I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding as it can benefit the mother and baby in SO many ways. I also understand that breastfeeding is not viable for every mother and there are many cases where it does not work out at all or long term, and that is OK! Breastfeeding for any length of time can be challenging, emotion-filled, and rewarding. Whatever your story, everyone is welcome and loved here!
If you choose to eliminate foods out of your diet to continue breastfeeding, my heart goes out to you and I hope you can find comfort and resources that are helpful to you here. If you are learning to cook or prepare food for your non-breastfeeding, histamine intolerant child, my heart goes out to you also! Any part of this experience can be overwhelming and a lot to handle.
I want to encourage you that eating a low-histamine diet for your baby IS possible and it does get easier. At the beginning of this road I felt like I was absolutely drowning, and that it would never get better. But it has. And it can for you too. I’m at the point now where I feel like I can totally manage this even though some moments and days are still difficult. There can be light and hope on this path!
Resources and articles that have encouraged me:
Elim Diets for Dairy Queens Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DQElim/
I haven’t found many posts on histamine intolerance, but it can be helpful to connect with other moms who are eliminating foods while breastfeeding. You have to be a member of Dairy Queens before you can become a member of this group.
Nutrional benefits of nursing past 12 months: https://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/
This was SO encouraging to me. At 12 months Rosie still only had 5 safe foods she would regularly eat and none of them included a source of protein or fat. After I read this article, I felt so reassured about my choice to continue breastfeeding, and I felt confident that she was getting the nutrients she needed from my breastmilk.
More encouraging articles about breastfeeding beyond 12 months.