Meet our September BFree Foodie of the Month: Imogen, the Coeliac Princess!
In this special Back to School edition, supermum Kerry and her adorable daughter, Imogen (Immy), share their journey. Diagnosed with coeliac disease at just 18 months, Immy is learning to navigate life with the condition—starting with nursery. Kerry offers invaluable tips on managing coeliac disease at a young age, including the importance of parent-teacher communication when your young child maybe cannot fully articulate their needs.
Get ready for this helpful guide featuring, without a doubt, the cutest BFree Foodie we’ve had in 2024!
🟢 BFree Foodie Name & Age:
Imogen (the_coeliac_princess), 4 years old
🟢 City:
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
🟢 Diagnosis:
Coeliac Disease. My coeliac journey started at 18 months old.
Immy had been very poorly from a young age with various symptoms to include just a few, a swollen tummy, very clingy to mommy, constipated / loose stools, uncontrollable behaviour and fatigue. She was diagnosed with coeliac disease at 18 months old, following two blood tests.
🟢 Favourite BFree Product:
🟢 Go-to Recipe:
Any meal that includes pasta, a big family hit is spaghetti bolognaise
🟢 What are you passionate about?
I am part of the young Wolverhampton coeliac group @ywcgroup where my Mommy is a volunteer. I enjoy helping raise awareness of coeliac disease and showing everyone how happy and healthy I am since my diagnosis.
🟢 Could you share what the process was like to inform school reception about her coeliac disease?
Imogen had already attended the school nursery previously so we had a few steps already put in place. I completed an Individual health care plan (using the template from coeliac UK) and had Imogen’s dietitian send in a letter to explain her coeliac disease. I explained it’s not just about food, cross contamination is serious and even a crumb could make Imogen poorly. It’s also activities like junk modelling, messy play, cooking, forest school (biscuit and hot chocolate) and treats from home for children’s birthday. I arranged a meeting to discuss with the Headteacher and teaching team regards Imogen’s coeliac disease and her needs. I also had a meeting with the catering team and welfare office (who deals with allergies) to put things in place.
Imogen also wears her @medicalert bracelet, this includes her medical needs and makes everyone aware she has a medical condition.
🟢 Had they encountered the condition before, and did they handle it with the care and consideration it requires?
The school had mentioned they had had a child with coeliac disease start reception last year. So they had an understanding of coeliac. However, after following Imogen’s IHCP and speaking to myself, they made sure they followed everything correctly. They discussed with me the catering menu, spoke with the catering team themselves and would make the team aware when Imogen went up for her meal (she is currently entitled to free school meals) they have also contacted the school nurse who will be having a meeting with me in the new term to discuss us supporting Imogen’s needs together.
🟢 How have your interactions been with other parents and children who might not fully understand? Any tips you can share?
For me, I feel it’s so important that the school understands what ‘Coeliac Disease’ is and how different it is to being ‘Gluten Free’. Communication is key!
🟢 Favourite GF Restaurant:
Our new found chain, The lounges, and Pho because it’s 99.9% GF
🟢 Best Life Tip:
To all newly diagnosed parents and adults – In the beginning it may feel over whelming but in time you will get into your own routine. You will learn to adapt and learn new skills and find the right support around you.
Check out @the_coeliac_princess to keep up to date with Imogen & mama Kerry.
Tip:
Think you could be our next BFree Foodie? Email us at hello@bfreefoods.com or DM us on Instagram!
