Parenthood is a beautiful adventure filled with surprises, challenges, and boundless love. When faced with the reality of your children developing cow’s milk protein intolerance (CMPI) and other allergies, it may seem overwhelming. In this blog, I will share my positive and uplifting journey with my children, Bodhi and River, as we navigate CMPI and the impact it has had on their lives.
Breastfeeding and Recognizing Allergy Signs:
Right from birth, I noticed signs of allergies while breastfeeding Bodhi and River. As a concerned parent, I took action by eliminating cow’s milk from my diet. This step played a crucial role in managing their allergies and ensuring their well-being.
Seeking Professional Guidance:
Understanding the importance of expert advice, I promptly informed our health visitor about my concerns when they were just one week old. This led to close monitoring of various indicators like rashes, stool color, sickness, and stomachaches. Our doctor also provided invaluable guidance, helping us effectively manage their condition.
Prescription Formula Milk and Reflux:
As breastfeeding alone wasn’t enough, Bodhi and River transitioned to prescription formula milk. Finding the right formula was a process of trial and error, but with the help of our healthcare provider, we identified the one that suited their needs. Bodhi also faced reflux, but medication was prescribed to alleviate any discomfort.
The Milk Ladder and Beyond:
To gradually reintroduce cow’s milk into their diets, we followed the milk ladder approach. This method involves controlled introduction of dairy products, starting with small quantities and increasing over time. Although we haven’t completed a full glass of milk yet, we found an alternative in Alpro Growing Up, a soy-based drink that meets their nutritional needs.
Managing Loose Stools and Mild Eczema:
Despite our efforts, Bodhi and River sometimes experience loose stools when consuming excessive dairy. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring their intake and making informed dietary choices. They also have mild eczema, which requires regular care and attention to maintain healthy, moisturized skin.
Weaning Journey:
Around 6 months old, we began their baby-led weaning journey. Initially, it posed challenges due to the presence of milk in many foods. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to find alternatives and modify our traditional family meals. With the abundance of vegan options available, cooking in this style became my “safe” space.
Conclusion:
Raising children with CMPI and allergies can be challenging, but it’s important to stay vigilant, seek professional guidance, and make informed choices about their diet and nutrition. By sharing my positive experiences with Bodhi and River, I hope to inspire and support other parents facing similar challenges. Remember, with creativity, adaptability, and expert help, we can provide our children with nutritious and delicious meals while effectively managing their allergies.