Navigating the world of parenting can be a rollercoaster ride, especially for nursing mothers. Among the myriad challenges faced is the necessity to adopt a dairy-free diet when your little one has a milk allergy. Thankfully, this doesn’t mean an allergy to breastmilk itself, but rather the dairy products that you consume. The result? A total ban on dairy if you wish to continue breastfeeding.
This struggle is beautifully captured by Jane Thompson, a mother of three and the creator behind the beloved Facebook page “Tales of Modern Motherhood.” After discovering that her newborn, Lily, has a milk allergy, Thompson humorously shared her candid thoughts on transitioning to a dairy-free lifestyle.
“Let’s chat about cows for a moment. We owe them so much, especially for the creamy milk they provide,” she lamented during a candid moment in her car. “I’m having a mini meltdown here. I’m essentially mourning the loss of all my favorite foods!”
It might not sound monumental to some, but consider the implications—dairy is present in an overwhelming number of foods. As someone who also went dairy-free while nursing to alleviate my baby’s gas issues (and maybe my own, too), I can confirm it’s far from easy. Especially when you’re battling that insatiable hunger that comes with nursing.
“Half-and-half is off the table,” she reads from her newly printed list of dietary restrictions. “But I don’t even use half-and-half! I use WHIPPED CREAM!” Let’s be real, those almond milk substitutes will never compare to the joy of whipped cream or a good piece of chocolate. Just imagine being a mom juggling young kids and being unable to indulge in chocolate treats!
Thompson then humorously lists some of the allowed foods on her new diet: “Canned salmon or sardines, complete with bones. Oh, joy.” Yeah, no thanks! How do those options even begin to compare to chocolate or cheese?
“Did you know you can eat dandelions?” she quips, pointing to another item on her list.
As noted by experts at La Leche League, cow’s milk is a common culprit when it comes to food allergies in breastfeeding infants. Symptoms can include colic, vomiting, eczema, and sleepless nights. In my case, my daughter struggled with gas and severe acid reflux. Cutting out dairy helped, and after a few months of adjusting, she was able to keep her meals down without issue. It was tough, and trust me—I wasn’t subsisting on dandelions or any other weeds!
“I think I might need a therapist to help me cope with these feelings,” Thompson jokes. “But when I look at my adorable little baby, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Of course, that’s the essence of parenting. Still, it’s hard not to feel a pang of longing when you spot a bag of M&Ms just out of reach.
We completely get it, mama.
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In summary, navigating a dairy-free diet while nursing can be a difficult but relatable experience for many moms. With humor and resilience, mothers like Jane Thompson remind us that while the struggles are real, the love we have for our children makes these challenges worth it.