When do you start re-introducing?

[vvviola]

DD2 had a skin prick test a few months ago & has allergies to dairy, egg and nuts. She is 11 months now and EBF (not entirely by choice, she refuses a bottle except for occasional times at crèche)

She is 100 times better since she & I gave up dairy and eggs. We even got through last night with only 2 wake ups (just before the allergies were diagnosed she was waking every 45mins with stomach cramps).

I think there have been a few occasions recently where I had dairy accidentally & she didn't react (restaurant meals). Selfishly I would really like to be able to have at least a small amount of dairy & the occasional egg.

So - what is the usual timing for re-introducing allergens (when reaction was only skin reaction, stomach cramps & runny nappies)? And is it possible that she could have a tolerance to small amounts of it via my breastmilk? Even though initially even small amounts in my milk made her react?

I know it's horribly selfish, but if I can't wean her from bm on to formula, I'd like to be able to widen my diet just a little...

I would give it at least 6 months, even better if you can last longer - I was allergic to dairy and stayed off for years am was very bitter about not being able to eat any delicious cheese but am now fine! The longer the better IMHO.

I was afraid that would be the answer.

I wasn't a huge fan of cheese, but now I practically have dreams about it! And what I wouldn't do for an eggs benedict (when we go out for brunch DH kindly lets me look at his )

I don't think it's horribly selfish to be asking these questions - carrying on with BF and making big changes to your own diet while you are looking after an 11 mo and cooking special allergy safe food for them could not be further from selfish viola :) Plus thinking how to make your diet nutritionally complete and high enough in calories while you BF is important too...

Everything I've read seems to suggest that for most children mum's diet should make little difference, though for a few it does and it sounds like your LO benefitted from your exclusion diet... I'm
pondering similar issues as DD who is 10 months is allergic to
egg, cows milk and soya. My biggest craving was Dominos pizza which I'm not fussed about normally :-) I started introducing dairy into my own diet (after 5 months off it) that's what she's had least reaction to and I'm monitoring to see whether it has any effect on her. I am definitely planning to keep off egg until I stop BF which I'm guessing won't be a million months from now.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your first eggs benedict brunch when you're able to have it - I'm dreaming of mine too :)

Well, it's all moot now. She ate a few crumbs of a cake that was supposed to be egg free but wasn't. She reacted straight away, blotches all around her mouth & puffy lips.

She's ok but I got a huge fright & we're waiting to chat to doc now.

vviola hope you're all okay

I know it can be really hard avoiding allergens in your own diet - I have been doing it for ages now and I used to fantasise about scrambled egg. For me, it's worth it to carry on breastfeeding, but I know people do feel differently about this.

See what the doctor says, but I am guessing you will have to keep avoiding for a while yet

Upshot of it all is: antihistamine prescribed to be carried with us all the time, instructions to call ambulance if she doesn't respond to it. Referral to allergy clinic in local hospital to discuss allergy plan & whether epipen is needed.

It's all a far cry from our first visit: avoid dairy & egg, for me too if I think it helps, and reintroduce slowly "after a while"

I'm not totally averse to continuing breastfeeding (one bonus is without chocolate, cheese & lattes the weight is falling off me!), but it's very limiting as she won't take a bottle. And with not much in the way of treats allowed.... I'm feeling a little sorry for myself.

Main thing is, she's ok now though.

Glad she's ok - what a fright for you. Hopefully the allergy clinic will be able to give you lots of good information and support.

Do shout if you want to swap allergen free treat lists (mine has got quite long now... and reversed the initial silver lining weight loss you mentioned)

Glad to hear you've got a referral, was personally v concerned when I read your post about "blotches all around mouth and puffy lips" - definitely a reaction to be taken seriously.

Op I really feel for you, Im in the exact same boat with my 14 month old. I rarely ate cheese before but the one and only thing I miss is cheese! I dream of pizza and cheese on toast .

I just wanted you to know youre not alone.