November Chit Chat - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[KayPea]

Originally Posted by seraf 

I thought my DD was allergic to milk because she reacted when I ate it. She "grew out of it." Shay had bloody diarrhea when I ate dairy, so off I went again. He has no problem when Sara eats it. Soren, same blood and mucous if I eat dairy and other issues if I eat wheat (green slimy poop, tons of eczema) but no issues when Sara eats those foods. Anyway, it still makes me worry about testing him on dairy. He had a cookie once with a smidge of dairy that messed him up bad, so I'm holding off. He has had nut butters from about 6 months without issue, tho.

I've read that breastmilk reactions from babies mean that both mama and baby have sensitivities to those things. Or, in the case of younger babies, that mama has issues with those things and the little babies shouldn't have those things because of their immature guts. So if mama can't properly digest dairy, the whole undigested protein passes through the milk to the baby. This is why little babies seem to "grow out of it" - because their guts mature. And also why one mama nursing can eat those things, but the other can't, with the same baby. 

But, I don't have links or studies or anything to prove this. This is just a case of "I read that somewhere at some time." Curious to hear what others think about this. 

[dashley111]

I guess (and it was news to me) there are lots of different variations of allergies to nuts- some kids will eat them and go full on anaphylactic, and some kids have to build up the bodies response to them before they present an allergy.  So, B had peanut butter all the time and I have always eaten nuts.  She has always had rashes and sensitive skin and stomach issues, but never a text book "allergic reaction".  All those smaller things I thought were something else were probably her body reacting- when the body builds up enough of (whatever it is that causes the reaction, some build up of something, anyone?)  a reaction will become more prominent.  Basically, each time the body has a reaction it gets worse and after enough exposures will ultimately end up as an anaphylactic reaction. 

They said, also, in kids who have severe life-threatening allergies that it is usually noticed long before peanuts are given to them.  Most foods and even some cleaning products are contaminated with peanuts.  So, Joanie, if your husband eats peanut butter or thai food or granola with peanuts, or basically ANY care taker who loves on Sora, if she had that severe life threatening allergy it would probably have already presented. 

[birdhappy85]

Interesting that you mention the secondhand peanut exposure, Ash. My sister's boyfriend worked at a Thai restaurant all through my nephew's infancy and toddlerhood, and he brought home fried rice for my nephew to eat all of the time. I have always wondered since then if that's why he presented with a nut allergy later on since my sister didn't become aware of it until around 3 - 4 years old.

[dashley111]

Makes sense to me! The allergy doesn't actually come from exposure when its progressive like that, though. (ETA:  It is always there, just does not present immediately, until the build up of something in the body)  I was under the impression that maybe the allergy started because I gave her peanut butter all the time, but its actually opposite.  When an allergy is progressive like that there is a genetic link.  So if you are really allergen sensitive, then Sora could potentially have that genetic link.

BUT then on the flip side, waiting too long to introduce high allergen foods can cause severe allergic reaction.  I am glad it happened this way, as opposed to the other way.

I will try later to find the page I read from the clinic the allergist we will see this week has.  It talked about how children of mothers who have allergies to things like gluten or nuts tend to have children with the same allergies, not because of the genetic link- but because of the immune reaction to those things after not being introduced to them until later in life.

[CDsMom1031]

Zippygirl: I'm glad you're okay. And major props to you for being so prepared! LOL

I can't wait to see Oren's birthday party pictures. This is all so bitter sweet to me!

Allergies: I can honestly say that the whole peanut allergy thing NEVER ONCE crossed my mind until just this past Thursday. I had him over at my mother-in-law's house, she wanted to feed him a Crustable, and then goes, "Oh, wait... Has he been introduced to peanuts yet?" I was like, "... I don't know. I mean, I'm sure he has.". She was nervous to let him try that peanut butter since I didn't know for sure or not if he'd been introduced. He did fine with it though. The only thing I've seen that gives him any kind of reaction at all are Strawberries. When he eats them, his cheeks gets flushed... It's odd. But I feed him them rarely and I watch him like a hawk when I do because it makes me nervous.

Conner has a black eye. Awesome. He was trying to pull himself up onto the coffee table last night and the corner of the table got his eye. Poor guy. =(

Side note: If any of you guys are reader (I'm a serious book worm.), I HIGHLY recommend reading "The Walk". I started... And finished it yesterday. I have never cried for a book as hard as I did last night. I was reading it at WORK and had to go sit outside so that my co-workers wouldn't see me break down over a book, LOL. But it was so, so, so good.

[birdhappy85]

I always thought a lot of the food allergy issue had to do with immature and/or leaky gut and a greater likelihood with genetic predisposition.  I'm still chicken and holding off on direct administration of nuts with Sora. I ate nuts often while pregnant and nursing, so that likely passed to her. She has no food reactions thus far (crossing our fingers!), and she regularly eats dairy and gluten (although I'm sure she eats less than the average child since we're a mostly GFCF household). I haven't given her eggs yet. She has had some egg yolk a few times but that's it. I hope she has her daddy's genes! He has the best health and digestive system of anyone I know.

[Abraisme]

Peanuts:  I'm sorry to hear about Betty, that must be exhausting and scary!  I myself have already introduced nuts, which have all been totally fine.  From how I understood it, if you have the allergy, it's there, the reason to wait to introduce is because an older child is more likely to survive a serious reaction than a smaller baby.  However, there aren't any nut allergies in our family and I don't worry about it.  I'd be more worried about all the other ingredients in a 'Crustable' than the actual peanuts themselves.  

[Mal85]

While we're talking about allergies... I am wondering about Greta and cow's milk. She has been introduced to it little by little. She has been getting a little at the baby sitter when I am at work, but she only nurses or gets water at home. Her poop has changed dramatically. It used to be hard and almost constipated-like. Now it is soft and sometimes watery. When I say soft, I mean very soft like diarrhea. She never had any issues with dairy in my diet. She doesn't act like she is uncomfortable or anything. All other behaviors and moods are the same. It's only the poop. Also, no diaper rash or red ring. What do you ladies think?

[dashley111]

The proteins in milk are hard to digest, and can be hard on little stomachs.  My ODD had a problem with large amounts of dairy- especially milk-  until she was around 4.  She would drink a gallon of milk a day without consequence now if I would let her.  Have you considered switching to something a bit more natural and easier to digest?  Goat milk would be my number 1 choice as a second if I could find it around here.  But since we cant, B gets hemp milk.

[birdhappy85]

I'd switch to goat milk too if a child is having troubles with cow milk. I purchase mine on Amazon if I'm buying pasteurized. I make a homemade formula for Sora now with raw cow's milk, though, and she is doing amazing on it. I guess the gelatin in the formula is supposed to aid in digestion, and the milk is also diluted. We haven't given her any straight whole pasteurized cow's milk. I personally am cautious with that and won't be allowing it for a while still. I'm kind of an anti-pasteurization fanatic.  Raw goat milk is expensive and in short supply where I get it from, so I use that for myself and give Sora the Meyenberg powdered goat milk if she ever drinks it. Big fan of that stuff.

[birdhappy85]

Originally Posted by dashley111 

Goat milk would be my number 1 choice as a second if I could find it around here.  But since we cant, B gets hemp milk.

Ash, I've never had hemp milk before. Do you find it in the same spot as the almond and rice milks at the health food store? I never thought to look for it. How do you like the taste compared to the others?

[Autumnshades]

Eli gets a bit of Hemp milk during the day too. My DH didn't want Eli to have cows milk so young due to the proteins thing.  So far it is going well.  He mostly nurses though, gets water or a bit of chamomile tea (we started doing this out of sheer desperation and it really helps him sleep better).

[ZippyGirl]

B loves hemp seeds, but I haven't made any hemp milk yet.  That's a good idea since we get kind of stuck on nut milks here.  I've also been meaning to make oat milk.  B has also had tiny bits of raw honey, gluten, cheese, and all kinds of nuts.  No problems yet.  Fingers crossed.

One of DD's friend developed a progressive allergy to dairy.  Always showed very mild reactions, and then a sudden reaction.  Now she needs an epi pen.  Like Ash said, their doc said progressive allergies are usually inherited (the girl's father in this case).

Thanks everyone for the kind words.  I thought of a few other things I learned if you ever have warning of an impending regional disaster:  get cash while you can (credit card machine and ATM machines didn't work...thankfully, some business owners accepted IOUs from me), fill up your gas tank, and be ready for no cell service or way to contact people.

Anyone heard from GlassesGirlNJ?  Have I missed a post from her?  Post, GGNJ, and let us now that you are okay!

[dashley111]

Originally Posted by ZippyGirl 

B loves hemp seeds, but I haven't made any hemp milk yet.  That's a good idea since we get kind of stuck on nut milks here.  I've also been meaning to make oat milk.  B has also had tiny bits of raw honey, gluten, cheese, and all kinds of nuts.  No problems yet.  Fingers crossed.

One of DD's friend developed a progressive allergy to dairy.  Always showed very mild reactions, and then a sudden reaction.  Now she needs an epi pen.  Like Ash said, their doc said progressive allergies are usually inherited (the girl's father in this case).

Thanks everyone for the kind words.  I thought of a few other things I learned if you ever have warning of an impending regional disaster:  get cash while you can (credit card machine and ATM machines didn't work...thankfully, some business owners accepted IOUs from me), fill up your gas tank, and be ready for no cell service or way to contact people.

Anyone heard from GlassesGirlNJ?  Have I missed a post from her?  Post, GGNJ, and let us now that you are okay!

GGNJ has not been very active on the board.  So, I wouldn't think it would be too unusual to go a long period without hearing from her.  Does anyone have her on Facebook?

JOanie- yes, that is where I found it!  At Fred Meyer (or Kroger).  It tastes like most nut milks but a bit sweeter.

[Autumnshades]

Hemp milk definitely has a nutty taste. I am not crazy about it (that being said, I have a hard time liking the taste of milk substitutes), but Eli seems to like it ;)

[LunaLady]

Coconut milk is another option and very easy to make yourself from coconut flakes! :)

[jill the pill]

DD1 still has a bad reaction to the protiens in milk.  She gets really constipated so we just give her almond milk which she loves.  I am going to stay away from cows milk with Audrey too since it is just not good for them in general.  I read a really great book called "The Baby Bond" and it was very informative on allergies of all kinds and the dangers of cows milk. 

On a different note, I just discovered today that Audrey has an attached upper lip and I think that has been the cause of all of our nursing troubles.  I'm kind of pissed that I've been complaining to my ped and my lactation consultant forever that the nursing has never been quite right and nobody noticed this problem.  They checked for tongue tie but not on her top lip.  Have any of you had this problem and did you clip it or just leave it alone? 

I've been super busy lately so I haven't been posting much.  I try to read a little everyday to keep up with all of you and I truely appreciate all your advice! 

[Jaimee]

Originally Posted by seraf 

Joanie, what I have read about allergies said that the specific allergy doesn't necessarily pass on, but if a parent is allergic, the child is more likely to have some allergy. You generally can't tell from a first exposure, the body sees whatever as an attack and builds antibodies to fight it off on some subsequent exposure.
 

Agreed.  And from what I read when dealing with Avalon's eczema was that the jury is really out on the whole introduction thing.  I personally do not feel like I can trust any one allergist to know the truth or be well versed in every aspect of the topic of allergies.  After having been to numerous pediatric and non-pediatric allergists, I lost most respect for "professionals" in this area.  At any rate, we delay introduction because I believe it is safer to do so when the gut is not fully sealed.

[Jaimee]

My in-laws are visiting so I've been a bit MIA recently!  I'm so glad to hear that our members on the east coast are doing alright.  Our Maryland house had no damage- didn't even lose power, thank goodness.

[TalkToMeNow]

I'm going to look into all these milk suggestions. I'm so confused! I've stopped pumping at work. Basically, I would pump, pack the bottle, then come home and pour the milk out. He wasn't drinking it! So now I pack him a bit of organic cow milk in a sippy cup. I'd like to find something better.

Jasper has to have a small procedure tomorrow to unblock his tear ducts. I know it is simple, but he has to be under general anesthesia, so I am nervous... 

He took 6 shaky steps in a row yesterday! I know of a few walkers here... def Rhyko and Shay. Conner, too, I think? Betty? Who else is walking? It's so exciting!