Dairy-Free

Yes, you read that correctly.  Dairy-free.  This is my new life in regards to what I eat.  Let me back up a little.  Gideon has had extremely dry skin since he was a few weeks old.  We didn't think anything of it and have been using extra moisturizer and Vaseline to try and get rid of it.  This past week his chest and tummy developed red splotches that were starting to move to his back and legs.  I called his pediatrician and they asked me to bring him in.

Tay and I thought it was due to a new medication we started him on for his "reflux."  The doctor didn't agree as this is a medication that really doesn't ever result in an allergic reaction.  I also told her that while I haven't been drinking milk, I have been still having dairy products.  She immediately said she thinks he has eczema as a result of a probable dairy allergy.

Crush my heart.  She suggested I cut dairy from my diet or switch G to a dairy-free formula.  My mind was racing and I told her I would like to try and cut it from my diet first.  Funny, right?  I didn't start out loving breastfeeding, but in that moment the thought of not nursing Gideon broke my heart and almost made me cry.  It gave me such a determination.  I am going to do this.

As I waited for Taylor to meet us for lunch, I began researching on my phone about what to eat in a dairy-free diet.  I almost started to cry thinking about the things I can't have.  Let me just say that most of my favorite things to eat contain cream cheese, sour cream, cheese in general.  Gross, I know, but oh so good.  And then I yelled at myself for being so weak.  I can do this for my son.  That's what I kept telling myself.  He deserves for me to try this.

Taylor couldn't believe it as I began to tell him the things I couldn't have.  I mean this is a devastating blow for a couple who has breakfast for dinner at least once a week.  I assured him that it doesn't mean I can't still make these things for him.  I figured I would stick to grilled chicken and fruits and veggies to keep it safe.  Sounds a bit boring, but my mature, grown-up side is rejoicing that I will be a healthier me, finally!

So to make myself feel better, I decided to start thinking about the things that I can have.  BBQ.  Um, hello.  Score.  Any world where I can eat BBQ is a win.  Chips and Salsa.  Even better.  Dr. Pepper.  I know, I know.  I won't drink a ton of it, but it would just be cruel if I couldn't at least have that.  Pasta.  Yes, minus the cheese, but hey, it's still pasta.

It all is starting to make sense now.  As I have been researching this new dairy-free life, I learned that this intolerance can create colic-like symptoms in babies.  Bingo.  This is what has caused all of Gideon's tummy issues.  His "colic" and "reflux" are really just his intestines inability to breakdown the protein in cow's milk.  Man, here is hoping this works for the sake of his sweet belly.

So, here I am.  Embarking on a new and somewhat scary adventure.  I am so determined to do this for Gideon.  I am not ready to give up nursing and financially it is the smartest move.  I read online today that the dairy-free formula an cost around $1000 a month.  Crazy, right?  Feel free to keep up with how it is going on here and any encouragement and support is greatly appreciated.  I know when I wean Gideon after nursing, I will be so proud and on top of the world for being able to do this.