Jinger Duggar Vuolo Weighs Formula Switch for 5-Month-Old Finn Amid Health Concerns
Jinger Duggar Vuolo is facing a tough decision regarding her 5-month-old son, Finn, as a potential dairy and soy allergy is prompting a reevaluation of her breastfeeding journey. The Counting On alum, 31, discussed the possibility of switching Finn to formula on the August 27th episode of her podcast with husband, Jeremy Vuolo,
An Unexpected Pediatrician Visit
Duggar, who is also mom to daughters Felicity, 6, and Evangeline, 4, revealed that Finn’s recent checkup brought up a health concern. “It seems like he has an allergy to dairy and soy,” she shared. The pediatrician presented her with two options: either eliminate dairy and soy from her own diet to continue breastfeeding or switch Finn to formula.
Duggar admitted this has created an internal struggle. Her initial goal was to breastfeed Finn for a year or more, similar to her experiences with her daughters. However, the thought of returning to a highly restrictive diet for a potentially long period is daunting, especially considering her mental health.
“I’m not sure I can return to the phase where I eliminated all food groups from my diet, and he’s nearly 5 months old now,” Duggar remarked, acknowledging her concern for her own well-being.
Mental Health and Past Struggles
Duggar’s hesitation is rooted in her previous struggles with postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter Evangeline. She revealed in an earlier podcast episode that the difficult period, which included still nursing at 14 months, led her to a “pit of despair.” She was advised by her pediatrician and friends to stop nursing Evangeline, which “helped right away.”
The fear of revisiting that “dark place” while nursing Finn has added significant pressure to the current feeding dilemma.
A Supportive Partner
Throughout the conversation, Jeremy Vuolo offered his full support, assuring his wife that her choice to prioritize the health of both herself and Finn is the right one. “He is quite the handsome young man,” Duggar said of her son, echoing the pediatrician’s joyful attitude, which essentially told her, “Do it if that’s the path you want to take.”
Ultimately, the choice to continue breastfeeding with a restrictive diet or switch to formula rests with the Vuolos. While the decision is challenging, Duggar’s transparency sheds light on the complex realities of motherhood, showing that even public figures grapple with the balance between a child’s health needs and a mother’s mental and physical well-being.
Do you think Jinger is right to prioritize her mental health and consider switching Finn to formula, or should she try the elimination diet first?
