So, I just gave birth to our 2nd baby this last August. She is a JOY. Seriously, she is. She's the kind of baby that I can lay around with, smile with, gaze into each other's eyes with - Johnson & Johnson's baby commercial style. Don't get me wrong, we have our days, but overall, esp. in comparison to Restless Baby #1, wow. In fear that RB#1 may read this one day and get a complex: "Sweetheart, I love you more than words can describe, but at no fault of yours obviously, although the most precious, adorable little baby, you were... somewhat...challenging as a baby."
This poor child's life (RB#1) for the 1st 4 - 6 months of her life were absolutely miserable for her, for us. There was one point while practicing one of Harvey Karp's 5 S's ("The Happiest Baby on the Block"), I looked at Restless Hubs in the eyes and said: "would you say she cries 90% of the time she's awake?". Without blinking, he said "yes". Hours, days, weeks, which turned into months; Swinging, Shhshing, Swaddling, Sucking, Side-positioning...while in the process finding that besides nursing her, walking her around and around for hours upon end, our infamous bathroom vent was the only other thing that quieted the storm. Many hours were spent sitting upon my porcelain chair, looking into her helpless but thankful eyes, rocking her to sleep. It was a c o m p l e t e n i g h t m a r e. BUT BUT BUT, I realize now, why this tiny little helpless thing was screaming in pain most her waking hours, arching her back, couldn't be put down....I (believe) have the answer to the cold case we assigned the ever-popular, ever-annoying, no-solution, blanket, suppose-to-give-you-relief-but-doesn't term: colic. She was allergic/intolerant to the dairy in my breastmilk. The reason I know this? Because RB#2 is also, allergic/intolerant to dairy in my breastmilk. And the reason I know this? Long story short yeah right: she too cried 90% (o.k. more like 75%, sorry RB#1, I can't completely blame the diet) of the time she was awake before I cut dairy completely out of my diet. I'm talking ANYTHING with ANY TRACE of milk/cow protein including milk (duh!), whey, or casein; cheese, creamy stuff including but not limited to coffeemate (yes, it has dairy), alfredo sauce, Ranch (it's possible), hamburger buns! (white ones); reading every label before, after, during consumption *oh & BTW: EVERYTHING contains dairy* is what I have come to realize. Hello Soy Dream!
Anyhow, I know I'm missing quite a few details of this dairy-free journey including introducing it back into my diet and having fussy baby syndrome, and then being back on it. Oh, also, my own digestion which has COMPLETELY changed and has contributed to weight-loss I couldn't achieve before all this. Quick side-note: for people that are allergic or intolerant to dairy, it can cause one to retain 5 - 10 lbs. of water weight! (Food Addiction, Food Allergy and Overweight, Sephen Levine, Ph.D.)
In summary: Dairy-Free Baby = Happy Baby = Happy Mommy = Happy Restless Household.
All is well.
Now, I just need to find a solution for the mysterious fussy-preschooler-syndrome.
7 comments:
Oh, you poor things! There's nothing like a child that won't calm down. And I am acutely aware and thankful that we don't have to struggle with an food-allergic lifestyle, because I don't think I could have kept breastfeeding. Props to you and stay strong!
That is rough! I'm so glad that baby #2 has been easier and you know what to do to fix things. It must be hard having to check out the ingredients in everything. ugh!
I need a solution to the almost 2 year old, fussy as heck, biter, pincher, hitter, etc.......I love Boyd....Boyd has been making me NUTS lately.
I'm glad all is well with the new baby. She sounds like a sweetheart! :)
Michele: Thank you:-)!
Nicolle: It is totally annoying to have to check ingredients, but I've gotten so used to it by now. I also pretty much know now what has dairy and what doesn't.
I totally get the making you NUTS lately thing. It's so hard sometimes - have you checked out any books?
Wow, thats quite something! I'm so sorry you didn't find out with RB1!
Hi Angel! Long time! Yes, I do wish I knew this w/RB#1. Poor thing. Why does being a baby have to be so difficult? Good to see you again!
I'm so happy to hear that RB#1 AND #2 are doing well! Our lil'one went through a major 'colic' stage, we never did discover the actual cause of it, but it was...hellish..for all of us!!
As for food allergies, I just discovered, after three years of health issues/dr. appts., that I have a gluten intolerance. And like dairy...gluten is in EVERYTHING. It's been a challenge learning what I can and cannot eat, but so worth it. :)
Hey Bekkah! So good to hear from you! So, did you go to a food-allergist? How did you find out?? I'm so curious because I've been thinking about seeing an allergist, but didn't know if insurance would cover it. So gluten huh? What a pain. That's good that you found out though.
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