I am happy to introduce Dannielle Tyler. A young mother of 2, who lives in Nevada. She adores her children so much, that she likes to do things that make them happy. Let us read her story and learn from her experience in helping her family with food sensitivities.
Tell us a little about yourself and family.
I am a young mom of two children. I’ll be 25 this June. My oldest, she’s 3 and my son he’s 5 months. We currently live in Nevada but are headed to the beautiful state of Utah. Currently, my hobbies are whatever will keep the kiddos happy! I’ve been married to my husband for almost 5 years. When we get the chance we like to go out and remember what brought us together before our gorgeous babies came along. It’s hard to find the time for each other nowadays, but we try to make sure we get some us time whenever possible.
What food sensitivities did your kid(s) have as infants?
My daughter had a dairy protein intolerance and luckily grew out of it by the age of 10 months. I still don’t give her much because she will get constipated if I allow her to overdo it. My son has a dairy protein sensitivity and a soy protein sensitivity as well. I do believe there are a few other foods that upset his system. He is also allergic to egg whites and almonds.
What symptoms or reactions made you suspect a food sensitivity?
With my daughter, she became bloated, gassy, uncomfortable, eczema, and wouldn’t pass a bowel movement for close to a week sometimes longer without aid from a suppository. My son, he’s way more noticeable. He will vomit, diarrhea, green mucousy stools, horrible eczema, gassy, he won’t sleep, and he will get hives from his true allergies. The list goes on.
How did you change your diet or the family’s diet?
For my daughter, I cut out all dairy even dairy derived products such as whey. For my son, we’re currently almost all top 8 free with the exception of some wheat. We have also cut out bananas and avocado. We have also eliminated corn and rice. The household as a family has switched to about 85-95 % all organic. We also try our hardest to purchase out meats all organic, free range, 100% grass fed.
Did you notice any health changes within yourself on the new diet?
What was (or is) the hardest thing about having food sensitivities in your family and how are you managing that challenge?
The fear. The fear of my sons’ reactions. The fact that everything with food allergies and sensitivities is nothing but the grey area. There were and are still no guidelines for infants who have to deal with this. There is no real help from the modern day medical professionals. It’s all trial and error. Hardest right now is healing our bodies and getting our fussy 3-year-old on the less sugary path, because we all know how much toddlers love the sugar!
Food sensitivities or allergies can be stressful or even scary for a family. How have you chosen to move forward in faith, not fear?
One step at a time. One day at a time. I sometimes have to tell myself, just try to make it one more day. I try not to let the fear push me to formula. I try not to let the unknown bother me. I rely on the strength of my family to keep me going.
What’s the most helpful thing people could do to help you during that season of breastfeeding a food sensitive baby?
What advice would you give a mom who’s struggling now with a food sensitive baby?
Trust your instinct! Advocate for your children. Even doctors don’t have all the answers. Remember doctors “practice” medical care. They do not know it all! You know your babies. You’ve known them since before they were born. Believe in yourself. Don’t let the fear overtake you.
What’s one of your favorite food sensitive recipes?
It’s so hard to pinpoint it all it’s kind of guesswork for me. It’s trial and error. I love flaxseed milk!!!
More from Veronica Lamb …
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