Dealing with dairy allergies in pregnancy

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Dealing with dairy allergies in pregnancy
« on: February 08, 2010, 08:43:21 PM » by Jemima

I could really use some support and advice right now.

Around a month ago, my midwife determined that I should go dairy-free, in hopes of getting to the root of some itching problems I'd been dealing with for awhile. It's going on three weeks now of being off dairy (except butter) and the symptoms have not improved, but that's probably for a different thread. My main concern/worry is figuring out how to get enough calcium and protein and fats without dairy foods.

I've been alternating rice/almond/soy milks, and using them primarily for baking, not for drinking. I try to have nuts/seeds on hand for quick protein fillers. I use butter a lot, (wondering if that's why my symptoms haven't cleared yet) for fats, and we do eat red meat often.

I'm hungry a lot, and just trying to get enough to eat, of the right things! I've been taking CLO, 2 Tbsp, daily, and occasionally a liquid calcium/mag supplement (when I remember). Any ideas for snacks that are filling and nutritious?

I'd really appreciate any input from anyone who's had allergy issues during pregnancy, and how you kept yourself and your unborn baby nourished and healthy.

**Note: I've also got 2 children under 3 who I have off dairy now, and feeling very concerned that I'm doing the right thing, and that they're getting sufficient calcium, etc. Anyone know any threads to point me to? I'm sure there must be some on this.

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Re: Dealing with dairy allergies in pregnancy
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2010, 09:04:04 PM » by mykidsmom

Jemima,

We have been dairy free for a long time. Butter is an issue for people who are very sensitive to dairy and if your symptoms aren't clearning then I think you need to remove butter in order to determine if that is in fact what's holding back healing. In it's place you can use Smart Balance Light. I use it for everything for my DS. The regular stuff still has dairy so it has to be the light.

As far as fats go, nuts are your best bet. Lots of them. Although, if you're having allergy issues, almonds and peanuts could be causing you problems. The the time being, stick with walnuts, pecans, pistachios and cashews just in case. Use nut butters generously in place of butter. Tahini would be good also.

You really shouldn't have any issue filling up with meats and nuts. Eggs is another good thing.

As far as calcium, use a good cal/mag supplement. We did go to a supplement for our crew after being dairy free for a year because my DS was testing low. That is one drawback to DF.

The other thing you should try and rule out is other food allergies. When I was pregnant with my first is when my food allergies kicked into gear and the reason why is because pregnancy changes the immune system while gestating.

patti

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Re: Dealing with dairy allergies in pregnancy
« Reply #2 on: February 09, 2010, 10:38:46 AM » by healthybratt

There's more bioavailable calcium in dark green veggies and herbs than milk.

http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/index.php/topic,2512.msg220758.html#msg220758

http://bulkherbstore.blogspot.com/2009/09/calcium-herbal-tea-blend.html

For protein, nuts, meats, eggs and fish.

For fats, all of the same foods for protein, herbs (yup they have fats too), cod liver oil and flax.

For the itching: Read these.

http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/index.php/topic,429.msg104.html#msg104

http://bulkherbstore.blogspot.com/2009/06/lou-gehrigs-disease-and-help-for-other.html

http://bulkherbstore.blogspot.com/2009/11/dermographism-what-on-earth-is-that.html

« Last Edit: February 09, 2010, 10:42:14 AM by healthybratt »
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Re: Dealing with dairy allergies in pregnancy
« Reply #3 on: February 09, 2010, 11:09:41 AM » by Jemima

Thank you guys for your input! It's very helpful and encouraging that I am, indeed, going in the right direction.

So, I see I need to get creative with the meats, nuts/seeds and eggs!

Quote from: healthybratt on February 09, 2010, 10:38:46 AM

There's more bioavailable calcium in dark green veggies and herbs than milk.

Wow, I didn't know that! I'm going to do more reading on this. It will be helpful for those who question my decisons and worry me about me and the kids getting our calcium.

Mykidsmom, I see I'm going to have to try cutting out butter, too. Cry