So blessed

When people find out I'm on a dairy- and soy-free diet, their reactions are usually pretty similar: "Oh my! I could never live without milk! How do you do it? That must be soooooo hard!"

I usually reply with: "Yes, it's hard at times, but I'm used to it. And I know it could be so much worse. I feel so blessed that it's only dairy and soy protein and that I'm able to continue nursing my baby."

There are many wonderful mamas out there who have reduced their diets to practically nothing for months, if not years, in order to nurse their babies. And there are many wonderful mamas who have tried so hard to nurse their babies, but it just didn't work out. Thankfully, there are elemental formulas available for these babies, but the expense is so high and most health insurance plans won't cover the formulas.

I was contacted by one of these wonderful mamas, Melody, and she shared her 19-month-old son Andrew's story with me. He suffers from eosinophilic esophigitis and is unable to eat anything other than Neocate formula. The expense for their family is daunting, and Melody is in the process of lobbying her state representatives to pass a law that would require health insurance providers in Wisconsin to cover the costs of elemental formulas. You can learn more about their story by watching this video that aired on their local news station.

It would be wonderful if all insurance companies covered elemental formula! If you happen to live in Wisconsin, please consider contacting your legislators and encourage them to get behind this law. I know Melody and her family would truly appreciate it!

Thanks!