"When your 3 month old baby is crying and vomiting, you panic."

By RACHEL MEIZEN

My daughter was three-months-old when I agreed to do a day of work at a local festival. She was my third child and I wasn’t so paranoid about her care. I happily left her with my mum on occasion and she agreed to look after her again.

She’d only ever had breast milk and I expressed enough for the day, leaving some formula just in case I ran late.

I did run late. I was so happy to be out of the house working, and enjoying the day with my husband and son. I rang my mum mid-afternoon and she said my daughter was having a great day and to take my time.

On my way to pick her up I rang my mum to let her know I was on my way and she didn’t sound like herself.

“Cat is vomiting after her feeds,” she said.

I could hear my daughter crying in the background.

“Oh no, I’m on my way. I’ll be there soon.”

My dad answered the door. He looked pensive. Curious, but not yet worried, I walked into the lounge room where my mum was pacing, holding my baby girl in her arms. My eyes were fixed on her. She looked different. My mum put her in my arms and she was a dead weight. Completely limp.

“What the hell,” I said, alarmed.

“She’s been vomiting up her feeds,” Mum said.

“I gave her some water,” my dad said.

“Call an ambulance,” I shrieked.

Just as an FYI, this post is sponsored by a2 Milk^TM. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words. 

My daughter was staring up at me weakly. I could detect a hint of a smile. I put her on my breast and she wasn’t able to latch on because she was so weak. She eventually began to feed and was monitored in hospital overnight.

That’s how I found out my daughter had a cow’s milk protein allergy.

Of all the things to be allergic to, this was one I hadn’t been prepared for.

Her diagnosis took us by surprise, and we quickly realised we had to make some changes in our household. Firstly I needed to avoid milk whilst breastfeeding her. Then when my daughter was introduced to solids at about 6 months, we had to try and find calcium rich foods like broccoli and soy products to compensate for milk being absent from her diet. It was really hard to find alternatives that she enjoyed.

In my daughter’s case, she was lucky enough to grow out of the allergy by the time she turned two. However, even though her doctor told us she could now start drinking small amounts of cows’ milk, she just never seemed to like it and often complained of a sore tummy after eating foods like ice cream and yoghurt. It was heartbreaking to see her feeling left out while the other kids enjoyed ice cream and milk shakes.

Like my daughter, some of those children who complain of tummy upsets after milk, ice cream or yoghurt might be experiencing their symptoms because of the A1 protein found in regular cows’ milk. Parents of these children need to be super careful to eliminate the A1 protein from their kids’ diet, which can be tricky, because some brands state on the front of pack that their milk contains A2, but fail to mention that they also contain A1 which is mentioned on the back of pack. (FYI – a2 Milk^TM is the only brand on the market that comes from cows that ONLY produce the A2 protein, and not A1.).

My daughter always felt so left out when we were eating and drinking foods that she couldn’t. She didn’t like any of the soy varieties. These days there are so many more options and everyone is more aware of allergies and intolerances so it’s much easier than in those first few years, thank goodness.

An important note: Cows’ milk allergy is a serious condition and is different to cows’ milk intolerance. If you or your child is known to suffer from a cows’ milk allergy, you should consult your doctor or paediatrician before consuming ANY milk variety, including a2 Milk™.

There is no need that those of you with allergies should feel left out. Check out these incredibly cool celebs who also live with allergies and intolerances …

All regular cows’ milk brands today contain both A1 and A2 proteins.
a2 Milk™ is special because it is the only milk that comes from cows hand-picked to naturally produce only the A2 protein, and not A1.

Many people tell us they can feel the difference. We like to think we’re bringing back the pleasure of real and natural milk to many Australians, every day.

Visit www.a2milkhappymoments.com and share a Happy Moment that you and your family can now enjoy thanks to a2 Milk™ for your chance to WIN* a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker or a Nespresso Coffee Machine every week! *T&Cs apply