Family life at The Allergic Table
I have always wanted to be a mother, but somewhere in the back of my mind I was always conscious that I might pass on my numerous allergies to my children. I know that I am thriving with my allergies, and that they haven’t stopped me before, but in the back of my mind, I worry about if I could manage my allergies and my children’s. What I never even thought of was that I might not pass them on. They might not get allergies.
When I connected with Brittany aka The Allergic Table I actually didn’t quite comprehend that she was a mother with allergies but her children didn’t have any. It took me twice asking her to get that fact in my mind. Brittany wrote this beautiful story about her life and family. You can see on her Instagram, that her family are always on adventures, and she is so creative with DIY and just living every day to the fullest. Brittany is the kind of mother I hope to be. She is always travelling, never letting her allergies get in the way. I hope you enjoy reading. There will be a follow up Q&A next week, if this post left you needing more, like it did me!
Brittany’s story
At 24, I had my first child.
The room was dimly lit, filled with people including my mom and husband.
I imagined this moment, how I wanted my birth experience to go and what the pain might feel like.
It took two whole days to get to this point, the moment before I would actually get to hold my baby in my arms instead of my belly. I would finally get to see this kicking bump I was growing. He had a name, he had a room ready and a home to be brought to. It was the first grandchild in my family, the first great grandchild, too. A big moment for my family.
8:10 pm he arrived - finally!
He had a full head of hair and was a lot bigger than I expected a newborn to be.
My story is a little different to most mom’s, because I have food allergies, and I want to share how they have influenced me and shaped me as a mom. Motherhood looks slightly different for me, but it has been my way of life for as long as I can remember. It is my normal.
On a December day, in my childhood, I was at my grandmother's house in New Jersey. My mom had just gone out to do some holiday shopping when she got a page (on her BEEPER! Yes, a beeper), something was wrong. My little baby cheeks were swollen and my eyes closed shut. Still the scariest thing for a family to see. For two days, my 14 month year old body tried to fight off “peanut butter”. Benadryl worked after a while. My Pop-Pop said I looked like a little baby monster. I was all swollen but acting like a baby would.
29 years ago, food allergies weren’t common. There was little evidence that people can grow up, and have a normal life with allergies - but look at me now, I have made it to 30!
I made it through pre-school, puberty, middle and high school.
I’ve made it through cheerleading tryouts and softball games.
Family gatherings, parties, and new experiences.
I graduated from high school.
I went to college and got a degree!
I am a wife to an amazing man; I got really lucky with him, plus he gave up peanut butter - love does amazing things.
We have two young, adventurous, wild and caring boys.
I’ve been through countless allergist appointments, allergy season, colds and sick winters.
But I have made it here.
Living with food allergies, as an adult, has never determined my life - there have been moments where I they have gotten in the way, and they have affected my experiences, that happens to people who don’t have allergies. Things get in the way, my thing is allergies.
To be honest, I expect the world to accommodate me, to modify for my needs. It is not to say that I believe the world revolves around me but, I believe, I have just as many rights as a person who doesn’t have allergies. But I don’t just expect for them to do the work and me to lay back in my chair; I stay prepared, I call ahead, I observe my environment, and I avoid certain situations that I feel are dangerous to me. I make those decisions in a positive mindset; determined to be inclusive instead of secluded.
When it came a time that my husband and I decided we were ready to have kids, we just did it- not worrying about my allergies. I did consult my OBGYN down the road about how to manage my food allergies whilst pregnant. She explained that, if I had to use my EpiPen then do it, for it will save my life. Benadryl has always done the trick for my reactions (everyone’s reactions are different and reactions are different every time. Trust yourself)
If you are thinking about starting your family, know this: You can do it!
Be prepared just like you would in every other situation. Do your research. Talk to experts. Know your history. Be safe. Chose a healthy lifestyle. Find support groups with people who have done this before. You are not alone. Remember that.
Be kind to yourself.
And...it’s all worth it in the end.
Photo of Brittany and her mother
Brittany
Instagram @theallergictable
Website The Allergic Table
Brittany is a Spokin Ambassador