Bows, bells, baubles and beads

On Wednesday, mum, Charles, Rohan, Bea and I went to London. Mum, Charles and Rohan went to the Natural History Museum, Bea and I to St Thomas’ hospital, to enrol Bea on the EAT Study. They are looking at allergies. The theory they are testing is that early, regular exposure to key allergens will reduce the instance of food allergies.

Bea is in the early introduction group, so as of tomorrow, we will be starting to follow the food introduction star chart. She gets a week or so of baby rice, until she’s happy eating 2-3 teaspoons, then, after a week or so, we start introducing yoghurt, then egg, peanut, sesame, fish and wheat (possibly not in that order, but I don’t have the star chart on me). She’s been tested, and she isn’t currently allergic to any of these foods. I’m hoping it stays that way.

It was very interesting. Apparently, food allergies only occur in people who already have eczema. This isn’t something I’ve ever heard before, but I will be paying close attention to her skin. They checked her skin as well, and currently there is no sign at all. It would be lovely if Bea got to avoid eczema/asthma/hayfever.