Mom's Happy Hideaway

Right about the time that our son was growing out of his food allergies, we found out that we were expecting baby number two! It was such a happy time and we were overjoyed… for many reasons. Our lives were much freer without the food allergies and we were about to expand our hearts with a new baby. But, I couldn’t help but wonder if our new addition would have food allergies too. So, I spent the next few months indulging in all the dairy and gluten I could possibly get my hands on. My weight of course reflected this…HA! But I was mentally and physically preparing for the future in food jail! 

Welcome to the World

Baby girl came into the world, beautiful and healthy! She was nursing well and gaining weight right on track. The only notable issue to this point was reflux and episodes of spitting up entire feeds. But, she was progressing well, so there was not really a concern. However, I decided to cut dairy, soy, and gluten because I knew that these little food offenders could be contributing to her reflux. And then, less than a week into food restrictions, our baby girl had a series of green bloody diapers! Yep, we were officially in the food allergy boat again!

Food Restrictions

The second time around is not near as difficult as the first time, I promise! With my son, I thought I was going to starve because I hadn’t done the research yet on food alternatives, and was living off water, lettuce, chicken, and apples. Since then I have gained the equivalent of doctorate degree in research of food allergies, food alternatives, and yummy fulfilling recipes. So, it wasn’t the end of the world now knowing I had to eliminate foods from my diet again. There really are amazing alternatives to dairy and gluten out there now. It sounds a little crazy, but I am so thankful for my time of food restriction with my son because I can now not let food rule our life. I am also so thankful for all the allergy people and families out there that continue to enlighten me on great new snacks and meals.

Results

About 2 months into our new diet, her bloody diapers have completely stopped, reflux and spitting up entire feeds are gone, and green diapers are improving. She has started to develop mild eczema spots, but nothing alarming. We have had a few unintentional food contaminations of gluten and dairy, and have noticed an almost immediate change in her fussiness and reflux. 

Overall, I have to say, her symptoms are 1/10th of the symptoms that our son had. It also seems that her symptoms are much more manageable and more responsive to food restrictions than his were. And part of this could be the experience our son gave us too. But, we are not expecting to have to cut out as much as we had to with our son, and for that I am thankful. Not just for myself, but also because it tugs at the heart when your little one is uncomfortable. So for now, we are staying on track and looking out for any more little food offenders!