Navigating New Food Allergies and Parenting Multiple Kids: My Journey Towards Balance and Routine During Pregnancy

As a parent, life can feel like an intricate balancing act. This sentiment holds especially true when you're managing new food allergies while raising multiple young children, all while preparing for another little one. The challenges can feel overwhelming, but they also bring joys and important lessons. Creating a structured routine is vital for maintaining a sense of stability in our home.

In this post, I want to share my journey and the strategies I have developed as I navigate parenting and Rowan’s food allergies. Let’s explore how I found a workable routine that allows me to thrive—without external help—despite being 7 and a half months pregnant. Day to Day routines can feel daunting at times, since we have no external help, but I have found that the more structured our days are, the better. Spring is finally here so we are taking daily walks and playing outside. Spending time outside means less mess to clean in the house and better days for the kids. Fresh air is the bet medicine and sometimes we don't even realize it!

The Discovery of Food Allergies

When Rowan had his first reaction, to we think, eggs, it felt like our family was hit by a wave of uncertainty. I was flooded with emotions—fear, anxiety, and a strong sense of responsibility. Meals now required careful planning to ensure Rowan's safety. His first reaction was a pretty severe one; hives, swelling of his face and eyes, and his eyes turned red. I quickly gave him a dose of Benadryl to counteract the reaction.

I dedicated hours to researching allergies and discovering safe meal options. Statistics show that food allergies affect approximately 8% of children in the United States, often leading to serious reactions. This made it clear that understanding these allergies wasn’t just a precaution; it was necessary for our family’s well-being. Although this process was demanding, gaining knowledge empowered me as a parent. However, the juggling act became more complicated with multiple young children to care for. I usually meal prep for the kids and everyone gets the same meal to make it easier. But, I am finding myself reading the ingredients list of things to make sure Rowan wont have another reaction. Just a few days after he had a reaction to eggs, he had a reaction to salmon. Multiple reactions to different things make me so apprehensive to feed him anything other than "safe foods". Thankfully, he has an epipen now for any severe reactions while we wait to see an allergist in the summer.

Crafting a Flexible Routine

We have always had a loose routine that guided our days. However, nearing the end of my pregnancy while managing multiple young children prompted me to refine that routine. I found that a structure which allowed flexibility worked best for us.

We aimed for consistent meal times, nap schedules, and play sessions. Yet, I quickly learned the value of being adaptable. Some days the kids might have more energy, while new events could disrupt our planned activities. Embracing this chaos helped me focus on what worked for our family rather than forcing everything into a strict schedule. Kids thrive off of routine and this is essential for having a good day. I find that if we steer out of that routine, chaos breaks loose.

Prioritizing Self-Care

In the midst of parenting chaos, I learned the vital importance of self-care. As a pregnant mom juggling the needs of multiple children, I often found myself neglecting my well-being. Taking just a few minutes each day became a necessity. I try to wind down each night when the kids go to bed and just to a reset of the house, and myself. However, doing much of anything has been triggering some contractions and pain. I am a do it yourself person, so asking for help or leaving things to be done the next day, is difficult. I am also trying to get everything ready for the new baby while taking care of the three other children.

Embracing Imperfection

One of the most important lessons from this journey is to embrace imperfection. No routine is flawless, and every family's needs differ. Some days, our meals might be a hit, while on others, a simple go-to dish will suffice. Some days, we stay in our pajamas and miss baths, other days we get dressed and go out.

It’s crucial to offer myself grace, appreciating that cultivating a nurturing environment is ongoing. The ups and downs will always be a part of parenting, and each experience teaches me something valuable. We are far from a perfect family, and definitely not perfect individuals. I try to teach all of my children independence and start chores at a young age so we all can pitch in. Our daughter is such a big help and actually likes helping where she can.

Preparing for New Adventures

As I anticipate the arrival of my new baby, the lessons I’ve learned about navigating food allergies and parenting multiple children without outside help are invaluable. Although we face daily challenges, the love and resilience we share strengthen our family bond. We will soon be a family of 4 under 3, and even though the close age gap is difficult, the bond all of our children have already is incomparable. The hard days are totally worth it, and we pray their bond remains close as they get older.

This glimpse into my journey is just a piece of a larger story. Every parent has a unique experience, but I hope my insights can provide encouragement and support for those navigating similar paths. Remember, progress is more important than perfection, and that’s more than enough.

A colorful, allergy-friendly meal ready for serving.

A cozy play area designed for children to explore and create.