Allergy Mom MD: From Panic to Empowerment
I still remember the excitement of giving my oldest child his first solid food. I had the camera ready, the baby cereal prepped, and all the emotions of a new mom watching her baby grow. But that joy of a new milestone quickly turned into panic. Soon after eating, he began vomiting and turned pale and lethargic. I was terrified.
We later learned he had a rare food allergy called FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome). At that time, FPIES wasn’t well known. The allergist advised us to avoid all grains - no wheat, no oat, no rice. As if that wasn’t enough, testing also revealed he was allergic to milk, egg, peanuts and tree nuts. Our world turned upside down.
Sixteen years ago, food allergies were far less common than they are today. Even my pediatrician colleagues had little personal experience with them. I felt completely alone. What was I supposed to feed him? What could I eat as a breastfeeding mom? Would he ever grow out of these allergies? How do I keep him safe?
One of the hardest parts of those early days was dealing with well-meaning but uninformed family members. At holiday gatherings, relatives would bring food containing his allergens and say things like, “Can’t he just have a little?” They didn’t understand that ‘just a little’ was enough to cause a life-threatening reaction. Explaining, re-explaining, and setting boundaries became part of our everyday life.
And then came my younger two boys—both of whom also experienced anaphylaxis to foods. If I thought I had food allergies figured out after my firstborn, I quickly realized I was just getting started. We’ve been through the joy of passing oral food challenges and the heartbreak of exclusion. We’ve navigated birthday parties, playing travel sports and traveling across the country.
Over the years, I’ve learned so much - not just from my own experience as a pediatrician and a mom, but from some of the best allergists, dietitians, and researchers out there. I’ve made it my mission to help other parents feel less overwhelmed and more empowered. My goal is to provide up to date education, support, and practical strategies so that no parent feels as worried and lonely as I once did.
If you’re navigating a new food allergy diagnosis, know that you are not alone.
Welcome to Allergy Mom MD Academy.
Hi, I’m Dr. Julie—pediatrician, food allergy mom, and your guide on this journey. When my first baby had a severe allergic reaction to his very first food, I felt all the same worries you do now. That moment shaped my mission: to help moms like you feel confident, not confused, when it comes to food allergies. I’ve spent over 15 years helping families navigate food allergies —and I’m here to help you, too.
PS: Check out the Allergy Mom MD Academy guides including the Food Allergy Starter Kit and my Top Birthday Party Tips.
