Welcome to HappyDays! The idea of this linky is to inspire others to make the best out of every day, to see the happy in the little things. As no matter what, there is always something good in every single day- we just need to take the time to see it. Share your happy posts, I love to read them!
We have been living with allergies and intollerances in our house for 4 years now, it has become a part of our lives and at times has taken over our lives completely. Little G had a minor lactose intolerance and honestly that was enough for me! Dealing with numerous stinky nappies a day was enough to push me over the edge in those early days. All of that was nothing compared to what I was going to have to face a few years later with LJ.
Nothing prepares you for motherhood does it? Nobody is there handing out guidebooks at the hospital. There are plenty of people offering well intentioned advice but none of it is much help really, only you know your own baby. I knew my own baby and I knew something wasn’t right. Having been down a very similar road with Little G I was better equipped, more able to fight for support, but it was still hard and nobody was there to help me.
LJ was born with CMPA – a cows milk protein allergy, and that meant I was unable to breastfeed. I tried giving up dairy myself but she was so sensitive to it all that it was not enough. At 7 weeks I had to admit defeat and that is where my fight began. Doctors are not willing to hand out formula to just anybody- they want you to earn it! My friend’s little girl almost died as doctors refused to give her what she needed- stating it was just colic. Her mum knew best and I knew best and in the end both of us were able to get the milk we needed for our babies.
The journey didn’t stop there though, just when you feel safe in the little bubble that is bottles and specialist formula along comes weaning. Suddenly you are met with food labels and more allergies- we now face soya and gluten as allergen in our house. Something that was only discovered as we introduced solids.
Thankfully supermarkets seem to be realising that allergies are real and there are more and more products out there to make our lives easier. She is at an age now that I cannot fob her off with a ricecake. If she sees us eating something she wants the same.
It can seem never ending at times, as though she will never be a normal child like the others. And yet…
There is hope
This week I made a lasagne. I made it with real white sauce- butter and milk. I sprinkled real cheese on top. And she ate it. She ate it and I waited, I waited for the signs to appear, for the cries and the sleepless night. I waited but they didn’t come. She ate dairy, albeit a small amount but she ate it and she was fine.
This week we saw light at the end of this tunnel and it was amazing.
Your Turn
Grab the badge and add it to your post- if you share it on Twitter mentioning @WhatKatysaidUK I will RT you. Happy linking!
Sarah Christie
Friday 23rd of October 2015
Thats great news Kate, what you have to remember is allergy or not she is normal you just have to overcome and adapt. We have found all sorts of creative ways to deal with diabetes, Jack is normal just has different needs and this really helps me get my head round it all. However hopefully it all coming to an end, take it easy though one step at a time and fingers crossed it will be resolved soon x
Katy
Friday 30th of October 2015
Oh you are so right Sarah, she is my little normal (if is little bonkers) LJ. xxx
Lins @ Boo & Maddie
Monday 19th of October 2015
I can't even imagine how difficult it must be as a mother to know what your baby needs but to have others challenge you on it. What happened to mothers intution? Really happy to hear there is some positive progress x
Katy
Friday 30th of October 2015
It is so frustrating, thankfully my own doctor was amazing x
Lizzie Roles
Monday 19th of October 2015
What a battle you have been through Katy, as if raising children isn't hard enough as it is, you've handled everything with such grace. So great to hear your little is getting better. A friends little girl is dairy intolerant it's awful the spots she gets on her face. So glad the supermarkets are taking notice xo
Katy
Friday 30th of October 2015
It is so great to be able to walk into a shop and know they will have things. Thanks Lizzie x
Robyn
Monday 19th of October 2015
Really interested to read this as I also have a little one who can't handle cow's milk proteins. He is breastfed because I don't know where to begin with formula and intolerance, but I've been off dairy for 8 months and really miss it. Also now that he's having some solids it would be so easy if I could give him a little yoghurt or cheese from time to time. I've been advised he'll grow out of it but, like you, I'm nervous about testing it because it's so awful for all of us when he's uncomfortable. I didn't realise dairy was a problem for 4 months, despite telling every health professional we saw about his fussiness, spilling and wind. I was told that's just what babies are like. I'll know better next time!
Katy
Friday 30th of October 2015
Trust your instinct for sure, mother really does know best xx
Harry's Honest Mummy
Sunday 18th of October 2015
Keep with it Katy. I was covered in eczema as a child (I still have it now) and my Mum had to take dairy and red meats out of my diet. Back then (40 years ago) labelling would have been pretty non-existent, so I have no idea a> how she coped b> what she fed me. All I know is how much hard work and dedication it takes. I take my hat off to you.
Katy
Friday 30th of October 2015
I honestly don't know what you must have eaten, your poor mum would have had a right job on her hands! x