While some of his symptoms improved greatly, Eli continued to be in tremendous pain and would break out in hives. We headed back to the pediatrician who suggested that we test him for a milk allergy. That test came back positive, which meant if I wanted to continue to nurse, I would have to cut out all dairy from my diet. At the appointment I wasn't too worried because I thought, "Not a problem - I can give up milk and cheese for a while." What I didn't realize at the time is that dairy is in nearly EVERYTHING we eat! Don't believe me? Check the labels on what you just ate. From spaghetti sauce to lunch meat to Special K cereal (even without milk) to McDonald's french fries, there is dairy in about 90% of the foods we eat. The diagnosis also meant that I would have to watch my soy intake because a lot of babies that have milk allergies also are allergic to soy. And if you think milk is prevalent, soy is even more so.
Cutting out dairy has been difficult. Not just because I miss eating yogurt or cheese, but because it has changed my diet and my cooking completely. Trips to Kroger take twice as long because I have to read the labels on everything. Eating out requires looking up the allergen menu beforehand so I don't accidentally eat something I shouldn't.
Despite the challenge it has posed, when I cut out dairy completely, we saw improvement in Eli within days. In the weeks that followed, we saw an even greater improvement (dairy takes about 4 - 6 weeks to leave the baby's system completely).
Still, there are days when Eli suddenly breaks out in hives or wakes up screaming in pain. After a few more trips to the pediatrician (I jokingly told Chris we should have our own parking spot by now), the doctors have found that he continues to have blood in his stool, which means that he is having an allergic reaction to something else. Our next step is to take him to a pediatric allergist to have him tested for other food allergies, and we will go from there.
The Lord has been teaching me so much during this, for which I am so thankful. First, I am reminded that from the moment I see those two pink lines, I have absolutely no control over how things turn out, but the Lord does. Parenting is a constant reminder that, despite our best intentions, God is sovereign over the lives of our children. I would have never chosen for Eli to have a milk allergy, but I am thankful that God has a purpose for it. He has also used it to teach me discipline, especially when it comes to my diet. Cutting out dairy and most soy has been incredibly difficult, but God has shown me much grace and there has been much joy in sacrificing my wants for Eli's needs. I have also been tremendously blessed by those who have walked this path before me. Thank you to my Michigan and Kentucky friends who have given me advice, sent me delicious, dairy-free recipes, and prayed wisdom for us!
As we move forward, please continue to pray for wisdom for us regarding Eli's diet and health. We are seriously considering switching from nursing to a hypo-allergenic formula, which has been a difficult decision for me. I have enjoyed nursing all of my babies, and it makes me sad that I may have to stop so early, but if it is what will be best for Eli, then it is what I need to do! Also pray that the pediatric allergist will be able to pinpoint what, if any, additional allergies he may have. Lastly, pray for Eli! He is a trooper and generally a happy baby, but when he has an allergic episode, it is pretty painful for him. We know God is in control, and will continue to keep you posted!
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