Dairy Free breastfeeding mamas

alw12290

We recently discovered that our LO has a sensitivity to dairy. Her pedi said that I could eat lactose free dairy products but I still feel like,what can I eat?!? There are so many things that have dairy in it that I'm at a loss for what I can eat and still add some variety. 

My question, what are you mamas eating? 

HeartLikeMine3

Will be following!! I've been cutting out the bulk of dairy in my diet and have already noticed a difference but I still find myself forgetting a little here and there can't give up my coffee creamer. 

adiaz132003

I used almond products but they aren't as good.

arteduc8

I'm not dairy free right now, but I have been in the past. I used coconut milk in my coffee and almond milk in smoothies and cereal. There is a pretty good coconut milk ice cream, too. There are some soy alternatives out there too, just not sure if it's OK to consume a lot of soy while nursing as soy acts as a pseudo estrogen. Something to look into though. Good luck!

alw12290

Actually coffee creamer like coffee mate and international delight is lactose free and not actually dairy! Because I was having a hard time figuring how I would cut that out!

arteduc8

alw12290 said:

Actually coffee creamer like coffee mate and international delight is lactose free and not actually dairy! Because I was having a hard time figuring how I would cut that out!

That's good to know! I actually use the Natural Bliss creamer which is definitely dairy based but oh so good!

HeartLikeMine3

I would cry without this stuff and you just made my day!! I had no clue it was dairy free happy dance!

likeabel

I was dairy free with DS1 for about 5 months (he pretty much grew out of it once he started solids) 

I made a lot of Thai dishes with coconut milk and cheese-less Mexican food (tacos without cheese are still pretty good!) but make sure to check the ingredients of EVERYTHING that's pre made. Taco seasoning, chicken broth, quick bake breads like English muffins where the main things that caught me off guard for containing dairy. 

For recipes I'd look for anything paleo, whole30 or vegan cause none of that will have dairy (especially good if you're looking for a dessert) 

I'd avoid soy in large quantities. Most babies that have a dairy problem also have a soy problem. If you're eating a granola bar that has soy in it, don't worry. But avoid soy milk and tofu (which makes dining out at a vegan restaurant more difficult). I'd suggest getting a salad, bring your own dressing (cause most dressings have some sort of dairy in it) or just do oil/vinegar and omit any bread and cheese. 

On the upside - between that and nursing I was 30 pounds below my pre pregnancy weight by 6 months pp! 

BettyRu

I had to do that with DD .. I was an exclusive pumper and if any of you are in the same boat, don't throw out your dairy pumped milk.  The dairy sensitivity didn't last too long for us, it may have just been colic, but when the baby is fussy, dairy is one of the first things they recommend cutting out.

alw12290

@HeartLikeMine3 I don't think it is dairy free, I think it is lactose free I may have misspoke!! Now I have to look!!

Her pediatrician said that lactose free should be fine, although from my current research, there is a very big difference between a lactose sensitivity and a dairy sensitivity. The dairy sensitivity (although typically less severe) allows NO dairy products whatsoever. This is due to an allergy in the proteins of the cows milk. However, I wonder if with a mild allergy, organic products would work because maybe it's due to all the stuff they pump the cows with.

Lactose, you can probably supplement with lactase pills and look for lactose free products. With my first trial and error she seemed to do fine with me just cutting out lactose and using lactose free products. However, she still gets some gas (which is normal for all babies) but I may be leaning towards having to eliminate the main stuff: butter, cheese, yogurt, etc. 

adiaz132003

alw12290 said:

@HeartLikeMine3 I don't think it is dairy free, I think it is lactose free I may have misspoke!! Now I have to look!!

Her pediatrician said that lactose free should be fine, although from my current research, there is a very big difference between a lactose sensitivity and a dairy sensitivity. The dairy sensitivity (although typically less severe) allows NO dairy products whatsoever. This is due to an allergy in the proteins of the cows milk. However, I wonder if with a mild allergy, organic products would work because maybe it's due to all the stuff they pump the cows with.

Lactose, you can probably supplement with lactase pills and look for lactose free products. With my first trial and error she seemed to do fine with me just cutting out lactose and using lactose free products. However, she still gets some gas (which is normal for all babies) but I may be leaning towards having to eliminate the main stuff: butter, cheese, yogurt, etc. 

Weird, I read that proteins will transfer in moms milk but lactose won't.  That's why they say if you have to go dairy free it's an all or nothing deal.  

rlbrooks84

I'm usually dairy free because dairy upsets my body. I use a lot of canned coconut milk when I cook, it has that cream on top that adds the richness you get from milk. I have a killer chocolate cream recipe if you want it. I also just almond milk in my coffee, cereal, ect. It's not as good as milk but I make do. There's also fake butters out there that aren't too bad, I've used them in baked goods and on my toast. Luckily I'm a SAHM so I feel like it's easier for me being dairy free since I usually have the time to make things catered to my diet. Not lately with a new baby and kids out of school for the summer but I use too. It's hard but good luck. 

alw12290

@adiaz132003 I may have to call them back because if it's the proteins, it has nothing to do with lactose and they may have given me incorrect info! 

@rlbrooks84 when cooking with coconut milk, does it have any hint of coconut. My husband apparently hates coconut

rlbrooks84

@alw12290 sometimes I get a hint of coconut when I use it in sauces. If I'm baking I'll use almond milk instead of regular milk. I'm having to get back into for some reason when I'm pregnant my body can handle milk but then afterwards it goes back to not being able to process it. 

rlbrooks84

Oh and pancakes or waffles made with almond milk are delicious! 

rlbrooks84

FYI I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk

rlbrooks84

Does your husband like pesto? It's really easy to make and you can just omit the Parmesan and add extra nuts. I can give you my recipe if you'd like, it's very tasty with chicken and angel hair pasta. It's actually what I'm making for dinner tonight.

alw12290

@rlbrooks84 any recipes you can provide would be much appreciated!! 

I have also also noticed that the windi helps her. It's a little weird but not any worse than using a thermometer to help move things along and has great reviews! 

b1979s

alw12290 said:

@rlbrooks84 any recipes you can provide would be much appreciated!! 

I have also also noticed that the windi helps her. It's a little weird but not any worse than using a thermometer to help move things along and has great reviews! 

We just started using this too and it's great. I wasn't so sure about it but it's worked wonders on my gassy boy. 

alw12290

For those of us who had to go dairy free, I found (well my husband found) a great website with a ton of recipes!!

milkfreemom.com

rlbrooks84

Oh sorry I forgot to post my pest recipe I made it last night and that reminded me, I use garlic but I can't breastfeed so feel free to omit the garlic.
2 cups basil 
1/2 cup raw cashews, pine nuts, or raw walnuts
4 cloves garlic
blend in a food processor till it turns into a paste then slowly add about 1/2 cup of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

it freezes really well and then I will pull it out the day I want to use it and let it defrost in the fridge. 1 batch is usually enough for 2 meals for my husband and I.