Natural Parenting

In my last post, I briefly mentioned the struggles we’ve had with Axel’s food allergies, but I’d like to expound upon that further.  Let me just first say, it’s not easy.  It can be really hard trying to figure out what foods aren’t working, but the even more difficult part is watching your child suffer in the process.  It is possible, though, and I guarantee you that it’s worth it.  Breastmilk is the best.  I really cannot envision Adam and Eve discussing what formula to purchase at the market, that just wouldn’t make sense.  We have breast, they produce milk, and our babies thrive on it, why not take advantage of that?  The antibodies do so much good for our children, and just think about all the money we’re saving!  Especially, if you find yourself in a position like I am in, where your baby has allergies to soy an dairy.  (Not to mention the fact that “organic” formula prices are ridiculous anyway!)

I’ve had so many people tell me to just give my kid formula, because he obviously isn’t doing well with my milk.  If only they would think about what they were  saying before they speak.  What do you think most formula is made of?  Soy and dairy, hello!

I started out being 100% dedicated to breastfeeding.  Unfortunately, though, I was very egotistical in my thinking, and just knew I would never have to deal with “my” baby having sensitivities to certain foods.  I figured, I eat fairly well, I don’t smoke, drink, or do drugs, and I breastfeed.  My baby would obviously always be in perfect health, with no problems whatsoever.  Boy, was I wrong.

The first 2 months of Axel’s life, he ate and ate and ate.  Seriously, it felt like he was on my boob 24/7.  He gained weight rapidly, but he was having some issues, which, at the time, I didn’t know were allergy related.  He was always spitting up after eating, and he would scratch his eyes and nose all the time.  Sometimes, he would get little red blotches on and around his eyelids.  I stupidly dismissed it as nothing, and kept on eating whatever I felt like.  He was still pooping quite a bit at the time, so I didn’t really feel there was anything to worry about.

At around the 2 1/2 month mark, though, he stopped having frequent bowel movements.  He started going 5, 8, and even 16 days without eliminating.  I immediately started to worry.  It was heart breaking watching him try to go.  He strained to get the stuff out.  I would hold him in a squatting position in the bathtub, and just listen to him scream as he struggled to release his bowels.  I started to feel like a really lousy mother, and I was at a loss at what to do.

I knew inside that something wasn’t right, despite being told that exclusively breastfed babies can go long periods of time without bowel movements.  His poop no longer looked normal.  It was thick, dark, and smelled more foul than anything I’d ever smelled before.  My baby wasn’t doing well, and I had to figure out what I was doing wrong.

I quickly began my online research, and came across some information on food allergies in babies.  All of the sudden, a light came on in my brain.  I was eating something that wasn’t working for him.  Big surprise, considering I didn’t do all that well with dairy or soy either, I should have known.

I stopped eating dairy, and things improved, but quickly got bad again.  I spoke with my midwife, and she informed me that a lot of the time dairy and soy allergies went hand in hand.  That was the next step.  For the next month I continued to eat soy, unknowingly.  The stuff was in everything, and I ended up having to really crack down to get off of it.

After the soy got out of my system, things seemed much, much better.  Up until recently, at least.  I made a batch of cornbread with eggs, and Axel’s allergy symptoms started to flare up again.  Mainly, the constipation.  I figured out within a matter of days what it was.  Within 2 days of eliminating eggs, he was back to normal.  Thank goodness.

My point is, breastfeeding is the best way to go, even though I know sometimes it can be really frustrating.  It’s tough feeling like you have defective milk.  But, I’m here to tell you that, in most cases, the problems are fixable.  It just might end up being more work than you originally imagined.

My personal recommendation for all the women who suspect that their baby may have a food intolerance, is to cut out dairy first, as that’s the most common.  Soy would be second on the list.  If the problem still isn’t solved by then, the best thing to do is to cut out the top 8 food allergens.  Now, this is not at all an easy task.  Initially, you will feel like you can’t eat anything.  But, just persevere, and do this for about 3 weeks.  Then, one food at a time, reintroduce them.  I’d give it 4-6 days in between each food.  Closely monitor your child, and see how their body reacts.  If for some reason they still seem to be having difficulties, it may be an outside source, unrelated to food.  In a case such as this, it may be in your child’s best interest to seek out help from a “naturopathic” medical practitioner.  (Preferably, a doctor whose first action isn’t to give your child an antibiotic or other drug.)  In most cases, I really don’t feel this would be necessary, but it’s best to go with your gut when it comes to your child’s health and safety.  Happy breastfeeding!