My oldest son was allergic to cow's milk proteins during their first six years of life, and my other two children were also until they turned 12 months, also adding other food allergies such as egg and soy.
I gave them three breastfeeding, but by medical indication I had to do a diet exempt from food that caused allergies, and I recognize that at first it was not easy. That is why, on the occasion of the World Breastfeeding Week that we are celebrating these days, I would like to share my experience with this topic and dedicate a few words to all the mothers who are currently in this situation, and that sometimes is so difficult to wear
My first dairy-free breastfeeding: a sacrifice that could
My first son's diagnosis of cow's milk protein allergy (APLV) came in his third week of life, and I fell like a jug of cold water. I had never heard of this allergy, and I also felt very guilty thinking that those first bottles I had given him in the hospital could have triggered the problem.
I was breastfeeding my son, but after the diagnosis of APLV the doctors explained to me that I should go on a dairy-free diet to continue breastfeeding without risk to his health. And I confess that this was a titanic effort.
Breastfeeding a baby with APLV is possible, but requires a lot of professional help, support and information, something that nine years ago was not easy for me to find. Contradictory information, false myths and breastfeeding groups where there was still nothing heard about this food allergy in infants, caused a great dent in me.
If we add to this the amount of food that was suddenly banned from me without giving me more explanation or alternatives, the revolutionized postpartum hormones, and above all, the very high level of anxiety caused by my baby's delicate health, the cocktail was explosive and two months later I decided to end our breastfeeding.
My next dairy-free lactations: the experience is a grade
But that decision weighed so much that for a long time I dedicated myself to reading, informing and interviewing professionals in the field of health and nutrition that gave me many keys to understand more about APLV and dairy-free breastfeeding (or any other food to which the baby is allergic).
I knew then that although the exempt diet can involve many sacrifices, It is possible to do it if you have the right help:
- Breastfeeding groups with midwives or consultants trained in food allergies,
- Allergy associations,
- Network of mothers who are going through the same,
- Specialized stores,
- Pediatricians, professionals and environment aware of the world of food allergies ...
And that's how, thanks to the information collected and the amount of support I received, I faced otherwise the lactations of my second and third child, which was also diagnosed with egg and soy allergy. I felt stronger and more confident, and the experience of my first breastfeeding was also helpful.
If you are in this situation, seek support
Being a mom can be hard sometimes, and sometimes breastfeeding is too. If to all this we add a diagnosis of food allergy in our babies and that directly affects our diet, It is normal to feel overwhelmed by events.
Maybe there are mothers who don't have a hard time doing this diet, and they assume it and carry it out with virtually no effort. But for others, a radical and sudden change in their diet it can imply a very hard sacrifice that they must face without the slightest delay or doubt. And in these cases it is very important to understand the mother, not to judge her decisions, Respect her feelings and above all, support her.
Therefore, if your baby has just been diagnosed with APLV (or any other food allergy), you are breastfeeding and want to continue doing so, my first advice is to seek help to continue breastfeeding.
Today there are many alternatives to milk on the market, as well as suitable brands, increasingly aware manufacturers, and specialty stores that care for and pamper the allergic group.
Further, I recommend you put yourself in the hands of a nutritionist To help you develop a balanced menu, it is very important that during breastfeeding the mother does not have nutritional deficiencies.
And from my experience, too I advise you to look for breastfeeding support groups, where you can also chat with other mothers in your same situation, feel understood and share doubts, fears and joys. Because breastfeeding an allergic baby can be a great sacrifice, but seeing how it grows healthy and happy every day is the greatest reward.
Photos | iStock
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