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.