New Guidelines to Prevent Food Allergies

Today I read an article that states changes have been made in the recommendations on when to start certain foods to prevent food allergies.

Instead of waiting a year to introduce foods like peanuts, egg, and soy, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI),   now encouraged to introduce these food earlier.  The new guidelines also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 4-6 months and eliminating "avoidance diets" for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Like most mothers of food allergic children, I always question if I did anything wrong. I know that I did not cause Catherine's allergies, but it is good to know that new recommendations have been created to help prevent food allergies in children.

Do you have a child with food allergies. When did you introduce peanuts, soy, milk, and eggs? Do you think the new guidelines will reduce food allergies in children?

Motherhood Chronicles: Why I decided to be a black stay-at-home mom

I have always known I wanted to be a wife and mother. From a young age, I possessed a nurturing spirit. I was the girl in high school who embraced sewing, cooking, and all things domestic. When I found out I was pregnant with Catherine, I knew I wanted to stay home and focus on my family.

Before having Catherine, I was a preschool teacher (I love children). I also was very involved in church activities an possessed a entrepreneurial spirit. Attending college, creating a business and even organizing a young adult conference, I was and still remain a driven and passionate person. However, once Catherine was born, I made the decision to slow down and stay home. This decision was not met with enthusiasm by all. While my husband was very supportive, my sister and other family members let me know they were not pleased with my decision. It was as if becoming a stay-at-home mom would make me less smart.

Historically, black women do not stay at home. This made my decision to stay-at-home even more isolating and frowned upon. I read a article that states black women are half as likely as white women to stay at home with their children. I believe this is due to social and economic challenges that have plagued the African American Community. Many African American mothers simply did not have a choice. They had to go to work to support there families.

My mother was unable to stay at home with my siblings and I. Working as a professional educator and counselor for over 32 years, she helped support our family financially. I am forever grateful for my mother and all of the sacrifices she made for me to have a better life.

I chose to become a stay-at-mom because I wanted to focus on my family. I want to be my child's first teacher and ensure that she has all of the skills and tools she needs to make it in this often crazy world.  Financially, I had the option to stay at home and I encourage those who do to consider it.

I don't want to start the mommy wars or race wars. I want to start a discussion that ultimately uplifts motherhood. One that shows young women they can be educated, passionate, and talented and make a huge mark on the world working  in or outside the home.

Each month I  plan to discuss the issues of being a stay-at-home mom from the African American perspective in the Motherhood Chronicles. I hope you follow and join the discussion.

Building Community through the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network

Being a mother of a food allergic child can be hard. Although we are only at the beginning of our journey, there have seen some rough days. Changing diets and  changing my attitude towards food, has taken time.

 I have approached this new journey in my families lives much in the same way I have approached all others. Through lots of prayer, research (the nerd in me), and  input from those who have walked the journey before me.

Last Thursday evening, I was able to meet other mothers who face the same challenges I face. I attended my first meeting of the local Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN).

It was an intimate meeting set at the Panera Bread located at my local mall. There I would meet 5 women all at different places in this journey.  One mother talked about the challenges children can face in the school setting. She shared her frustrations and showed the need for 504 plans. Another mother seemed to be at the beginning of her journey as well. Her son had recently been diagnosed with many of the same allergies Catherine has. We discussed our favorite products, shared stories of our battles (allergic reactions), referred our favorite doctors, shared new information and for a moment, just breathed.

For two hours we laughed, shed some tears, and were connected through our shared experiences.  It was a blessing.When it was all over, we exchanged emails and vowed to stay connected until the next monthly meeting.

I left the meeting inspired, hopeful, empowered and with a goody bag.  Do you suffer from food allergies? Do you have a child affected by food allergies? If so, I encourage you to get involved with FAAN. Get involved and know you're not alone.