I guess we're getting popular...

The site got it's first bit of comment spam today. Comment moderation is now in place. I've decided to take the spam as flattery.

Total elimination diet - CNN.com

CNN.com ran an article a few weeks back written by AP journalist Rebecca Boone, who had to go on a Total Elimination Diet (TED) to deal with her infant daughter's food intolerance.  The article is an eloquent account of the struggle and stress of being the parent of an MSPI (and more) child.  Rebecca eats only organic turkey, rice and squash.

On our end of things, the Philosopher Mom has been eating fish for a week.  So far, so good.  

Nursing an allergic baby, Mom goes on 'total elimination'

CNN.com

Glad to know this site is still helpful

I recently recieved an email from a mom with a 5 week old boy suffering from MSPI.  The letter reminded me of the dearth of resources out there, and the mom (S) has graciously allowed me to reprint her letter here.

Hello,

I came across your blog when I was trying to find info on MSPI. My 5
week old son and I are dealing with this. I never had this problem
with my daughter. There is not a whole lot of info out there. I
know the basics and what to avoid as far as foods and such.

Do you have any advice, food alternatives, recipes, ideas for me.

I would really appreciate it! Thank you so much :-)

My reply:

Hi S
I'm sorry to hear about your struggle. One of the reasons I started blogging was to collect the sparse resources on MSPI into one page. In terms of recipe, the Food Allergy Network has a cookbook that you can order for about 20$. It is a very worthwhile investment.

You can also substitute rice milk (rice beverage) for milk in many recipes. Make sure that you buy the enriched one though. It is a good source of calcium and vitamins for you as well.

If your son is only intolerant to milk(beef) and soy, try incorporating a lot of legumes in your diet. Many middle-eastern and Indian recipes are safe and straight forward. In prepared foods, watch out for hidden milk...

Please write me back if you have any other questions, or if you find any other useful information on the web.
Best of Luck
Michael

It's all French to me

Now that grad school and paternity leave are done, I'm back at work - and somehow I still can't find time to post.  

Quoi de neuf alors?

First, an update on Zen Girl's health:  Philosopher Mom remains on a  very restrictive diet, having eliminated dairy, beef, soy, nuts, fish eggs and legumes.   She tried introducing eggs a few weeks ago but there was blood in ZG's diaper almost immediately. Very frustrating.  ZG is such a good kid, and sleeps so so much that she was only feeding four times a day, and as a result started to lose weight.  She now eats about seven times a day, and is gaining nicely.

Autre chose:  I've decided to speak French exclusively to the kids.  We live in Quebec, and I want them to be as bilingual as possible.  The ZG is having no problems.  At 5 months old, she doesn't understant much anyway.  With Curious Boy though, it is a challenge.  The kid loves to talk with us, and all of a sudden, he doesn't understand a word I say.  Frustrating for both of us.  He's already starting to pick up some words.  I have a feeling that this will get easier very quickly.

Male Contraception

With a 21 month old and a 4 month old in the house, contraception is a big issue for us right now.   The details are, frankly, none of your business, but a few more options would be nice.  I was quite hopeful when I came across the website for a conference entitled "The Future of Male Contraception".  Lots of interesting ideas.  Progesterone  injections, IVDs, 
vitamin A uptake blockers, but it still seems that comercial products are quite some time away.
So much for the "male pill".


http://www.futureofmalecontraception.com/
http://www.malecontraceptives.org/
http://www.newmalecontraception.org/