When I was pregnant, I wish I knew to collect my colostrum before my son’s birth. My son was almost 42 weeks and I struggled to get him to open up his mouth to latch for the first day. I also wish I knew about wearable pumps sooner. Finding time to pump in the newborn phase was almost impossible. I’m trying to build my supply now and play catchup 6 month later. I also wish I knew donor milk was an option. My son had a TERRIBLE skin reaction the day after we tried the formula samples the doctor sent us home with. When we took him back to the doctor a rash was covering his entire body, they said it was common and sent us home with different formula, his rash spread and got worse and he kept spitting up. Projectile spit up. After we tried donor milk there was a HUGE change. He became the sweetest baby. Barely cried unless he needed a diaper change or got hungry. Prior to that, he seemed inconsolable. I wasn’t producing enough milk because I wasn’t pumping enough. I thought he was a colicy baby. If I could have a do over, I never would have put him through formula. I felt like a failure not being able to exclusively breast feed like I wanted, but I’m grateful now there’s resources that allow me to feed my baby and tools to help me pump and feed him now. Mama’s if you’re struggling, there’s milk banks and so many donor certified over producers willing to help. If you know someone in your community willing to donate, make sure you ask the right questions, like what foods they eat, or if they’re on any medication, and use discernment since breast milk is a bodily fluid. I’m not a doctor, just a mom who wants to keep my son healthy and thriving. MomToMomRelay
This I knew I could do it but I didn’t realize how valuable it could have been!! Like seriously I’m definitely doing that next time for peace of mind for sure !!! And getting this kit
Ooo that’s a good baby #2 item for next time!
Awh, I’m so sorry you had to go through that but also so glad an amazing mom was able and willing to donate her breastmilk!
My son and my sanity are grateful for her milk.
I’m definitely gonna do things differently for future babies.
You adapted and advocated for your baby, and kept going. That’s what a great mom does. 
Exactly this! Not just doctors, but family also pushed and lobbied for formula. I always have to pull out this picture to back up my case. Thank you so much. 
Ugh that had to has been so scary to see the that reaction. My second didn’t want to latch too and it was so hard and stressful.
I’m so 50/50
On collecting before Becuase I’m confused how it works. If you collect it early, do you still procure colostrum at birth? I’m curious about that.
This is such a powerful, important share. That formula reaction sounds absolutely terrifying, but thank goodness for the gift of donor milk! Please don’t ever feel like a failure, mama. you are doing an incredible job playing catch-up and keeping your sweet boy thriving. Hang in there! Hugs
I was so scared when I first started seeing the rash. My husband took a picture to keep track of where it was. Originaly it started just on his chest, then I took a picture because it was one his back and moved to his groin and legs! Never saw it again after switching to only breast milk. Face massaging was the only thing to get my baby to latch. Kept getting sleepy while nursing too which made it hard.
I had a conversation about colostrum with my lactation consultant. She said if a woman gets pregnant and is still breastfeeding, your body would switch from mature milk to colostrum during the final days of pregnancy right before birth. I’m assuming after as well until mature milk developes.
I wouldn’t wish an allergic reaction on any baby. I’ve adjusted my diet to include less dairy or it makes him have really bad spit ups and smelly gas that I have to bicycle run out of him.
After I saw my baby put on weight, and saw the personality change I stopped beating myself up. I’m just glad he’s healthy. I’m beyond grateful for the mother that feeds both our children.
That’s a relief to hear 
That would have been good information to have! Thank you for sharing your experience, you could be helping other mothers in a similar situation. I’m sorry you went through this struggle. The rash must have been so scary!
I’m so sorry you went through this. My baby has eczema and even with breastfeeding her skin looked like this. (Come to find out she had a milk allergy). Don’t keep blaming yourself momma you advocated for your baby. You are doing an amazing job as a mom!
I’ve talked to other moms and I never knew dairy reactions were as common until living through this. I’m just grateful it’s cleared 
Oh no! I’m glad you caught it. How old was your little one when you noticed? Any products or tips to help flare ups? My baby is starting solids soon and I wanna be prepared in case anything else causes a similar reaction.
You are amazing. My heart goes out to you. Breastfeeding is challenging. I wish there are more education for mamas about breastfeeding. I’m glad you found a milk donor to help you
It was such a hard lesson to learn. I’m so sorry you and baby went through that.
I’m glad you were able to figure out the cause