Parenting
In the world of nursing mothers, the challenges can be overwhelming. One particularly tough hurdle arises when a breastfeeding mom discovers her little one has a milk allergy. Thankfully, this doesn’t mean an allergy to breast milk itself, but rather to the dairy products the mother consumes. This revelation often leads to a complete dairy ban if the mother wishes to continue nursing.
Enter Lisa Thompson, a mother of three and the voice behind the popular Facebook page “Tales of Motherhood.” After learning that her youngest, Emma, has a milk allergy, Lisa humorously expressed her feelings about transitioning to a dairy-free diet.
“Can we just take a moment to appreciate cows?” she lamented while parked in her car, mourning the loss of her beloved milk. “I’m having a mini meltdown here. It feels like I’m saying goodbye to every delicious food I cherish,” she exclaimed.
While it might not seem significant to everyone, consider how many foods contain dairy. I can relate, as I too eliminated dairy during my nursing journey to alleviate my newborn’s gas issues (which, let’s be honest, affected me too). The reality is: it’s tough, especially when you’re already dealing with the intense hunger that comes from breastfeeding.
“Can’t have cream in my coffee,” Lisa read from her list of new dietary restrictions. “I used to love adding WHIPPING CREAM!” Let’s be real; almond milk simply doesn’t cut it when you’re craving something rich and creamy. And chocolate? The struggle is real for moms who can’t indulge in treats.
Lisa went on to share the alternatives on her new menu. “Canned salmon or sardines,” she noted. “With bones. Great.” Yeah, no thanks. How does that even compare to cheese or dessert?
“Did you know dandelions are edible?” she added, shaking her head in disbelief.
According to La Leche League, cow’s milk is among the most common allergens triggered by a breastfeeding mother’s diet. Symptoms in a breastfed baby can include colic, vomiting, eczema, and sleeplessness. In my case, my son had gas and severe reflux, leading me to cut out dairy and consult with his pediatrician. Thankfully, after a few months, he was able to handle it better, though my cravings for chocolate never really faded.
“I might need therapy to cope with this,” Lisa joked. “But just looking at my sweet little Emma makes it all worthwhile.” It’s true; the love we have for our children pushes us to endure, but let’s not ignore our cravings.
“When I’m not gazing at her, and I spot some M&Ms…” she said, and we can all relate.
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In summary, the journey of a nursing mom dealing with dietary restrictions due to her baby’s allergies can be both challenging and amusing. Lisa Thompson’s candid take on her dairy-free life resonates with many, reminding us all that while motherhood is rewarding, it comes with its own unique set of trials and cravings.