HOW IT ALL STARTED

In 2010, my daughter was born with severe allergies to dairy and soy. For various reasons, my only option was to breastfeed and the specialist made it clear that I would have to avoid all dairy and soy in my diet. I had no idea how overwhelming that restriction would feel until I went grocery shopping that first time. It seemed that every food I picked up contained dairy and/or soy. I left the store without buying anything that first shopping trip, feeling completely overwhelmed and deflated, and feeling like I was destined to fail my newborn daughter. How would I eat this way? I immediately turned to Google and found that I had to piece many resources together. While there were great dairy-free sites, they didn't include soy-free options. When I found soy-free sites, they didn't ban dairy items. I started making my own spreadsheets, printing documents, and filling binders with resources for my next shopping trip. As weeks passed, I realized that I needed to do something to make this journey easier for others. That's when I launched dairy-and-soy free mama. I have truly enjoyed sharing recipes, resources, and raw, open, vulnerable conversations with all of you. I love hearing about your babies who love the cupcake recipe and how you make it every birthday and your child gets to feel "normal" for that one day. I love when you all message me on facebook and I physically walk you through that first shopping trip. I love hearing how you're mastering this journey and becoming a resource to others around you that are just starting out. My goal is to create a community that supports all of you as you live the dairy and soy-free lifestyle and I'm thrilled to have you all in my village. 

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