Going Dairy Free

I have always heard that no two children are the same. My two special snowflakes do seem to have some key similarities, though. For example, they were almost born at exactly the same gestational age. They both look more like my husband than they look like me. And it seems that they both suffer from the dreaded reflux as infants.

I took Eloise to the doctor yesterday because we're seen the kicking of the legs, the arching of the back, the spitting up, and the screaming. We tried to wait it out. A good number of babies spit. A good number of babies are fussy. But then the choking started. We cannot put her down even half an hour after eating. We've seen it all before.

Last night was particularly rough with the reflux. Though our pediatrician wanted us to start with probiotics (which we'll do as well), we are also picking up a prescription for the same medication that helped Ada. I was conflicted about using medicine on such a small babe all those years ago. But once she was on it, it was like night and day. Seriously.

The other thing I'm considering is going dairy free. I've read way too much to remember where I saw (maybe Kelly Mom?) that dairy is the only proven food that often gives breastfed babies reflux. I didn't cut anything out with Ada, but I figure it might be worth a try with Eloise. And as I type that, visions of delicious burrata and gelato are dancing in my head.

Have you gone dairy free for a similar reason?

Did it work?

I was vegan for several years during college. I keep thinking "no sweat!" but then I consider that a large portion of my diet is made up of dairy products these days. Large part. Ugh.

Some of my favorite foods include:

• Greek yogurt
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Block cheeses
• Cottage cheese
• Ice cream
• Etc.

At the same time, I haven't consumed a glass of good 'ole cow's milk in years. I don't normally do butter (though I baked a cake the other day using real buttercream frosting). I mean, yeah. There are also tons of great substitutes these days. Heck -- Ben + Jerry's makes an incredible non-dairy dessert.

So, yeah. I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for going dairy free. I know it might take 2-3 weeks to see any difference, at which point I may wait a week and slowly try to introduce foods again to see if it is an effort worth continuing. We might even try chiropractic adjustment because I have friends who swear by that. Anything to ease the pain (for her . . . and us, quite honestly!).

Update on the beach post, by the way. That basement apartment I was so excited about? I found the same listing on AirBnb and in the fine print it said "no infants under age 2" -- grrr! But I totally get it. I wouldn't want to stay with a screaming baby on vacation either. I am still trying to investigate a few spots, but it's hard not being able to stay for an entire week to find something solid and affordable. Looks like we'll be taking a PA vacation instead.

Thanks for all your words of wisdom!