Why thank you.. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] I forgot something though.
Your Child can handle it too [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
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I am a mom of two anaphalactic PA boys and my daughter and myself also have allergies. You may e-mail me at: [email]YippidyDoDa@aol.com[/email] ...I know, I know...an interesting e-mail address...*lol*

Hi Cape Cod Mom. I am glad you found us. We are here for you. Please do not feel guilty about breast feeding and eating peanut butter. There are several postings on this and there does not seem to be any correlation between eating peanut butter, breast feeding, and children with PA. Don't let this overwhelm you. I am 47 and PA has never been much of an issue in my life. I lead a completely normal life. My parents were never over protective of me. I am careful, but I regularly go out to dinner and I travel. I think you will find this the most helpful site. I have learned more here then I ever knew before. Take a deap breath, educate yourself, ask questions, but do not blame yourself for anything and don't let yourself go crazy over this. We are here for you. Andy

I meant to say, "Take a deep breath." Andy

actually andy, there have been some studies done that do show some correlation to PA and breastfeeding.that being said, however, there is STILL no need for anyone who breastfed or is still breastfeeding to feel guilty. There was no information on this and its still not definitive. many people breastfeed, eat peanuts and their children have no allergies whatsoever and the reverse is true as well, many are formula fed with lots of food allergies. that doesnt mean that in some cases, having a predispostiion to the allergy and being breastfed may make it more severe, etc. There are no black or white answers yet but i do agree we have enough guilt, its a totally unproductive emotion!
I think though that even with the small data that is available showing even if its a somewhat tenuos connection, is enough to warn soon to be moms to avoid peanut products while pregnant and nursing, especially if their are allergies in their families. Just my opinion.

Thanks for the info mom2two. I stand corrected. Andy

thank you for responding so graciously!! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Capecod mom I am so happy to have read your article. I have a 14 year old severly allergic to nuts. We found out when he was 9 months. I was only able to eat peanut butter when I was pregnant for him and keep it down for a while. When we found out about his allergies everyone would tell me I should have breastfed and he would not have any allergies like this. I did not feel as though I was able to breastfeed because I am a terrible eater and have never been able to stop chocolate. Anyway that isn't the point. I wanted to let you know that my husband and I have just come back from the Cape and the people treated us great when we would check the food ingredients. I would hate to be in Cape Cod and allergic to fish. I think we always try to find out how we could have avoided any situation that isn't the way it should be. MY son has done really well. He does watch out for himself now,but yes I always will watch out for him and worry because they are our little gifts. My daughter is very allergic to cats and that had nothing to do with my pregnancy. If that makes you feel any better. We never let my son buy school food at all. I always take care of the food. MY parents have always kept the allergist letter on her refrigerator and you would be amazed at the people that will stand and read it when they walk in. My family keeps no peanut butter what so ever in their home and my whole family is so close and has seen Christopher in an attack so they never want to see it again. I think finding out when they are little is a little easier because THis becomes a way of life for the whole family. I do make a special day for my daughter and I to go out for a peanut butter sunday. My 2 year old has never had nuts so he doesn't get to try it. I wish you the best and I really think you are doing the right things as far as being careful. I once had someone tell me I was holding up a line because I was reading a lable. It was christmas time and everyone of course in a hurry. I turned and just told her that my son was allergic to certain foods I had to read. This woman was so mad and even after that she still had a fit. You just learn to deal with ignorance I guess. Good luck Claire

I should add that they do not want to go peanut free, and I do plan on sending lunch everyday regardless because of may contain issues.
I guess I had to weigh the peanut free issue, and it could be a years long battle. And one I do not wish to fight.