5 Tips for Going on a Dairy Free Diet

Are your a nursing Mom with a baby with a dairy allergy?
Here are my top 5 tips on how to go on a dairy free diet while breastfeeding.

Why are you on a dairy free diet?

All three of my daughters started showing symptoms of a dairy allergy at a very young age. Since my babies are exclusively breastfed, I do my best to avoid eating anything containing dairy ingredients. The baby dairy allergy symptoms include (but are not limited to): mucous in her stool, crazy newborn rashes, excessive spit up. and painful gas.

My newest little girl, Arbor, is showing the signs and symptoms of a dairy allergy. I cut out dairy almost two weeks ago and am waiting to see how she does. It can take 10–21 days for dairy to fully leave a Mom’s milk and system.

5 tips for Going on a Dairy Free Diet

I always make a few mistakes when I go dairy free at first. It is hard to cut dairy from your diet when you are breastfeeding! Nursing Moms are hungry all through the day and it can be difficult to sit down to have a filling meal. Of course it’s easier to grab snacks on the go — but dairy free snacking is not so easy.

1. ALWAYS READ LABELS. Keep this hidden dairy ingredient list handy. Always check the labels of processed foods for any peculiarly named items before eating/buying something new.
2. Carry your own butter or milk with you when you’re going out to eat. I always bring a little container of Earth Balance butter in my purse when we are going to a restaurant for breakfast.
3. Ask the waiter for dairy free options. Some restaurants will prepare your meal with oil instead of butter. Don’t be afraid to tell the waiter you can’t have dairy!
4. Find out what you like and stock the pantry. Here is a post about my favorite dairy free snacks and recipes.
5. Learn to substitute. For every dairy product, there is a substitution. Whether it is milk, butter, cheese, or cream — check out these dairy-free substitutes and experiment with different products (found in the vegan section at your grocery store) until you find what you like.

Dairy Free While Breastfeeding

Dairy can be a great source of caloric energy for a breastfeeding Mom — so when you omit dairy from your diet, you need to make sure to find caloric energy in new places. Don’t forget to make sure to stay hydrated while nursing as well!