Welcome, You are Doing a Great Job!
This guide is to help you breast & bodyfeed your baby with food reactivity.
Free to Feed™ is here to Help YOU!
In this guide you’ll find information on:
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Reactivity Symptoms
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Diaper Concerns
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Changing Your Diet
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Allergy-Friendly Foods
Infant Allergies and Intolerances
The most common allergens for children under 5 are not always the same as what we think of as "Top Allergens". The "Top 8" (now top 9) have made this list because they are the most likely to elicit a life-threatening allergic reaction, also known as an IgE mediated reaction. Our little ones are more often experiencing what is known as a non-IgE mediated allergy. This is important to differentiate as many lists are inaccurate regarding infants. Starting on this journey can be daunting, but it’s important to know you can do this. Learn more about the categories of reactions here.
Infant Symptoms
Your baby's symptoms can vary depending on the severity of allergy or intolerance. The most common reactions include – rash, colic, eczema, reflux, failure to thrive, vomiting, diarrhea, nursing aversions, bloody stools, excessively mucousy stools, constipation, and more. Deep dive into symptoms in Dr. Trill's free training here.
Symptoms can begin soon after birth or develop in the months following. You need to understand this is not your fault and you had zero control over this. Also know that it will take time for your baby to heal, even after cutting out the triggers.
Go easy on yourself! You’re doing an amazing job!
Diaper Concerns
Did you ever think you’d be so obsessed with poop? Diapers can range from mucousy, watery, green, bloody, or all factors combined. Pay attention to your baby’s poop with these categories in mind: frequency, color, and consistency.
Diapers can be an indicator of food reactivity and give you clues on how your baby is handling what you’re consuming in your diet. However, you should not obsess over this and only use diapers as a guide to help you on your journey.
Mucous in stools can be normal.
Watery stools can be normal.
Green stools can be normal.
You get the idea. This is one reason diapers only assist you in your journey and are not the be-all, end-all.
For example, if your baby is happy and growing well, but still has watery stools – this may be their “normal" which is even supported by research into breastfed baby stool!
Pay attention to drastic changes in stools as this could be a reaction to dietary changes.
Blood in diapers is never a good sign and should be taken seriously. Make sure your pediatrician is aware when this issue begins or does not resolve. Any amount of blood is cause for concern.
What Am I Going To Eat?
The biggest issue nursing parents have when their infant develops food allergies or intolerances is what they’re going to eat and how they’re going to drastically change their diet. It can be so overwhelming and you may feel defeated in the beginning, but it does get better.
Oftentimes, when your baby is found to have food reactivity, you're told to first cut out all dairy products (thus avoiding cows milk protein). If that doesn’t work, then soy is next, and so on. The lack of research and the inability of accurate infant allergy testing can lead many to significantly reduce their diets out of frustration and concern for their baby.
Or in some cases, it may be pushed to switch to a formula, but Free to Feed is here for you. You can continue to breastfeed and find your baby’s triggers if you choose.
Every baby is different and so is every journey.
It’s hard wondering all the time if your baby is fussy because of something you ate.
Did they wake up in the middle of the night because of a slip-up?
Or is it just normal baby behavior?
Or are they getting ill?
Or are they teething?
The racing thoughts never seem to stop.
Having a positive mindset will help you. If you’re determined to breastfeed, Free to Feed is here to help. Dr. Trill and the Free to Feed Team is on a mission to make the lives of families with food allergies and intolerances better and more realistic to tackle.
Always keep in mind, this is temporary and the majority of babies do grow out of most reactivity.
When it comes to changing your diet – think healthy foods. Not in a box. Grown from the earth. Eating this way can eliminate a lot of worries, as processed foods contain many more ingredients and additives.
For more concrete answers, having a 1:1 with with our allergy experts can be extremely beneficial for you and your baby. They will talk you through all your history and what you are currently struggling with and then makes a unique individualized plan for you.
Book a 1:1 Consultation Today!
Allergy-Friendly Brands
Here are some allergy-friendly brands to help you get started. Remember to always read the labels on ingredients – every time. Brands can change ingredients at any time, so it’s always a good habit to check all labels. If you’re unsure about something, you can always contact the manufacturer.
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Enjoy Life Foods
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Oatly
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Miyokos
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Follow Your Heart
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Nature’s Bakery
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Made Good
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Abe’s
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Violife
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Katz
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Safe & Fair
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So Delicious Yogurt
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Smart Balance Original
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Truemade Foods
