Saturday, April 30, 2011

Ava's new diet...

I decided to go ahead and put Ava back on her blenderized diet after to many reflux-y events. The doctor has been out of town and I just didn't want to make Ava suffer through any more formula. She has also been dealing with an ear infection, so we've had a bit more crying...which means a lot more vomiting...which means a VERY unhappy mommy!

I saw a nutritionist within the last month to help guide me with Ava's diet. OK, actually, I walked into the office in tears and begged her to "Just tell me what to feed my child!!!" My last formulation was too high in fiber and caused things to move through her digestive tract too fast thereby causing her to mal-absorb nutrients. I just wanted a few recipes...I was sick of thinking and analyzing and worrying and second-guessing...SOMEBODY TELL ME WHAT TO DO FOR A CHANGE!!!!!! Somebody who has some common sense and knows what the H*LL they're talking about.

After two and a half years, I finally got what I've been begging for. Within a week, I had 2 recipes created by a therapeutic chef...one is fruit and yogurt based and the second is veggie and broth based. Both recipes give me the ability to easily substitute ingredients to give Ava a variety of foods within a weeks time. It's the actual measurements that were so important to me. 1 cup of fruit...simple and easy...any fruit...just use 1 cup of it. 2 TBSP tahini...can be almond butter or peanut butter...just use 2 TBSP. So many combinations and variations!  

After making the recipes and calculating out the calories, I realized Ava was going to be a bit short each day. So...I called the nutritionist and within a few hours, I had the additions and quantities needed to boost the calories in each recipe.

It's amazing to have some REAL help with all of this. I feel a weight being lifted from my shoulders. It's wonderful! I'm sure we will have to continue to tweak the recipes, but I finally have some help ...some support. 

Ava's body is LOVING being back on real food! She's not reflux-y at all and her stools were back to normal the first day. She fell and bumped her cheek today. Even with some pretty good crying, she didn't so much as gag once. On formula...every drop would have come spewing out of her. I'm so glad to have her back on real nutrition. It makes her feel good...and that makes me feel good.


Ava sings the ABCs...SO CUTE!!!!










5 comments:

  1. I love her name...very cute! I am your newest follower from the hop and would love it if you could follow me back at
    http://mizzreviewlady-mommyreviews.blogspot.com/
    Thank You:)

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  2. She is absolutely adorable!!! Glad you are getting the support that you need! It doesn't sound easy having to calculate that!! My son is Autistic and is on the GFCFSF diet... that is hard enough to keep up with! I couldn't imagine having to worry about too much fiber and what not. You are amazing!! I'm a new follower, would love it if you would come say hi and follow back at ModernMomRedefined.blogspot.com

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  3. I am not sure of your struggles, however, my Aye was born with severe food allergies. Basically she could only eat a special formula and potatoes products. NOTHING else until she was about 4! We went through the food coming from both ends and test after test for months and months before it was all figured out. All I can say is that for us, it got better!

    Hop'pin by from 'Follow me Chickadee Tuesday's blog hop!'. I'm following your blog now, wont you please come and follow me back?? ~KM

    Krafty Max Originals

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  4. So glad you have found a good option for your sweet little one! Parenting successes make the rough times feel less rough. :)

    New follower <3
    Dusti
    www.wheresdusti.blogspot.com

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  5. You are clearly a very strong mom. I read Ava's story and found it quite moving.

    I am a new follower from Follow Me, Chickadee! I'd love it if you came by to follow back. Thanks!

    ~Holly
    Twins Plus One, Three Times the Fun

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