An interview with Emma from Free From Farmhouse
He is 18 months and is allergic to dairy, egg, peanut and tree nuts, sesame and garlic.
He had severe eczema when he was a baby and we suspected cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). Then when I started weaning him he had a bad reaction to tahini in hummus and after that we had him tested.
He was 9 months when his allergies were confirmed.
My husband and I are both atopic with a combination of asthma, eczema and hayfever. There are allergies in both our families – my sister has a nut allergy – so we were aware of dealing with them.
Making sure he has enough nutrients, especially calcium and iron and trying to keep variety in his diet. I am nervous about introducing new foods but don’t want to limit his meals any further than I have to. Hidden ingredients are a hard one – especially with garlic – and also a lot of ‘may contain’ labelling for sesame and nuts.
I try to be as relaxed as possible and trust others, but yes it is very difficult. I have a care plan in place and communicate closely with my childminder but I am still constantly worried when he is out of my sight.
It can sometimes be quite difficult to diagnose and get support for allergies. Did you have good support from your doctor/allergist?
When he was little and had severe eczema and was losing weight I was told by doctors that it could not be allergens passing through my breast-milk. I really had to fight to be listened to, we swapped GPs and took him to A&E before I got help. We now have a great GP and a top allergist so we have the support we need.
As much as they can be, yes. I think it is hard for anyone to truly understand when they are not living it everyday but they are very good at checking ingredients and keeping an eye on him.
It’s very hard but I want us to continue to have a normal family life. I always take our own food with us as back up but have started ordering for him too. I have had good experiences in chain places with allergy menus and have a local pub that is very accommodating. Calling ahead helps and asking to talk to the chef or manager. If I don’t feel comfortable somewhere then we don’t order as it’s not worth the risk.
No, and this is something I am still wrestling with. We are very careful, only eat his allergens at the table or after he is in bed and have limited the things we have in the house. But dairy is the hardest to get rid of completely. I feel guilty about this but I also think that as he grows up he will need to learn that he can’t eat the same things as other people. It’s a tricky one and I’m still not sure how to handle it.
There are still loads of things they can eat so try not panic! Most meals can be made free from and there are some great products and recipes out there. Take advice from a dietician, educate friends and family about what they can eat and always carry your own food, snacks and medicine.
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I’m interested.
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