Hi. I have just has a very serious peanut alergy confirmed today for my 9 month old. Started with strange rash - it has taken a while to connect them to the peanut oil on my fingers! We are required to carry an epipen - did I do something wrong this pregnacy? I know its crazy, but did others feel this way? Did I eat something? Do something? Belle is my fourth child, all of the others are not sensitive to any foods. I was in tears at the specialists office today - my other girls are upset too. No more peanut butter and toast? We have been told to go completely nut free - all nuts. Of course we haven't been feeding Belle nuts, her reactions have been from someone touching her. It is very scary. I am sure I will be back often - thanks for listening.
Lorraine
Mallory - 18
Madison - 8
Marissa - 4
Mirabelle - 9 months
Lorraine, hi and welcome. The guilt you are feeling happens to alot of us. But believe me, you did nothing wrong. It just happens. If it was something you did, all your girls would have it. So please don't be so hard on yourself.
Having your home completely nut free is the safest way to go, especially with a little one who can grab things while you aren't watching. It also makes it easier if someone comes in your home to babysit, you don't have to worry about what they give your child.
As far as your other girls, my non pa son was the same way, ate pb everyday. We buy him Sunbutter now. It is like pb only made from sunflower seeds. He loves it. Their website is [url="http://www.sunbutter.com"]www.sunbutter.com[/url] . They also have safe seeds and trail mixes. I have also used it to make cookies.
You will find alot of good information here but some of it can be overwhelming so don't read too much at a time. There are some good books you can buy too. Feel free to ask any questions here, no matter what they are. Hope to see you around!
Hi Lorraine,
Sorry you had to find us here and that your daughter has PA. There have been a bunch of threads started on moms feeling guilt, so you're definitely not alone. While we all feel guilty, it's not because we did anything wrong. I have twins, one with multiple food allergies, and one with none.
The latest study out, I believe, found no correlation between what moms ate and what allergies their children developed. Hang in, we're here to help.
When you first find out, it's a very tough time. But I promise it gets easier.
------------------
Meg, mom to:
Matt 2 yrs. PA,MA,EA
Sean 2 yrs. NKA
Belle'smom, I just love your childrens names. How cute, I have an 18 year old son christopher and he has always been PA. Yes to the touch he would break out and having breathing problems.
Let me tell you this is where strong parenting comes into play. This is where we get the trial of how good we are at authority I guess.
Teaching the the importance is most importans.
It is so hard but we get through rough times.
I still worry about Chris at all times. He has a girl friend now and I worry about what she may eat and then come around him.
She is careful now but still learning.
Do I trust her NO not at all with this allergy.
She is young and in love with my boy. I feel guilty when he goes with her because I love her alot but worry about things all the time.
I totally feel it was easier on us because he was first and we didn't have to reteach any other children rules. the two younger ones have never known any other way of life. Just that nuts are bad.
Good luck to you Claire