way a cleanse is going to remove every little bacterium. There are plenty of things to do in your diet to promote a healthy gut. There are also things you can do to include things that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria what can be wiped out by antibiotics. I work in food science and use diet/safe supplements for intestinal health and immunity boosting. There are ways to do a gradual reestablishment of balance in the gut that don't involve the incredible onslaught of a cleanse. These are safe for kids too. There are ways to evaluate supplements, check for patents, and so forth so you can be sure that what it says on the label is what is in the product. And after the investigations of places like GNC and Whole Foods who were selling stuff that was not tested and labeled properly, that's important. But this is all for after you address the parasite issue.

Yes, your whole family should be tested and probably all treated. Even if they don't all test positive, it is common to preventively treat until the active carrier is clean to prevent back-and-forth infection.

Acupuncture does nothing at all for parasites. That's not how it works.
There are some herbs that work as antiparasitics, but you'd need to see a serious naturopath about that, and such things are often not safe for infants/children. I think you need to address this in a whole-family way in a method that is consistent for all of you to be sure that the infection is eradicated. Read up on hygiene and housekeeping preventative measures as well.

Giardia causes cramps and gas, so that's what is causing your discomfort when you're nursing.

I was able to get rid of parasites with the help of my naturopath but it does take longer. The supplements aren't technically prescriptions so your insurance may not cover them. I took GI Synergy and swallowed whole garlic cloves (couldn't manage to just chew it up). It does take longer so it just depends how much you want to go the natural route. My advice - you can't beat a naturopath. They really listen! Just be prepared for a lot of supplements in the beginning. Good luck!

Yikes!

Ugh. I'd see the DR ASAP. Also I'd have your whole family tested including the baby.. I'm not sure if parasites are transferred through nursing but I would definetly ask the nurse like now about it.

Take the antibiotic, but also get started on a good probiotic.

I eat lots of fresh garlic, take Probiotics, and drink apple cider vinegar.. mainly for health overall, but it does help with digestion and all things of the digestive tract.

What has or has not worked for someone else may or may not work for you. Their body is different than yours.

Suggest that you trust your doctor. Ask him questions until you feel comfortable with your decision. I suggest that you avoid the Internet. Get information directly from medical people.

Oh please put yourself FIRST here. If the doctor is telling you antibiotics, TAKE THEM. Stop nursing. Your health is more important than nursing. I'm sorry, but there it is. Your baby will do fine on safer formula.

Now go back to the doctor and formulate a plan that gets you HEALTHY!

Hello, thank’s for your question.

Just as a reminder per Mamapedia Guidelines:

Medical questions may be asked, however, please know that the first and best source for the answers to all such questions will alway be an appropriate certified professional. Please always consult such a professional in these matters first and foremost. Mamapedia does not offer medical advice to our members, and any medical advice you receive on the site is taken at your own risk.

-Moderator