Since going dairy-free about 9 months ago, I have received several requests for information. After my first Tchau Cow blog post a few days ago, I decided to follow up with a Q&A format that might be helpful for anyone curious or starting down this road in their journey as well.
Q: Why did you cut out dairy from your diet?
A: I cut dairy from my diet because I was/am breastfeeding my baby who has a milk protein sensitivity.
Q: How did you know that dairy was the problem?
A: My baby's symptoms were consistent with the information I read online about food sensitivity in breastfeeding babies. (Ex: extremely fussy, arching back, lots of gas (LOTS!), bubbly bowels, sleeping & waking often with painful cries)
Q: How long did it take to see results for your baby?
A: It took about 2 weeks to see full results--better sleeping, much less gas, significantly decreased unhappiness/crying/fussiness. According to KellyMom.com: "Eliminating a food for less than 2-3 weeks may not be effective—cow’s
milk protein, for example, can persist in mom’s body for 1½ – 2 weeks,
and it may be another 1½ – 2 weeks before the protein is out of baby’s
system."
Q: Does this mean your baby is lactose intolerant?
I believe that she has a milk protein sensitivity. According to KellyMom.com: "If your baby is sensitive to dairy products it is highly unlikely that the problem is lactose intolerance, although many people may tell you so."
Q: What about lactose-free products...?
A: According to KellyMom.com: "If your baby is sensitive to dairy in your diet, it will not
help to switch to lactose-free dairy products. The problem is the cow’s
milk proteins, not the lactose. Cooking dairy products may reduce but
will not eliminate the allergens."
Q: Do babies grow out of it?
A: Babies are likely to grow out of her sensitivity by age 3 (if not sooner)
Q: After 9 months being diary-free, how do you know your if baby is still sensitive?
A: Occasionally I will indulge. So far, the results are still the same--about 2 days after I consume dairy, the babe has a particularly difficult night sleeping.
Q: Do any of your other children have problems with dairy?
A: My first baby was allergic to eggs (and a few other things) but has since grown out of it (he is now 4). Food allergies & sensitivities can be genetic--and there are plenty of those on Mr. H's side of the family, so my kids are slightly more prone to these things.
Q: Do you give your other children cow's milk now?
A: No. We have enjoyed almond, rice, coconut, & soy milks. Most regularly, we have almond milk in our fridge. At first we were buying both kinds and then realized that was kind of silly.
Q: What is your favorite dairy substitute?
A:Coconut milk ice cream!
Q: Do you plan to stay dairy-free when you are finished nursing your baby?
A: I haven't decided yet. There is information that I have read that makes me feel comfortable sticking with it and even think that it is a good, healthy choice. I like the way I feel dairy-free (there is a noticeable difference in my digestion* and overall healthy feeling) and since I'm on a roll...(and Mr. H has jumped on board as well), we might just go with it!
Q: What is your advice for others who are gearing up to go dairy free?
A: While it can feel like an overwhelming challenge, it DOES get easier as you adjust to changing/altering/eliminating dairy from your diet. I know that if I can do it--YOU CAN DO IT too. People will think you are wasting your time and energy but YOU know that breastfeeding your baby (or just making a different healthy life choice) is a priority and that makes it all worth it. There are sufficient substitutes and there are awesome benefits--besides your happy baby, your waist line will thank you as well!
Q: Do you have any helpful links?
A: Why yes, yes I do!
An interesting article written by an MD about saying goodbye to cow's milk (also the problem with the food pyramid)
This is a great place to look for dairy-free substitutes as you are re-configuring your kitchen.
I'm sure you noticed from the above quotes that I love KellyMom.com--awesome information on food sensitivities in babies for breastfeeding Mamas...and really, all things breastfeeding!
Here is a really helpful dairy free site that gives lots of ideas, advice, & recipes!
I am nodding my head as I read "Six Steps To Successfully Going Dairy Free"--if this is your goal, definitely a good little article!
And of course...google is your friend!
Bonus Q: The title here is "Tchau Cow"...why do you say "tchau" instead of "ciao"?
A: My usage of the word (meaning "goodbye") is based on my experience with the Portuguese language which is spelled "tchau". You can often hear me say "tchau tchau" when I am saying goodbye on the phone (mostly with Mr. H). Your fun fact for the day! :)
*I have suffered from chronic constipation most of my life--without dairy in my diet, I no longer have this annoying problem!
Friday
Tchau, Cow! Part II
Labels:
Breastfeeding,
Dairy-free,
Food Is Good,
Healthy,
Link Sharing,
NaBloPoMo
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3 comments:
I totally agree. I didn't realize I had a dairy sensitivity as well - I just thought I was always having stomache issues and the "Hmrds" word {{laugh}}. How little did I know that dairy was the culprit. :) who knew? Love the blog my friend.
~Ap
I did this with my little girl too! It helped her gas/fussiness, and I felt much better too! I still stay away from as much as possible and feel much better without, but I seem to be the only member of my family who feels this way. My daughter outgrew her sensitivity by 9 months.
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