W
O
RD
S^ &
PH
O
TO
G
RA
PH
Y^
AM
AN
DA
M
IC
HE
TT
I^
ADDITIONAL^ PHOTOGRAPHY^GETTY^IMAGESlot of new diet knowledge and
my gestational diabetes.
I am now at a higher risk of
developing diabetes later in life.
It’s another glorious ‘gift’ from
my geriatric pregnancy and GD,
so six weeks after giving birth
I completed another test, which
I will do yearly to ensure my
body is on track.
Since having Sierra, I knew
that something wasn’t right
with my digestion. I ignored
it for a number of months
because having your first baby
is hard and all of your focus is
on their needs instead of
focusing on yourself.
I was constantly bloated,
burped non-stop and had a
general feeling of discomfort
in my stomach. It took almost
12 months to even see the GP
about it and, soon after, I found
myself at a gastroenterologist.
One colonoscopy later (worst
surgery prep ever) and I wasdelivered the news that I was
now lactose intolerant.Dear dairy – no more dairy
In a million years I would never
have guessed lactose intolerance
was the reason for my problems.
I had never had an issue having
dairy and I have consumed a lot
of it in my time. Greek yoghurt
and fruit was my go-to breakfast
every morning and I ate an
inordinate amount of cheese,
as cheese is a gift from the gods.
Lactose intolerance varies
for each individual and I soon
worked out what I can handle.
I started by removing almost
everything with lactose and
slowly incorporated some back
in to see how I felt. I have learnt
that I need to avoid milk, cream,
yoghurt and soft/tasty cheese
but can consume smaller
amounts of other items
containing lactose, such as
milk chocolate and butter. Hardcheeses that have been aged are
completely on the menu because
the ageing process removes the
lactose, which means most of
my favourite Italian dishes are
still allowed.
Almost immediately after
removing lactose my body felt
better. It was a relief to have an
explanation for my digestion
problems. It turns out,
becoming lactose intolerant
after pregnancy is a thing for
a small group of people. Your
body goes through an incredible
amount of change while
pregnant and some of us
are forever changed.
I’m starting to think the
health professionals were on the
money when they referred to my
pregnancy as ‘geriatric’. Despite
it all, I wouldn’t change a thing
because the joy Sierra brings us
is immeasurable. That being
said, there’s no way I’m having
another one. ■LEFT AND ABOVE: Happy and photogenic Sierra was born
healthy, and without Amanda needing insulin.