Moooove over milk

I know, catchy title, right?! HA!

The last few days we have been giving Silas Lactaid milk mixed with his formula. He seems to be doing okay with it, definitely better than he did with regular whole milk.  He is spitting up a bit again, although it does not seem to bother him a ton. I have also noticed more of a phlegmy cough which I am not a fan of. 

I've been researching milk allergies and every sort of milk out there; both online and asking health professionals.  I have concluded that cow's milk is for cows!! 

I have no set solution right yet, but the more I research the more I am understanding that Silas can get calcium, proper fats and vitamins (that milk offers) through other foods and sources without the cow's milk side effects.  A little more work on my end, but I am feeling better about the work than I am having a sick kid.

I have actually found this research quite fascinating! I mean, who knew that we don't NEED cow's milk (or dairy in general)?!? It is one of the four food groups that we're taught about from elementary school on, but, if you think about it, many other cultures (mostly non western) do not drink milk from another species or beyond babyhood for that matter; and those cultures have less cases of osteoporosis.  So, maybe milk doesn't do as much of a body good as we think. 

But I admit, I am nervous to take whole milk out of Silas's diet seeing as it is our culture's staple ingredient for a strong, smart and healthy child.  And because my  mom will really think I am going off the deep end. She already suggested a real doctor deliver my children instead of a midwife and also insisted I go to a real hospital, sinceWoodwinds isn't considered a real hospital because they offer water births (which I didn't even do!). Oh mom!


Anyway, I have figured out what nutrients Silas needs to develop. 1-3yr olds,  need 17 grams of good fats a day, 500mg of calcium and .55 grams of protein for pound of body weight. So my pork chop needs about 13 grams a day.  And yes cow's milk conveniently puts all of those things in a liquid formula. But, I'm not sure the side effects are worth the convenience.

Soy milk seems to cause similar reactions to children that have an allergy to cow's milk, and soy has an estrogen base which isn't ideal for a little boy :).  Goat's milk is an option, but again, milk from another animal. Although, goat milk has a more similar make up to human breast milk than cow's milk does. Rice milk seems to be the ideal milk here.  The fat content is too low so I will have to implement good fats (avocado, egg yolk, cod liver oil and/or fish oil (yum!), peanut butter...I've even read canola oil being recommended) and calcium (calcium fortified orange juice, honey maid graham crackers (who knew there is loads of calcium in those!), broccoli...) and protein (meat, eggs, legumes...) 

Seems like a huge task! But I figure my goal is to feed Silas healthy things as he's growing and developing and if that includes staying away from hot dogs and Twinkies every day then the calcium, protein and fats should come naturally anyway.  Avocados are easy and I know he likes them. Graham crackers are already a hit. Eggs and peanut butter....check! He loves chicken and I'm not sure what legumes are, but I can find out!

There you have it, my milk research findings!  I was raised on cow's milk and I turned out somewhat normal :), so I know cutting out diary may not be for every child or adult. I guess my main reason for posting this is to see if any of YOU (all seven of you...and maybe some random passers by) have had milk issues with your child OR have read any of the scary articles and cut out dairy completely and if y'all have any suggestions.

Thanks!