With one look at his skin, the Dr. agreed he has eczema... a very clear case of a reaction to something. That combined with his eating issues (most likely reflux due to inflamed tissues) led her to believe it's an allergic reaction to something he's getting from my breastmilk. The most common allergy is cow's milk. Then, of course, there's nuts and strawberries. The only way to really know what is causing this is to cut things out of my diet. I could pick one thing and wait one or two weeks to see the reaction, or just go cold turkey on everything so that he hopefully gets to feeling better, and then reintroduce things to figure it out. I'm opting for the later. I'm not too upset about strawberries. That's easy, I'll just eat other fruits that I love. Even dropping nuts doesn't bother me too much. It will be a little more of a challenge since a lot of things have hidden nuts, but I won't miss my peanut butter too much. But dairy??? What am I going to do without CHEESE!!!!!! Glorious cheese. I can live without yogurt, milk with cereal and even ice cream... but cheese? So sad.
I just returned from the grocery where I went on a dairy free shopping spree. It took me FOREVER since I had to read labels. Did you know Raisin Bran has milk? We now have a fridge with Soymilk, something I have never had an urge to try. For good reason I now know. It tastes like water with flour, which is in fact what it is. Anyway, I really don't mind doing this one bit if it will help Henry. He really is a pretty happy boy most of the time, which is why I know something is wrong. It may take a while to figure it out, but he's worth it, don't you think? That smile melts my heart.
Don't feel sorry for me, it's a choice. I'm not at all ready to give up breastfeeding. It really is a minor sacrifice. I have a whole new appreciation for people with severe allergies, like our nephew. I just pray that I can figure out the cause so he isn't so uncomfortable.
6 comments:
Poor little guy! I hope he gets to feeling better! Don't worry about the dairy-free thing - there's lots of soy stuff out there that's actually tastes good (and some that doesn't!) Like soy cheese, some of the ice cream is actually really good, too! Hope it goes well!!
Poor Henry! Poor Jill! One of the things I miss the most is ice-cream although a local ice-cream shop makes soy ice-cream that is tasty. Try the vanilla flavored soymilk, it is somewhat better tasting. Best of luck and welcome to the label reading club.
That stinks for both of you!!! However, if I were forced to cut out cheese I would probably drop about 10lbs!
p.s. I consider your kids the cute and adorable types as opposed to the “smelly and stinky ones.” And we definitely should try for a Napa trip. Maybe a graduation celebration for you, I mean, Brian: )
Jill, do you have a Whole Foods store in Austin. I know you have to read alot but sometimes they have a lot of different things. Kim was raised on soy milk. She could not handle milk. Cried a lot till we figured it out. When Kim from here this summer from Africa she bought soy milk at the store. She would agree with you friend, try the vanilla. I think she bought that and ofcourse chocolate. She puts is on her ceral. I don't think she get that in Niger. Hang in there..hopefully you can figure out soon what is happening with the little guy. He looks great. Love, Aunt Barbara
you are a trooper!!!!! I could never give up cheese.... But I hope it works and he is better soon!
I feel your pain...we went through that with William. He has eczema but fortunately can drink milk. We were a little worried but everything worked out fine.
Aveeno bath products and lotion are our friends and Cetaphil is also great!
You kiddos are precious...hope to see you all soon!
Hugs from the Morgans
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