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August 25, 2015

The Reason I Am On A Dairy-Free Diet

I was so excited to celebrate the Breastfeeding Awareness Month, oh yes, I am a proud breastfeeding mom here! I already thought of a few titles for my post about breastfeeding until just few days after, I had to stop nursing. I told myself I'd write about one no matter what, and at least before August ends. Now, my story's twisted a bit due to uncontrollable events.

THE STORY
Age: 22 days [3 weeks]
Since three weeks of age, my little one had bloody nappies for eight consecutive day, at least twice a day I should say. Her pediatrician thought it was due to the hormones because I was breastfeeding. So, I wasn't bothered that much. My daughter was happy and gaining weight anyway. I started Googling for causes though and read a few alarming causes - from oversupply (I have abundant milk supply, I tell you, I made like 800oz in 6 weeks), milk allergy to colonoscopy.

Age: 31 days [exactly 1 month]
On our second visit to her pediatrician due to this issue [that was on the eight day], the pedia took a fresh sample of her stool to check for infection or bacteria. The results came negative by the way. I was not advised to do anything but schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist. I was not told anything about dairy-free diet but I stopped eating ice cream and yogurt after Googling about it.

Age: 32 days
Day after our visit, our pedia called the GI and she said the GI recommended that we should formula-feed her with Nutramigen immediately. At lunch time, my husband went home with a small can of Nutramigen. It looks like a sample size but it costs approximately $25. She tried Nutramigen for one and a half days and I got so frustrated because she doesn't drink much [10oz for the whole day?!?] and she just kept on crying. My husband even needed to work-from-home due to this. It was really a stressful day. By the next day, my little darling looked so restless and she doesn't even have the energy to play anymore. Very sad and alarming sight for me as a mother. Oh, I also cried because I miss breastfeeding her already even if it's only been half day since she was on formula. And honestly, I was so mad at the pediatrician for making me to do abruptly. I thought she'd say try milk-free diet first.

Note: There was a noticeable less amount of blood.

Age: 34 days
The pediatrician called again and said she spoke with an allergist for a 'third opinion'. She also told my husband if he can pickup samples of Elecare from that allergist. The pediatrician told us she needs to see my baby that same day before she goes on a 2-week vacation. And whoah, she lost 6oz in less than 2 days!!! So, my little darling took Elecare for the next few days and I was advised by the allergist to be on a dairy-free diet. It was easier for her to take the formula but still, she's not drinking much, it was less than 20oz a day. I read it should be at least 24oz for her age.

Note: There were still a few dots of blood but not as much as during the first eight days when she's had mucousy strings at least twice a day.

Age: 38 days
After being roughly 5 days on Elecare, I can't take the crying and feeding issues any longer so I called the allergist [the pediatrician was on leave and told me if I have questions about breastfeeding her again, then I'll have to call the allergist]. I told them I already started the milk-free diet and if I can resume breastfeeding because she's not drinking much. This time, she's not gaining weight, she's starting to cough and her nose is already congested! Can't take much of this scene anymore. Fortunately and thank God, the allergist responded with "you can and you should continue to breastfeeding but only if you are on a dairy-free diet". Oh my good Lord, I was soooo happy to finally hear someone who 'prefers' breastfeeding. I excitedly started to give her a bottle of breastmilk, she finished 2oz in less than 10minutes! Compared with the formula where she most of the time tries to drink 1oz in 1hour! Seriously that long.

Age: 46 days
She's had episodes of tiny strings of blood and a few dots here there. I noticed she might be allergic to soy too. Saw the sudden appearance of blood after eating tofu. I tried again after a few days to eat grilled pork with soy sauce, and she's had an episode again. Even salad dressing with soybean oil I guess. So I discarded a few dressings already and now I am left with one.

Age: 50 days
THANK YOU, LORD! For the first time in forever, this was the day she's had 'clean' poop for the whole day! I am so glad and hoped it would be like this forever!

Age: 51 days
I guess I was just given a day, because she's had two episodes again. I am now thinking it might be a particular seed [or vinegar if that's possible?], because the only different thing I ate was the salad lite honey mustard dressing with some kind of seed. Now I don't know what dressing to use anymore or if I ever want some in my salad again. *Sigh* Anyway, after two weeks of resuming breastfeeding, my paranoia never left me. I still keep on Googling for articles concerning this matter. I always end up reading a favorite which was sent by a friend. This article somehow leaves me worry-free, at least for a few minutes. I also read that it may take 2-3 weeks before the protein is totally out of my system. I am almost in my third week of dairy-free diet and soy-free diet started just two (2) days ago.

Today, my little one's 52 days old and she seems to be happier than ever. It was a bit hard to put back her weight but she's getting heavier at least that's what me and my husband thought. I'd have to use the weighing scale later. Her diaper size went up to Size 2 just yesterday! She's eating and sleeping well, she's playing and cooing... though she's cranky in the late afternoon until around 9-10PM. Good thing her dad's here by the time to help me out. It's definitely less stressful when breastfeeding. Plus, the bond is priceless!

To those dairy-free moms out there due to the same reason, we'll get through this! This can't be forever!

DISCLAIMER
This was based on my own experience and I do not advise anyone to do the same. You should contact your own practitioner if you experience a similar case.

26 comments :

  1. Maybe you can eat your salad without dressing, it that's an option. To see if that is what causing it. You are doing great though.

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  2. I hope your baby is getting better and that it continues to stay that way. It's hard when luttle ones are suffering from anything uneasy.

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  3. How challenging! But I applaud you for still pushing through with the breast feeding. I'm an advocate too. It has so many advantages.

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  4. Wow it sounds like you went through the ringer with your baby! I would be doing the same thing if my son had this problem, Good for you to always look out for your baby and make sure the dr were listening to you!

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  5. I haven't drank milk for over 20 years...I read a book all about the process of making milk and it disgusted me! About 10 years ago I went completely dairy-free and I feel so much better!

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  6. we should listen to our body. I follow plant based diet but not fully committed. I still enjoy meats, seafoods once in a while. I still eat cheese but can't drink cow milk

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  7. I am so glad to hear everything is better for you and your little one! I am sure it was super frustrating and heartbreaking all at the same time. Good for you for your doing research and changing your diet, that is I am sure not an easy task!

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  8. Oh, gosh, I hate that your little girl (and you) went through all that, but I'm so glad the doctors were able to determine what was causing the problems. Good to hear she's gaining weight!

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  9. Wow, what a journey. I'm glad things are back on track. It sounds like those allergies had some severe symptoms.

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  10. I'm so glad that the diet helped clear things up! I can't imagine how worried you were.

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  11. I wish a good health for your child, i heard milk is not good for adult as they can cause a lot allergies. As much as i wanted to avoid dairy right now its hard to give up cheese and ice cream. But maybe little by little I will

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  12. These are very helpful Sis. My summer babe has the dairy products allergy but she is getting better. During her recent skin test, found out she has no reaction to milk. I hope that if we get her blood test and pray that is negative. We can do milk challenge and if she passed it. She can finally drink milk for he first time. She just turned 9 years old.

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  13. Moms will do anything and everything for the sake of their children. Major salute to all moms like you!

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  14. It must have been so scary to see blood in her nappies. I'm sure it is so hard, but I'm glad that she's now gaining weight.

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  15. That must be so hard. I am glad you are seeing some change in how she is feeling. Good luck!

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  16. on dear...dairy diet is what you should sacrifice..it has always have a great cause...i'm lucky that i don't have to undergo all those changes except that I have to watch spicy foods or alcohol consumption those bad things that my infant would possibly drink...

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  17. This is great to know for breastfeeding moms. I'll be sure to pass along your journey to them.

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  18. Wow, this is awful. I'm sorry you and your baby has to experience this. It is crazy that doctors are so quick to give you other products but never thought about your diet first. Glad to hear all is well.

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  19. I'ts so difficult to pinpoint allergies when you are breastfeeding. You did a great job!

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  20. It was so horrible for me to watch my friend have to try and figure out what was wrong with her daughter. So happy that things are seeming better now.

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  21. Oh my goodness! What a difficult ordeal for both of you to have to go through. I had to go on a special diet when breastfeeding my older son. It was such a tough time. Best of luck to you and your little one.

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  22. Wow this must have been so stressful for you! It's awesome that you found a solution for you & the baby that works well, that's what matters most.

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  23. When i was breast feeding my Daughter i had to go on a strict diet. She was so sensitive to everything i ate.

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  24. This must have been a trying experience. I had to give my daughter Nutramigen. She had a dairy problem and that worked. I am glad you found a solution for your bady.

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  25. It sounds like your little one has a sensitive tummy. I am thankful mine never had issues. I remember my daughter getting a bit gassy after I ate broccoli. And my youngest got gassy after I ate cantelope. You might have her tested to determine what she is allergic too.so that you can avoid it. Try expressing a bit of milk then breastfeed her. She might not be getting enough of the hindmilk, the heavIer milk that occurs after let down. This will cause baby to have mucous stools. Here are a few more ideas: http://www.livestrong.com/article/536303-stringy-mucus-during-breast-feeding/#page=1 (not my blog)

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  26. Oh wow…I think that I would have really lost it seeing blood like that. Even hearing a diagnosis would still make my heart skip a beat just seeing it. Your experience sounds very stressful.

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts!