It's been ages since I posted last!! Things here are going well and Addy is getting big so fast!! She is still the most wonderful baby ever. She is starting to coo and picks up her own head and look at everything. She is interested in everything (definitely her daddy's girl).
The only real issue we have had outside of normal baby stuff is a milk protein allergy. At about 2.5 weeks Addy started to have really bad bloody poops. She went from being the most docile happy baby to a screaming lunatic. I took her (& the diaper) to the Ped and they tested it and confirmed the allergy. I, having no idea that milk protein was in EVERYTHING didn't think it would be such a big deal. Yeah well....I WAS WRONG! Originally I was avoiding the obvious dairy stuff, thinking that was it. But then her poops turned green and mucousy and she was still in so much pain and sad. Finally I realized that milk protein is in more than just your basic dairy products, such as most breads, gravy, potato chips, sports drinks and even some vitamins and medications. I have been trying so hard to avoid it but it is just so difficult. Every time I slip up I make my baby sick and that is really difficult to deal with.
This allergy has been such a huge challenge for me. I am very adamant about breastfeeding her and outside of this issue, things have really been going extremely well in that area (& I know what a blessing that is). Besides, my alternative would be to feed her ridiculously expensive prescription formula. It does not help that I am such a picky eater to begin with & breastfeeding makes you so darn hungry. There are times that I just can't find something to snack on and I just break down and cry. I am definitely not eating enough and dropping weight as a result. I know that if I am not healthy, my milk will not be healthy, but I'm not sure what else to do. She is so sad when I mess up and I hate that I am responsible for doing that to her. I keep a food diary but am not even sure how to determine what is making her sick. I walk around with a little wallet card that gives all the ingredients that can be milk protein & yet still mess up. I can't eat out ever and even went to my BFF's engagement party and had to watch everyone else eat. Babies with this allergy often also have a reaction to soy protein and I think this may also be the case.
I am getting so overwhelmed that I just don't know what to do. Have any of you ladies had this issue or know anyone who has? Should I go to an allergist or maybe a certified lactation consultant. I need help because no matter how hard I try I keep making her sick and it's breaking my heart.
The only real issue we have had outside of normal baby stuff is a milk protein allergy. At about 2.5 weeks Addy started to have really bad bloody poops. She went from being the most docile happy baby to a screaming lunatic. I took her (& the diaper) to the Ped and they tested it and confirmed the allergy. I, having no idea that milk protein was in EVERYTHING didn't think it would be such a big deal. Yeah well....I WAS WRONG! Originally I was avoiding the obvious dairy stuff, thinking that was it. But then her poops turned green and mucousy and she was still in so much pain and sad. Finally I realized that milk protein is in more than just your basic dairy products, such as most breads, gravy, potato chips, sports drinks and even some vitamins and medications. I have been trying so hard to avoid it but it is just so difficult. Every time I slip up I make my baby sick and that is really difficult to deal with.
This allergy has been such a huge challenge for me. I am very adamant about breastfeeding her and outside of this issue, things have really been going extremely well in that area (& I know what a blessing that is). Besides, my alternative would be to feed her ridiculously expensive prescription formula. It does not help that I am such a picky eater to begin with & breastfeeding makes you so darn hungry. There are times that I just can't find something to snack on and I just break down and cry. I am definitely not eating enough and dropping weight as a result. I know that if I am not healthy, my milk will not be healthy, but I'm not sure what else to do. She is so sad when I mess up and I hate that I am responsible for doing that to her. I keep a food diary but am not even sure how to determine what is making her sick. I walk around with a little wallet card that gives all the ingredients that can be milk protein & yet still mess up. I can't eat out ever and even went to my BFF's engagement party and had to watch everyone else eat. Babies with this allergy often also have a reaction to soy protein and I think this may also be the case.
I am getting so overwhelmed that I just don't know what to do. Have any of you ladies had this issue or know anyone who has? Should I go to an allergist or maybe a certified lactation consultant. I need help because no matter how hard I try I keep making her sick and it's breaking my heart.
9 comments:
Alyssa said...
Your story is identical to mine almost!
I've been dairy free for a couple of months now. I've written a couple posts on my blog: http://shesmommafied.com/category/dairy-free/
There's a bunch of food ideas on there too.
Feel free to contact me! I've almost got this down to a science and even though my baby tests slightly positive for allergy still, she's a whole new baby, happy and content!
Alyssa said...
Here's a bunch more stuff that helps:
http://www.nursingmomrecipes.com/
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tSt1VyIgb6Li5FMjMer6xZA&single=true&gid=0&output=html
http://www.peta.org/accidentallyvegan/
http://www.vegan-food.net/
http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a2095745/dairy-free_moms
http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a6328975/allergy_elimination_diets
StephaE said...
http://shesmommafied.com/ that's alyssa...she's dealing with this too! I gave her your link
Kailyn's Mommy said...
Wow I am so sorry you ( and baby) are having to go through this! Breastfeeding was very hard for me in the beginning but now it is wonderful. I hope you can get this worked out so it can be wonderful for you too. I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions as I don't know anyone who has been through this. I really feel for you as I am also a very picky eater and more than half of what I eat is dairy! And I know about the hunger, I eat ALL day! Good luck and if anything the lactation consultant I had come to my house helped with my situation SO much. Maybe one can help you?
cheryllookingforward said...
I'm just sending you some support. I'm happy everything else is going well. I know Alyssa's information will help!
Tracy said...
I'm so sorry about the milk protein allergy. My BF had a similar situation with her oldest. I'll see if she can come comment on your blog.
Aside from eating something with the protein in it, I wouldn't worry about your milk not being good enough because of your weight loss. There are a lot of women out there, in 3rd world countries, who have fabulous milk for their babies, who rarely eat at all. (Much less anything "good" for their own bodies.) I'd be more concerned about you and your weight loss at this point.
Ella said...
Oh I'm so sorry, Dawn, it sounds like you are doing everything you can - and you are such a GREAT mama for doing all that so she can nurse. I don't have any helpful advice, I just wanted to say hang in there and I hope you find the answers you need!
Wendy said...
ugh about the milk allergy issue! I hope you find it easier to adjust your diet with some of the suggestions above but you're doing great and just stay strong - you are doing the best you can!
Fumbling towards Motherhood said...
Sorry you are going through this Dawn. I think breastfeeding is so beneficial. I support your effort so much, you are a wonderful mother. I guess if I had any opinion or advice it would be, to do what's best for your baby and for you. If you can get a grip on the diet and both of you can live a good quality of life while breastfeeding, than do that. But if your or her quality of life suffers from the challenges presented by the diet while breastfeeding, then make the switch to the formula regardless of the price as you cannot put a price on your and your baby's health. I guess what I want to say is don't be so hard on yourself. Breast milk or formula is not the be all and end all of life. There are many choices we must make as parents, and whichever one you choose in this situation won't screw up your child. Just know that there is no right or wrong answer in this situation, and that no matter what you choose, you are making the right decision.