When my oldest son, Liam, was just ten months old, he experienced a severe allergic reaction to dairy hidden in his rice cereal. That emergency room visit marked the beginning of our journey into the world of food allergies, a journey that would lead to a diagnosis of moderate to severe allergies to thirteen different foods. From that moment on, Liam was strictly prohibited from consuming peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, barley, oats, fish, shellfish, green olives, black pepper, malt, or cantaloupe. Dairy and any dairy derivatives were also off-limits.
For Liam, this didn’t drastically change his lifestyle. As the self-proclaimed World’s Pickiest Eater, I didn’t need to worry about altering his diet too much. As a stay-at-home mom, my primary task became creating a safe environment for him, albeit navigating the challenges of avoiding cheesy Goldfish dust in public spaces.
The day we received Liam’s diagnosis turned my world upside down. I took home the two EpiPens and started crying, overwhelmed by the responsibility of keeping my baby safe. I also had to eliminate those allergens from my own diet as a nursing mother, which left me wondering, what on earth was I going to eat?
Despite the challenges, we managed to keep Liam safe, and thankfully, he hasn’t had another severe allergic reaction in the six years since that first incident. Now, just a few weeks shy of his seventh birthday, he has successfully outgrown a majority of his allergies, with the exception of peanuts and milk.
Reflecting on this journey, I can now see the unexpected silver linings that food allergies have brought into our lives. Here are a few insights:
- Trusting My Instincts: After months of dealing with various symptoms that didn’t seem to fit typical newborn issues—like colic, eczema, and congestion—I finally felt validated when we linked them all to food allergies. My repeated pediatric visits were justified, and my protectiveness felt warranted.
- Culinary Skills: I had to learn how to cook, and I mean really cook. Most store-bought foods contain at least one of Liam’s allergens, so I became a kitchen whiz.
- Baking Expertise: Just two months post-diagnosis, I found myself needing to create a birthday cake free from milk, eggs, and wheat. It felt impossible at first, but I soon discovered numerous egg-free baking alternatives. Now, if one of my kids needs a last-minute treat for school, I can whip something up without needing eggs or a trip to the store.
- Food Label Literacy: I’ve become adept at reading food labels. You’d be surprised—and perhaps grossed out—by what’s really in your food.
- Discovering Safe Foods: On the flip side, I learned that some products are surprisingly safe, like Oreos and Hunt’s Lemon pudding, which are both dairy- and egg-free. It’s a bit odd, but I’ll take it!
- Becoming an Advocate: I’ve grown confident in my role as Liam’s medical advocate. We don’t just take our pediatrician’s word for everything (though she is fantastic); we research and make informed decisions that best suit our family’s needs.
- Broader Culinary Exposure: Thanks to Liam’s allergies, our family has explored a much wider variety of foods. We keep an array of milk alternatives—like hemp, almond, coconut, and dairy—in the fridge. Our pantry is stocked with different nut and seed butters to cater to everyone’s preferences.
- Kindness from Others: I’m continually touched by the support and kindness from those around us. Whether it’s my sister meticulously preparing a safe Thanksgiving meal for Liam and our guests, or friends who ensure their snacks are safe when visiting, I feel blessed to have such caring people in our lives.
I am grateful for Liam’s food allergies because they have contributed to the wonderful kid he is today. I wouldn’t trade a single thing about him.
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In summary, while food allergies present unique challenges, they can also lead to unexpected growth, resilience, and a stronger family bond.
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