I love heaping bowls of cool ice cream on a hot summer’s day. But even more than that, I love not having to listen to my colicky baby scream for three consecutive hours.

When I realized that the dairy protein in my breast milk was probably responsible for my infant daughter’s intestinal discomfort, it became clear that I’d have to sacrifice Ben and Jerry’s. Or I could just go without sleep and sanity. Honestly, it was a bit of a tough choice.

After a few days to think about it, I realized that I could easily concoct my own version of non-dairy ice cream so that I could have my dessert and a happier daughter too.

It’s not low-fat or healthier in any way, but it tastes great and will help you avoid dairy if you are in a similar predicament as a nursing mother. This recipe is for a 1.5 quart ice cream maker but frozen desserts aren’t an exact science so feel free to tweak for a larger or smaller batch.

Non-Dairy Ice Cream Recipe

• 1 ½ cups coconut milk
• 2 cups almond or rice milk (avoid soy milk since it can also cause colic)
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ tsp salt

Throw everything in a large bowl and stir until sugar is dissolved. Then dump into an ice cream maker and churn until it reaches the desired thickness. Enjoy!

I also have to mention that a lovely choice for those wanting just to pick up a pint of vegan ice cream is Coconut Bliss.  It’s based right here in my hometown of Eugene, Oregon, and has become nationally known as a delicious alternative to dairy ice cream.  It’s sweetened with agave and comes in a great assortment of incredible flavors.

If you have any other ideas for dairy free, nut free, soy free treats for nursing mothers with colicky babies, please share!  I’ll soon post more on this topic but I’d love to hear your ideas as I’m starving with a fridge full of foods I can’t eat.