Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Diagnosed While Breast Feeding

Sulevismom

Recommended Posts

Sulevismom Apprentice
Sulevismom
Posted

Hi

I am a mom to a one and a half year old whom I still breast feed quite a lot. I was diagnosed with celiac disease about two months ago. We're still adjusting our kitchen and lifestyles, so I keep getting glutened. I'm having the most trouble dealing with exhaustion. I am so tired and very anxious all the time, and I think I am probably anemic and lacking in vitamin D (my teeth are in bad shape!). I'm going to get tested for nutrient deficiency hopefully soon. I'm wondering if anyone else has been diagnosed while breast feeding and know what other deficiencies to look out for. Also, some moral support... I hear breast feeding can be draining :P even for those who do not have celiac disease...

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


dandelionmom Enthusiast
dandelionmom
Posted

I was also diagnosed while breastfeeding a one year old. I continued to nurse her for another year and a few months.

If anything, things got easier when I was following the diet because I didn't struggle with anemia any more. When I got glutened while nursing, dehydration was a problem. So make sure you're getting plenty of fluids.

You've made it this far, while battling untreated celiac disease so I'd say it will be smooth sailing now. :)

Jana315 Apprentice
Jana315
Posted

Hi there, I'm also a gluten-free nursing mama to a 1 1/2 year old! :P I have to say that I am self-diagnosed and since going gluten-free, my energy level has been SO MUCH better despite what mothering a tiny bundle of energy can do to you.

Sorry, I don't have much advise regarding vit.def., but I do take a sub-lingual b-complex and try to remember to take my gluten-free pre-natals & extra calcium also.

GL - hopefully, your energy level will return soon.

Jana

gluten-free since 5/13/2009

Nightshade free since 5/15/2009

Infertility & other unmentionable symptoms

velveeta Rookie
velveeta
Posted

Hi, I am also struggling with changing everything around. Struggling even with accepting the diagnosis.

I am nursing my 2 yo, and I am a LLL Leader. I am actually so glad to be nursing him -- that seems to be the only *right* thing going on in his little gut. Since going gluten-free (the whole family), my little boy finally has normal stools. He had a lot of trouble with sleep in the first few days (detoxing maybe?), but now he is doing better than anyone.

As for you, Mama, be sure to take it as easy as you can. I really recommend taking a good omega 3 supplement -- it really helps with inflammation. I think things are just going to get better for us both, and I would just continue to nurse as you have been.

My older boy is 6 and we are still finding out what all of his sensitivities are. I nursed him a really long time, and I am so glad for it, because he barely ate any food, and he still gained weight and was wonderfully healthy.

Nursing is absolutely the best you can do for your child, especially in this type of situation.

Take care!

Jean

Sulevismom Apprentice
Sulevismom
Posted
  • Author
Hi, I am also struggling with changing everything around. Struggling even with accepting the diagnosis.

I am nursing my 2 yo, and I am a LLL Leader. I am actually so glad to be nursing him -- that seems to be the only *right* thing going on in his little gut. Since going gluten-free (the whole family), my little boy finally has normal stools. He had a lot of trouble with sleep in the first few days (detoxing maybe?), but now he is doing better than anyone.

As for you, Mama, be sure to take it as easy as you can. I really recommend taking a good omega 3 supplement -- it really helps with inflammation. I think things are just going to get better for us both, and I would just continue to nurse as you have been.

My older boy is 6 and we are still finding out what all of his sensitivities are. I nursed him a really long time, and I am so glad for it, because he barely ate any food, and he still gained weight and was wonderfully healthy.

Nursing is absolutely the best you can do for your child, especially in this type of situation.

Take care!

Jean

Yes, absolutely! I don't plan on stopping breast feeding any time soon. I believe it's good for both of us, regardless of the possible nutrient deficiency. So far my son has had no digestive problems... knock on wood!

Sulevismom Apprentice
Sulevismom
Posted
  • Author

Hi Jana,

I'm glad to hear you are feeling better! I have a question for you since you are also breast feeding: how do you feel when you eat fewer carbs? Or, do you eat fewer carbs? I'm just wondering because I've found that I feel totally wiped out if I don't get enough, but I'm basing that on only a couple experiences. Since then I 've been eating carbs with every meal no matter what. But now, I'm starting to think what might be obvious: whole grains (brown rice) etc, should be used... Before going gluten-free I would hardly ever eat white rice, for example, but now I'm eating whatever I can get that's gluten-free. I guess I should say, I'm not feeling balanced somehow... but test show I don't have anemia (I'm surprised). Sorry, I'm kind of rambling here, trying to write quickly as my son sleeps...

Jess

Hi there, I'm also a gluten-free nursing mama to a 1 1/2 year old! :P I have to say that I am self-diagnosed and since going gluten-free, my energy level has been SO MUCH better despite what mothering a tiny bundle of energy can do to you.

Sorry, I don't have much advise regarding vit.def., but I do take a sub-lingual b-complex and try to remember to take my gluten-free pre-natals & extra calcium also.

GL - hopefully, your energy level will return soon.

Jana

gluten-free since 5/13/2009

Nightshade free since 5/15/2009

Infertility & other unmentionable symptoms

  • 3 weeks later...
Jana315 Apprentice
Jana315
Posted

Hi Jess, Sorry - I just saw your question!

I've not really noticed a difference regarding carbs (except for feeling better, generally without the gluten) - guess I've been successful with keeping them in my diet which may or may not be a good thing, ha, ha.

My carbs consist primarily of Quaker Instant Grits (almost every morning - with or without a couple of fried eggs). White rice, Glutino rice crackers, quinoa, gluten free breads (usually sweet breads/desserts that I make), sweet potatoes & yams, winter squash, etc.

How are you doing? I added you as a "friend" so that hopefully we could PM one another.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


elle's mom Contributor
elle's mom
Posted

Hello, while I was not diagnosed while breastfeeding, I share your feelings in many ways. I, myself have not been diagnosed celiac, but my 4 y.o. daughter is. I have a 2 month old that I am nursing now. She was terribly fussy shortly after us bringing her home (the SAME way my 4 y.o was). My 4 y.o. was labeled as "colicky" as a baby, but after she was diagnosed at 2 1/2 with celiac I wondered if my gluten containing breastmilk had been bothering her all along while she was a baby. The pediatrician told me no, that gluten doesn't pass through breastmilk. Well, since my new baby was following the same path I did some research and found that although gluten doesn't pass through, gliadin the protein portion that causes the problem DOES. So, I went gluten free about a month ago-for her sake-she showed considerable improvement. Then about 3 weeks ago, I also went dairy free due to some signs she was also sensitive to that-what a HUGE difference in her temperament. It is really hard for me, since neither gluten or dairy bother me, but I don't want to quit breastfeeding. Good for you on sticking with it! I nursed my three older kids for 12 months, and hopefully I can get at least to that point. I give you credit, being new to gluten free is hard-really hard. Finding the right products and options to have handy in your house is the key. Let me know if you want, I can give you a list of some very tasty gluten-free pasta, bread, and brownies!

As far as the nutrient defieciencies, I know they told me to take a calcium supplement while I was breastfeeding my third, even though I wasn't gluten-free then-in addition to my regular prenatal vit. Maybe you should take an iron supplement too.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. trents
      - trents replied to Maura Gissen's topic in Food Intolerance & Leaky Gut
      5

      Autoimmune Reaction to SO many foods

      I'm a little confused. In your second post you said, "but these symptoms have been ongoing for a long time before the pregnancy" while in your most recent post you say, "I was doing a lot better on the AIP diet. However, I was unable to do the full reintroduction process because I went off the AIP diet when I got pregnant and was experiences chronic nausea...
    2. Maura Gissen
      - Maura Gissen replied to Maura Gissen's topic in Food Intolerance & Leaky Gut
      5

      Autoimmune Reaction to SO many foods

      They did. I was doing a lot better on the AIP diet. However, I was unable to do the full reintroduction process because I went off the AIP diet when I got pregnant and was experiences chronic nausea. This is what makes me believe it's food related. I do check all of my food products and supplements and I am very careful about them being gluten free...
    3. trents
      - trents replied to Maura Gissen's topic in Food Intolerance & Leaky Gut
      5

      Autoimmune Reaction to SO many foods

      Did the symptoms commence after you discontinued the AIP diet? Have you checked all nutritional supplements and oral hygiene products for possible gluten content? Have you recently checked all the labels of purchased processed foods in your pantry to check for formulation changes that might have introduced gluten? Historically, when "glutened" did...
    4. Maura Gissen
      - Maura Gissen replied to Maura Gissen's topic in Food Intolerance & Leaky Gut
      5

      Autoimmune Reaction to SO many foods

      Hi Trent! Thanks so much for your warm welcome and questions! They do, but these symptoms have been ongoing for a long time before the pregnancy. However, it's hard for me to know what's a celiac response vs. a Hashimotos one. I haven't, maybe it's worth getting those checked again?
    5. trents
      - trents replied to Maura Gissen's topic in Food Intolerance & Leaky Gut
      5

      Autoimmune Reaction to SO many foods

      Welcome to the forum, @Maura Gissen! Don't those same symptoms often come along with the territory when pregnant? And then throw in Hashimoto's. Have you had your celiac antibody levels checked recently?
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      128,975
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    EileenBl
    Newest Member
    EileenBl
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.1k
    • Total Posts
      71.4k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      Autoimmune Reaction to SO many foods

      By trents · Posted

      I'm a little confused. In your second post you said, "but these symptoms have been ongoing for a long time before the pregnancy" while in your most recent post you say, "I was doing a lot better on the AIP diet. However, I was unable to do the full reintroduction process because I went off the AIP diet when I got pregnant and was experiences chronic nausea." CBC = Complete Blood Count. This is the typical bloodwork most people would have done routinely with an annual wellness checkup. I would include things like iron levels, various blood cell counts including reds and whites and other infection fighters. CMP = Complete Metabolic Panel. This would measure things like blood sugar, kidney and liver function, plasma proteins and various enzymes. Non cellular things that the body produces. Also typical of an annual wellness check. Have you tried cutting out dairy and oats? These two are the most common cross reactors in the celiac community. I know it must be tough trying to get adequate calories and nutrition when you are pregnant while at the same time eliminating foods that are good sources of those things.
    • Maura Gissen
      Autoimmune Reaction to SO many foods

      By Maura Gissen · Posted

      They did. I was doing a lot better on the AIP diet. However, I was unable to do the full reintroduction process because I went off the AIP diet when I got pregnant and was experiences chronic nausea. This is what makes me believe it's food related.  I do check all of my food products and supplements and I am very careful about them being gluten free and trying to stay away from corn starch etc. However, I am eating gluten free breads that sometimes have rice flour, yeast, etc. - I seem to do fine with these breads/bread products some days, but then am sick other days.  I have never really had any GI symptoms outside of bloating. My symptoms are dizziness, brain fog, and a general feeling of unwellness or malaise, sort of like when you're going to get the flu.  I have had a lot of bloodwork done over the last three years, but I don't recall doing the CBC, CMP, or a celiac-specific test recently. That's helpful so that could at least provide some insight to see if I'm still being exposed.  Do you see most individual with celiacs having to take a period of time away from even gluten free breads and other cross-reactive foods to let their guts heal? I'm not sure how restrictive to get with my diet again since it's so challenging. 
    • trents
      Autoimmune Reaction to SO many foods

      By trents · Posted

      Did the symptoms commence after you discontinued the AIP diet? Have you checked all nutritional supplements and oral hygiene products for possible gluten content? Have you recently checked all the labels of purchased processed foods in your pantry to check for formulation changes that might have introduced gluten? Historically, when "glutened" did you have GI symptoms or were you a "silent" celiac whose symptoms were non GI. Is what you are experiencing now like what you were experiencing at the time of diagnosis? Have you had recent blood work done (CBC and CMP) and if so, were there any parameters out of norm? I know you have Hashimoto's but you say that is well controlled now? It certainly wouldn't hurt to get celiac antibodies rechecked. Because you are essentially gluten free I would not expect to see any big departures from normal levels but if there are even weak positives it could indicate you are getting glutened from some unexpected source.
    • Maura Gissen
      Autoimmune Reaction to SO many foods

      By Maura Gissen · Posted

      Hi Trent! Thanks so much for your warm welcome and questions! They do, but these symptoms have been ongoing for a long time before the pregnancy. However, it's hard for me to know what's a celiac response vs. a Hashimotos one. I haven't, maybe it's worth getting those checked again? 
    • trents
      Autoimmune Reaction to SO many foods

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Maura Gissen! Don't those same symptoms often come along with the territory when pregnant? And then throw in Hashimoto's.  Have you had your celiac antibody levels checked recently?
×
×
  • Create New...