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By Daniella Gray
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A mom's risky decision that could have ended with a trip to the emergency room has gone viral.
Lyn Flack, 37, parked near a hospital to give her 34-week-old daughter peanut butter for the first time. Given that her older child lives with a peanut allergy, the stakes were high for the family.
"Knowing firsthand how serious and life-changing an allergic reaction can be made us especially anxious about introducing peanuts to our baby," Flack told Newsweek.
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If an older sibling has a peanut allergy, younger siblings are at an increased risk of developing one too, but it's not guaranteed. Studies indicate that siblings of children with food allergies have about a 7 percent chance of being allergic to peanuts, compared with the general population's risk of around 1 to 2 percent.
Flack said that the introduction to peanut butter was carefully planned, with an antihistamine on hand while they were parked not far from the hospital in case of an emergency.
"This was a particularly nerve-wracking experience for us. It was a huge step, balancing the hope that she wouldn't have the same allergy with the fear of what could happen," Flack said.
On Instagram (@theflackies), the mom, who lives in Norfolk, England, documented her daughter's reaction to the peanut butter 10, 20 and 30 minutes after she'd eaten it.
"Thankfully, everything went smoothly, but it was such an emotional and significant moment for us as parents," Flack said.
Having lived with the realities of a peanut allergy in their household, Flack explained the challenges for both parent and child.
"Living with a child who has a peanut allergy means constant vigilance," she said. "You have to read every label, plan meals carefully and ensure everyone around your child is aware of the allergy. It can feel overwhelming at times, especially in social situations, but it's something we've learned to manage as a family."
Flack's clip has been viewed 6.8 million times, with over 900 comments from other Instagram users, many of whom are parents of children with allergies.
Many praised the mom for taking such a brave step. "It's a fearful thing introducing allergens as an allergy mama myself, so give yourself credit for taking such a huge step," one wrote.
Another shared how their 17-month-old son is allergic to peanuts and Flack's reel has encouraged them to test allergen foods on their toddler. "Thank you so much. I'm going to drive near our hospital and try this," the user added.
Flack told Newsweek that it's normal for parents to feel anxious when preparing to introduce allergens to a child.
"Prepare ahead of time," she said. "Speak to your GP or health visitor for guidance, have any necessary medications to hand and choose a location where you feel safe, such as near a hospital. Trust yourself and don't hesitate to seek support if you're feeling unsure," she said.
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