I feel that way on and off repeatedly throughout the days. I can predict the highs and lows though, which makes it more bearable. The process of getting myself and the girls out of the house will most likely be a low point. When I see my husband's gold SUV pull in the driveway after work, that is definitely a high point. His presence just puts me at ease and he is the most gracious help to me, and a hero to our older daughter, Chariot.
Both of our daughters have had a sensitivity to casein and soy, meaning that during breastfeeding, I couldn't consume either. That means no soy, cheese, butter, milk, or beef. As an American, this is a huge challenge and brings a lot of low points in my day. When I wake up in the morning and prepare my black coffee, I remember that I can't have any of my usual morning chocolate, not even chocolate chips. Bummer. I tried making my own chocolate, but it was only good for soy and dairy-free no-bake cookies, which of course, are delicious, but a lot of work when there's a newborn and a 2-year old in the house.
Chariot has outgrown this intolerance, THANKFULLY, but we are only at the beginning with little Cadence. So, the year ahead has seemed bleak as I've thought about my time being consumed with diapers, spit-up, and no food to comfort me at the end of the day. Not the most healthy comfort, of course, but a comfort nonetheless.
We live in a rural county in North Carolina. By rural, I mean that the nearest Target is about 30 minutes away. The county has allowed for some commercial chains, including Walmart and McDonald's, but the others are fairly small and can be hit or miss as far as modernity.
Yesterday I had my post partum visit at the doctor's office in the nearest developed city-Wilmington. They have everything that I miss living out of town-cultural variety being the main thing, but also wider availability of foods and clothing. My entire life and outlook turned around yesterday just from one trip to Whole Foods.
I went only in hopes of finding a few treats to get that feel-good-feeling in the morning with my coffee: sugar cookie baking mix, and possibly soy-free dairy-free chocolate in any form. Just as long as it wasn't like Lindt's 80% Dark Chocolate (don't ever eat it), I could handle it.
To pause for a minute, all of this is a classic "First World Problems" rant, I know. It's almost annoying me as I read it over. But, it's still hard. I personally depend heavily on cheese to snack on because it has no sugar or carbs (Juvenile Diabetes), so taking that away is a huge change for me to adapt to. Throwing that in with all of the changes of adding a new member to the family, plus hormonal changes, make the walls more susceptible to crumbling.
*Disclaimer-chocolate-although disputed by many-is a wonderful snack for diabetics! If you plan and take insulin accordingly, it's a lifesaver. The fat in chocolate makes the sugar break down more slowly, so you don't get the spikes like if you ate pure candy. It's the best thing ever.
...
I pulled into the civilized parking lot which includes Whole Foods, Learning Express, and Chipotle. It's like a dream for the residents of Brunswick County who've once tasted the fruit of commercial convenience.
Whenever I walk into Whole Foods, I just feel like a better human being. Somehow I feel healthier just having stepped through the doors, even if I am there to buy sugar cookies.
I perused the aisles of glorious foods, and found not only safe chocolate chips to eat, but all of these wonderful treats!
GOD BLESS the people who created the recipes to make these things. I tried the coconut ice cream, and it isn't great, but it is a nice substitute. These treats will probably last me for an entire year! The flavored almond milk coffee drinks are pretty good. THE BEST of all are the chocolate chips and the almond milk ice cream bars. I can't tell the difference between the real thing and the second best in either of those things.
If you are a mom who has a fussy infant, I want to pass this information I found a couple of years ago. It helped me tremendously! I have met so many moms who had pediatricians suggest that their infant can't handle their breast milk and put the baby on formula. Of course, I'm sure they are right some of the time, but many times, I think they're missing the mark. I came to that conclusion based on my own experience with both daughters. I have now seen 3 different doctors-1 Family Medicine, 2 Pediatricians, and none have brought up removing dairy and soy from my diet. I had to figure that out on my own, and when I did, my babies have done GREAT with breastfeeding!
So, if you're about to give up, read this first! Scroll down to find the paragraph. This article has many other helpful links, such as "how long does it take for what I eat to get into my breast milk?"
http://kellymom.com/health/baby-health/food-sensitivity/
I hope this helps many moms out there! And, after you read this, go to Whole Foods and reward yourself!!!
