Nursing mama's dairy elimination support thread.

[marlee]

I'll start. Ds is 11 weeks and has skin issues since birth. The severity goes up and down and I have avoided doing anything about it. It is time to see if it is dairy as a step one for us. I will also look and see if I can find some probiotics for baby. Ds also has green watery poops. Sometimes a nice yellow though. I do have a very strong letdown and in the last week he has seem to have gotton more control over the milk.
We do EC so he has very little time in the day in diapers.

Gotta run supper time.

Spagetti with NO cheese.

[Chinese Pistache]

This link gives alternate names for dairy that you need to be aware of: http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/allergy.htm

I know it's hard when you don't have something definitive that says, "Yes, your problem is dairy," but I'll tell you the biggest motivator for me is knowing that when I consume the offending food, I'm damaging and inflaming my child's gut, making him more likely to react to other foods and less likely to outgrow the allergies he has. My other dc had a long list of allergies/intolerances and with gut healing and avoidance, she's been able to add back in many foods. My newest dc is 6 mths old and we're finding that he also has several food problems (or I should say, WE do, because the food proteins are obviously leaking from my damaged gut).

In addition to avoidance, look into healing measures for yourself. You need to do both simultaneously. Check the "resources" sticky above to learn about gut healing measures.

Personally, I'd cut out soy, too for the trial since there is such a large overlap in people that are sensitive to them.

Some subs: Rice milk, coconut milk, rice dream Ice Cream, So Delicious Coconut ice cream and yogurt, chicken stock, vegetable sauces (tomato, red pepper).

If you give us an idea of what you like to eat, we can probably recommend some ways to make the recipes dairy free.

[LBMarie9]

stir fry w/out soy?

[kjbrown92]

we do stir fry without soy. And I just made a really good sweet and sour chicken in the crockpot the other day with no soy.

[marlee]

Boy do I have a lot to learn. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge ladies.

I am experience with recipe substitutions as I have previously been off dairy for a few years.

How long should I look at doing the trial for??

[Mamato3wild ponnie]

I started no dairy about 2 weeks ago and admit i've consumed some melted cheese at the Mexican restaurant....i was eating away and then half way through my meal...i stopped and a huge light bulb came on saying hey mama your not supposed to be eating that cheese....i felt so bad...but i finished my meal anyways. DS excema went away already...but he has extremely dry skin....so so dry...nothing seems to make it soft. Coconut oil...was working a little bit...then tonight i rubbed him down and he turned red all over and was patchy...i guess it's starting to bother him too. I've used it for about a week and now i need to find something else for his skin. Olive oil was working but it's just not doing it for him.

I started using soy for coffee creamer....looks like i should use something else...what about almond milk? Is that ok for coffee creamer? Now i'm thinking coconut oil reaction...maybe i shouldnt do almond milk...is coconut a "nut" allergen? If so then i should keep away from almond's too then.

[kjbrown92]

coconut is not a nut
I don't think anything really mimics cream in coffee, except maybe coconut milk. Rice milk is more water than anything.
I've found that skin issues are the last thing to clear of the reactions, so I'd give it at least 2 weeks, and just remember if it gets somewhat better but not all the way better, then it may be whatever food you're eliminating PLUS something else. For instance dairy AND soy, or soy AND corn, or dairy AND soy AND apples.
There are recipes up in the sticky and on my blog

[Hedwig_Fly]

I glad I found this post. I have been working on eliminating milk from my diet for me and my 5 month old DD. While I have seen some improvement we are not there yet. I started about 3 weeks ago but have been finding that I have been eating foods with hidden milk. So now my question is - is DD still reacting because I haven't truely eliminated all the milk or maybe she is reacting to something else like soy.

For her the main issue is green poops and a rashy bum. Her BM's are always green and it started when she was about 7 weeks old. If she has a BM and is not changed right away her bum is completely raw and will stay that way for a few days. I have asked her ped. about it and he said green poops are not a problem and use lots of barrier cream for the rash. My gut is telling me she is reacting to something I am eating. I was severly intollerant of milk as an infant, almost died 3 times before they figured it out. My mom said any amount of milk would manifest in intestinal issues for days - I out grew the severness at about 1 year. I am still reacting to milk - I know because since I have started trying to eliminate it I am feeling much better. But I'm still not all better either.

I have been struggling with the idea that I might need to do a more strict elimination diet - almost a TED. After reading on this board for the past few days, I am thinking it might be easier for me to just have a more clear list of the food I can eat so I know I'm not reintroducing milk accidentally.

Also I'm trying to figure out were to start with gut healing because I am pretty sure I have this issue also. ug the stickies are great but there is so much information to read and learn - I'm feeling hopefull but overwhelmed at the same time. I just don't want to be hurting my little baby.

[matey]

Joining in on the fun here. DS is almost 11 months old and we have been dairy free for about seven months. We have a great handle on it now and I am rarely tripped up by hidden dairy at this point. I basically have to see a label to eat something. When I go to restaurants and I bombard them with emails ahead of time and bug them while I am there. I have had labels ripped off of packages and brought out to me before I order anything.

Anyway, I guess I might be good to have around as some sort of resource, even though I get most info from everyone else on here.

I know getting off dairy is hard and overwhelming at first, but for our family it has only given us positive results. My DH is off dairy too, now, so that makes it enjoyable that we are all on the same page. We are off soy too, as it bothers me horribly and DS mildly.

[Mrsboyko]

Originally Posted by Hedwig_Fly

I am still reacting to milk - I know because since I have started trying to eliminate it I am feeling much better. But I'm still not all better either.

I noticed this too. I never felt better than when i was truly dairy free. DD recently weaned and I have given into the cheese craving I have had for the last 18 months. It is so tasty, but boy do I notice the effect it has on me now. I was just oblivious before! I guess it is easier to be dairy free for DD than for myself, how bad is that?

Gut healing:
1) Eliminate any problem foods, both yours and DC's. You may need to over do it for a while, take out more than is absolutely necessary.
2) Get a good probiotic (dairy free!!) for both of you.
3) Cod Liver Oil is good to heal the gut, but look for cold pressed organic brand. We can't do this as DD is allergic to cod, so we are jsut doing a good omega-3 supplement.
4) Bone broths. Use any kind of bones, chicken, turkey, pork, beef. Put in a large pot (crock pot works well). You can add veggies for extra taste if you want, but it is not necessary Bring to a boil. Turn heat down to simmer so the water does not evaporate away. Let it simmer for 24 hours or so. Skim out all the floater and other chunks. Drink it, make soup or cook with the liquid.

That is the basics.

[matey]

Originally Posted by Hedwig_Fly

I glad I found this post. I have been working on eliminating milk from my diet for me and my 5 month old DD. While I have seen some improvement we are not there yet. I started about 3 weeks ago but have been finding that I have been eating foods with hidden milk. So now my question is - is DD still reacting because I haven't truely eliminated all the milk or maybe she is reacting to something else like soy.

For her the main issue is green poops and a rashy bum. Her BM's are always green and it started when she was about 7 weeks old. If she has a BM and is not changed right away her bum is completely raw and will stay that way for a few days. I have asked her ped. about it and he said green poops are not a problem and use lots of barrier cream for the rash. My gut is telling me she is reacting to something I am eating. I was severly intollerant of milk as an infant, almost died 3 times before they figured it out. My mom said any amount of milk would manifest in intestinal issues for days - I out grew the severness at about 1 year. I am still reacting to milk - I know because since I have started trying to eliminate it I am feeling much better. But I'm still not all better either.

I have been struggling with the idea that I might need to do a more strict elimination diet - almost a TED. After reading on this board for the past few days, I am thinking it might be easier for me to just have a more clear list of the food I can eat so I know I'm not reintroducing milk accidentally.

Also I'm trying to figure out were to start with gut healing because I am pretty sure I have this issue also. ug the stickies are great but there is so much information to read and learn - I'm feeling hopefull but overwhelmed at the same time. I just don't want to be hurting my little baby.

My ped when the things were really bad refused to believe our problem was food related. When I went off dairy and Jack started clearing my dr. was shocked and said "I'll have to remember that" when I told him what I did. I was like, thanks for nothing and got a new ped.

[matey]

I too feel way better without dairy and my seasonal allergies completely went away. DH also used to have horrible acne on his back, and when he eliminated dairy it cleared. This was after having dealt with the acne for 15 years and having tried MANY things to get rid of it.

So, while it is hard, it is rewarding. We dont ever plan on eating dairy again.

[Hedwig_Fly]

I am hoping that I can get my whole family off of dairy as we continue down this path. I believe it would be great for my older two DD's and my DH as well. I am starting to question their health as well as I'm learning more about food intolerances.

Thanks for the gut healing information, especially the bone broth. I kept seeing it listed in what people were doing but had no idea how to make it. Darn, I didn't know that before because we just baked a really nice organic chicken and discarded the bones. My parents have another one though so I might have to scavenge their's (I know my dad usually likes to make soups out of his). My DH doesn't really like meat on the bone so he is keen to get rid of the bones right away and he does most of the cooking. We'll see how he likes the idea of making bone broth.

How do you determine which probotics to start with and how much? Can I start those right now or do I need to wait until we (DD and I) get to baseline? Should I give my 5 month old probotics too or will she get it in my milk. (Oh look at me with all the terms - I'm really only pretending to be smart - I'm still figuring all this stuff out) What would I do with out MDC? (I don't often post but read almost every day for years).

It is interesting to realize how bad I have been feeling for years. It is so nice to breath out of both sides of my nose. Now when people talk about how they are feeling not too well - I'm like maybe you're reacting to milk - Ha! That goes over well. And I just wonder about the baby, while she is so easy going, how is she really feeling and what will she be like when she stops reacting to what I am eating. That is my true motivation. I agree it is easier to stop for her than just for me.

The ped. makes me mad but he is tollerant of my desire to delay vax's. and he didn't tell me to stop nursing so it could have been worse.

[Mrsboyko]

You probably want a broad specrum probiotic. Powder form is easiest to give to baby, but I have been using chewable tablets for myself and my 2 y/o. I give he 3/4 of one and i take 1 1/4 (just so it evens out really). Be sure that the labele states Dairy-free, or read all the ingredients and look for those hidden dairy products (soy lecthen, whey, etc). THe health food store by my work was very helpful in that dept. Yes, you can give them to baby, and they do probably pass through your milk. At most, you may notice some interesting poops if DC is getting to much, but I haven't heard of anyone overdosing on probiotics (yet?). I would start with them now, ASAP. Dosing for an infant is usually dip the tip of your finger in the powder and put it in their mouth. Very scientific .

[heathermarie73]

hello.
my 4 month old dd just tested positive for blood in stool. I have been off milk and (most) soy for about two months but I just started avoiding soy oil and soy lecithin. I accidently had a sorbet that states that it may contain trace amounts of milk :
She presents with: gas, cramps, explosive stool (now blood in stool), diaper rash, hiccups, congestion, reflux (wet burps and throwing up constantly for three days )
she is on zantac for 5 days now. Ds also had reflux symptoms until 13 months, nursed til 17 months and may have been food allergic. I was allergic to milk as an infant and put on soy formula. Next steps ped wants to take are eliminating wheat, eggs, cow's meat... I can't find a butter flavoring w/o milk and soy... anyone know of one?

[Mommy2Haley]

I just started to eliminate dairy about 3-4 weeks ago for both DD and I. She was 18 months before we figured out that dairy was the culprit for 8 ear infections July-October. Two weeks ago I mistakingly ate some cheese and DD had green snot the next morning ... and a double ear infection three days later (this one required a trip to the ER, an IV, and antibiotics).

We're getting better and it's getting (somewhat easier). Wishing you luck!!

[Chinese Pistache]

Originally Posted by Mommy2Haley

I just started to eliminate dairy about 3-4 weeks ago for both DD and I. She was 18 months before we figured out that dairy was the culprit for 8 ear infections July-October. Two weeks ago I mistakingly ate some cheese and DD had green snot the next morning ... and a double ear infection three days later (this one required a trip to the ER, an IV, and antibiotics).

We're getting better and it's getting (somewhat easier). Wishing you luck!!

Make sure to give her lots of (dairy-free) probiotics after all of those abx! I hope she feels better soon

[marlee]

Well the home diet is going fine. Haven't found a probiotic to take yet. Trying to prepare myself for a very restricted bring along diet as I will be away this weekend.

Good news observations. Don't know if it too soon to say it is from eliminating dairy, eggs and soy though.
Ds had the best sleep ever last night He hasn't been a poor sleeper by any means but he did have a great sleep.
No green poops, no explosive watery poops, only mildly foaming. Nice even textured dark yellowy pooos. Still have to inspect his diaper area this morning. Face has no new red inflamation areas.
My sore excema hand is healing. But still sore and dry.

Dinner last night: guacomole, salsa and corn tortillas.
I'm having buckweat porridge with cinnamon and blueberries for breakfast.

Any one else?

[Hedwig_Fly]

We still have green poop and a sore bum here. I think I need to do more eliminations - milk and soy. That and make sure everyone taking care of DD3 changes her diaper often. She just can't have any BM touching her skin for too long.

We had a rice dish my MIL makes (rice, tomotoes sauce, chicken stock, oinions, and hamburger - not sure what else) she usually puts cheese in it but kept some out for me before adding cheese for everyone else. Ah that was nice. Breakfast I had oatmeal - but I did use smartbalance which has soy. So if we start eliminating soy I won't be able to use that anymore. Is there a buttery topping that is not milk or soy based? Or am I just plain out of luck there.

Our other issue is that I work full time and my DH stays at home. I am a few days ahead of DD3 with pumped milk. DH uses the oldest milk in the frigde first. So I think the little babe is still getting the hidden milk I had all last week in the nondairly creamer I was using. Didn't realize it had milk in it until the weekend. Makes me mad - why can it say non-dairy all over the packaging but if you actually read the ingredients is says contains milk.

I need to freeze all the extra milk so he'll be using the fresh stuff. Ug I have so much froozen milk I won't ever be able to use. I probably have close to or over 200 ounces. All my babies have reverse cycled and I tend to have over production anyway.

Marlee its good to hear you didn't have green poop this morning. I am so lucking forward to that day.

I might try to go out at lunch and find some probotics - there is a health food store close to me. And I didn't bring anything for lunch so I need to figure out what to get while I'm out.

[Mrsboyko]

Originally Posted by Hedwig_Fly

Our other issue is that I work full time and my DH stays at home. I am a few days ahead of DD3 with pumped milk. DH uses the oldest milk in the frigde first. So I think the little babe is still getting the hidden milk I had all last week in the nondairly creamer I was using. Didn't realize it had milk in it until the weekend. Makes me mad - why can it say non-dairy all over the packaging but if you actually read the ingredients is says contains milk.

I need to freeze all the extra milk so he'll be using the fresh stuff. Ug I have so much frozen milk I won't ever be able to use. I probably have close to or over 200 ounces. All my babies have reverse cycled and I tend to have over production anyway.

I hear you with this. Every time i realized we had to eliminate something new, I about cried at all the milk I was loosing. I did find one type of butter, but it caused other intestinal issues for me. i will look up what it was called. For me, it was just easier to do w/o. We ended up using olive oil on many things, even popcorn. The Misto olive oil sprayer is wonderful, BTW!