Ahhhh...The "Momma Gut"

My sister and I refer to that nagging feeling of knowing as the "MOMMA GUT."  Most people call it a "mother's instinct" but I like our term better.  No matter what you call it, don't forget to use it...AND TRUST IT!

My first experience with it was when my oldest was about 4 wks old and he was throwing up on me.  I don't mean little spit ups; I mean saturating me or anyone who held him.  Not only was it embarrassing for him to throw up all over my boss's wife, my Momma Gut said something was really wrong. 

The doctor visits began.  I won't bore you with details, but when he was 5 months old he was FINALLY diagnosed with severe food allergies and put on formula that cost $180 for a 10 day supply and could only be ordered at a pharmacy.

All along, my Momma Gut kept screaming "THIS ISN'T IT YET!"  When I finally asked my pediatrician(who I adore & trust!) for a referral to a specialist, I felt it was the right move.  Thank goodness she trusted me in return.  It was a long road, but that is not my point.

My point is that there were plenty of people who said "all babies spit up."  Well, frankly, they were not the mother of my baby and didn't know what I felt in my Momma Gut.  I KNEW this was nothing normal.  As committed as I was to nursing, the pediatric gastro doc told me to test the formula "kinda like a prescription."  He was guessing this was an allergy problem and not a true gastro problem.  It all fit and my Momma Gut calmed down immediately.  Ah ha, we have an answer!  Two months later we confirmed he was allergic to: Milk, wheat, soy, eggs, beef, corn, turkey, potatoes, carrots, strawberries and cats!  Man, was he happy once he wasn't miserable anymore!

This Momma Gut phenomenon has continued with my second son.  I have developed a great relationship with all the boys specialists because I educate myself, but primarily I trust my Momma Gut and don't give up til it calms down.  (Allergist, Pulmonologist & ENT...more on that at a later date)

I believe God changes a woman when she has a baby, the greatest of these graces is The Momma Gut!

MK