Milk and soy allergy

[Kleve Mommy]

I have a 6 week week old daughter who I recently found out was allergic to milk and soy. (It's a bit surprising to find blood in your baby's stool at such a young age!) In order to provide good milk for her that means no milk and soy products. I am sure I am not the only mommy here going through this, and since I am new to the forum, I am sure I missed a post about this very thing. For those of you have been through or are dealing with this now, how did you cope? I have so many people trying to pressure me into switching to formula (not seeing that as an option). How did you deal with these people? How am I sure that my munchkin is getting all the nutrients and such she needs, when I am cutting SO much out of my diet? I am taking a prenatal, but that's supposed to be a supplement! Also any really good recipes that would follow the no dairy, no dairy derivatives, and no soy guidelines? I am one mommy who loves fast and easy, but thinking that's not really going to be a big option now, so if I'm going to have to take some time making it, I WANT GOOD! Let me say I really do miss my ice cream, chocolate, cheese, (cow) milk, and pretty much everything in between that I seem to not be able to have right now. At least I know that I am doing what is best for my baby girl, and this won't be a forever thing, but dang!

[sugarpop]

I gave up cow's milk, the protein to be specific. It was hard at first...but got easier with time. I LOVE cheese, I love ice cream. But I found ways around it. Cheese is easy, whole foods has amazing goat/sheeps milk cheese. Explain you miss the cows milk and they can find something similar, I had a sheeps milk gouda...tasted liked cheddar and was oh so good! Stir fry is a great, quick easy meal! Back to basics...prepared foods usually have something hidden in them and you can't go with the boxed meals. BUT, veggies and hummus, hummus wraps with sprouts and cuke and tomatoe, taboolli with feta, there is coconut ice cream as well (not too bad), butter there are some good alternatives. Go with a meat a veg and a starch...and the dairy becomes easier to avoid. When winter comes it may get more difficult, you will want caseroles and heavy menu items...but if you start now you will transition easier.

YES you can go with formula...but I think the work now will pay off later. You will appreciate the relationship that you develop with your child and soon the sacrifice will be forgotten. AND when you stop breastfeeding you will be able to indulge!