“Do you have your Epipen? What about your fast acting inhaler?”
This has become the daily routine in our home. My daughter’s asthma inhaler and allergy medications have been integrated into our lives and become just as common as brushing teeth and bath time.
I grew up with the same routine and hoped none of my children would be afflicted by such a fate. At six weeks she was diagnosed with eczema. As she got older we dealt with seasonal and environmental allergies. In 2010 she was diagnosed with asthma and the daily routine mentioned above became a part of our life. Then in 2012 it was determined she had severe food allergies.
Mommy guilt comes and goes.
“Why didn’t we take the sneezing fits, lethargy, and random skin breakouts seriously? Why didn’t I investigate more preventative measures the moment she was born knowing I come from a family with severe allergies? Why did I think I was special and would have perfect babies?”
Being the Mom of an allergic child is challenging. Everyday you're faced with the reality of the frailty of life. Your daily desire is to close your eyes, count to three, and take all your child’s pain and suffering away; but, alas, you are powerless to do so.
I use my mommy guilt as motivation. It’s my motivation to be more aware, more vigilant, and more proactive with my daughter’s health. My mommy guilt is my power to become a stronger person.
