To safeguard against life-threatening health complications, it is advisable to exclusively breastfeed children rather than giving them cow milk~

A team led by Dr Ankit Gupta, Consultant Paediatric Critical Care Specialist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road gave a fresh lease of life to a 2-month-old baby boy with infection and severe acidosis due to cow milk consumption. The patient was on the ventilator, given medication, and recommended dialysis as a treatment option. The baby has recovered well and achieving developmental milestones for his age.

The baby’s parents were joyous upon the arrival of their firstborn Ansh (Name change) Unfortunately, their bliss soon transformed into a horrifying ordeal as their 2-month-old child unexpectedly began experiencing difficulty in breathing. The baby was immediately admitted to Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road for further medical attention.

Dr Ankit Gupta, Consultant Paediatric Critical Care Specialist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said, “Upon arrival at the emergency room, the baby was in critical condition and unresponsive.  He had difficulty breathing with an oxygen level of 80. To assist with his breathing, he was placed on a ventilator. This condition occurs very rarely. Cow milk is not recommended for young infants as their digestive systems struggle to process it, leading to bacterial overgrowth that leads to an increase in ammonia and severe acidosis (excessive acidity in body fluids). His pH levels were measured at 6.9, below the normal range of 7.4. Medication was administered to reduce the acid in his body, but it had no effect. His toxic metabolic ammonia levels exceeded 700, such high ammonia can have a deleterious effect on the Brain. He required dialysis for a week. The methaemoglobin levels were significantly elevated at 30, whereas it should normally be less than 1, its potentially harmful effects include Breathing difficulty, Fits, and Cardiac rhythm abnormalities.  The child was discharged after a month. During this time, the child achieved developmental milestones appropriate for their age and resumed regular feeding without any noticeable symptoms remaining. The baby is now doing well. Failing to treat the baby promptly could have resulted in complications such as death or brain damage. Mother’s milk is God’s gift for babies, exclusive breastfeeding is always advised for babies for the first 6 months. If mothers are facing any difficulty, then they should consult their doctor for the same.”

“Our lack of awareness regarding the repercussions of giving cow milk to our baby led to severe distress and agony. The exceptional medical team at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road played a vital role in saving our baby’s life, for which we are deeply grateful to them. We strongly urge all parents to exercise caution when it comes to their baby’s health and always give exclusive breastfed/mom milk; avoid cows, and buffalo milk in young infants. It is imperative to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions,” concluded the mother Ms Aarti ( Name Change) of the baby.