By: Jenna Carter
Date: Feb. 11, 2018
We can’t help but love Rachel Thompson for her candid approach to parenting challenges. For many nursing mothers, breastfeeding can be riddled with hurdles. One significant hurdle arises when your little one has a milk allergy. Thankfully, this doesn’t mean your breastmilk is the issue, but rather the dairy products you consume. This means that to continue nursing, you must eliminate all dairy from your diet.
And let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park. Nobody understands this better than Rachel, a mother of three who runs the immensely popular Facebook page “Adventures in Motherhood.” After discovering that her youngest daughter, Mia, has a milk allergy, Rachel humorously shared her feelings about embarking on this new dairy-free lifestyle.
“Let’s take a moment to appreciate cows and all the wonderful milk they provide,” Rachel says, venting in her car while lamenting the loss of her beloved dairy items. “I’m experiencing a mini crisis here,” she adds. “I’m grieving every delicious food I can no longer have!”
Now, it might not seem like a big deal to some, but just think for a moment about the scope of dairy-containing foods. As someone who also went dairy-free during the early months of nursing to alleviate my newborn’s gas issues (and maybe my own), I can relate—it’s tough. Especially when you’re already dealing with that insatiable hunger that comes with breastfeeding.
“I can’t have half-and-half,” she recalls, reading from her list of dietary restrictions. “Well, I don’t even use that! I use WHIPPING CREAM!” Sorry, but no amount of almond milk can replace the joy of whipped cream or chocolate. Can you imagine being a mom of young kids and having to skip chocolate?
Rachel then humorously lists some of the alternative foods she can enjoy. “Canned salmon or sardines,” she says, “with the bones. Oh great.” Yeah, I’ll pass. How is that even in the same universe as chocolate or cheese?
“Dandelions. Did you know you can eat dandelions? They’re on the list,” she quips.
According to medical experts, cow’s milk is one of the top allergens that can affect nursing babies. Symptoms of a milk allergy in a breastfed baby can include colic, eczema, vomiting, and sleeplessness. In my own experience, my daughter dealt with gas and severe acid reflux. After cutting out dairy and with a prescription for her Zantac, she finally started to feel better. It was a challenge, and I certainly wasn’t filling my plate with dandelions.
“I could use some therapy or a support group to help me through these feelings,” Rachel laughs. “But then I just look at my adorable baby, and it all feels worth it.”
Of course, it is—our love for our little ones drives us to make sacrifices. But let’s be honest, we’re still human. “When I’m not gazing at her, I’m eyeing M&Ms…”
We totally get it, mama.
If you’re curious about more parenting topics or want to learn about home insemination methods, check out our post on the at-home insemination kit. For those interested in fertility resources, don’t miss out on this excellent guide from Cleveland Clinic to help navigate your journey. Also, for an even deeper dive into home insemination options, see the intracervical insemination syringe kit.
In summary, Rachel’s humorous take on her dairy-free diet while nursing highlights the relatable struggles many mothers face. From the love of cows to the longing for chocolate, her journey showcases the sacrifices mothers are willing to make for their little ones—all while keeping a sense of humor intact.
Keyphrase: Dairy-Free Diet While Nursing
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