My daughter is two weeks old and I am having a really hard time with feedings. She is always struggles when she eats, she spits up when I burp her and after her feedings, she is always fussy after she eats and a lot of times she chokes and gasps for air while she eats. I took her to the Dr. a couple of days ago and they changed her formula to help out with gas and they told me that if the spiting up continues there was another formula they could put her on. My older daughter had acid reflux the frist six months of her life and now my other daughter is starting to show signs of it as well. I know that it took three months of changing my older daughters formula before they finally diagnosed her with acid reflux and once she started the meds. she was a totally differant baby. I really hate to jump to conclutions but I can't help but think that my younger daughter has the samething. I really don't want to keep calling the Dr. every couple of days like I did with my other daughter (we even took her to the ER when she was two weeks old because she would just scream all the time) but I also hate to see her in pain and it gets really hard to keep it together when you baby is spitting up and fussing all the time. Any one else been through this? and if so should I wait it out (and possible loose my sanity) or keep bugging the Dr.
I would like to say thank you to the moms who actually understood where I was coming from and gave me the advise I was looking for. As for those moms who felt the need to analyze me from one small paragraph I have to say that you did not help me at all. I would hope that most of us moms understand when another mother says they are on edge of loosing it. THis does not mean that I need to run to the Dr. and drug myself because I am stressed out taking care of a two year old and a toddler. I think that it is pretty normal for us moms to break down every now and then. Parenting is hard and that is why this website is here to ask for support and advise from other mothers that have gone through the samething we are going through not to judge each other. Again thank you to you moms who gave me the advise that I asked for.
Keep calling the doctor and remind him of the family history. Sometimes Momma does know what she's talking about.
Yes, yes, yes! I know EXACTLY what you are going through!!!
It is beyond frustrating when you know your baby has reflux, and the doctor just wants to keep changing formulas before eventually prescribing meds, which yes, make all the difference in the world!!
All 4 of my kids had reflux as infants. We finally figured out that if we went right to Nutramigen- (and obviously that won't really help), we can at least say we've already tried it, and skip a few weeks of formula switching, since that's usually the last formula they have you try.
We also had to be a bit assertive and say that our other child(ren) had acid reflux, and we are confident that this baby also has it, and we can't stand to see him/ her suffer any longer. The pedi has always prescribed the meds at that point =)
Hang in there, M.- I totally get what you're going through!!!
Keeping calling and taking her in until shes feeling better. Thats what they get paid for. At 2 weeks I would be a nervous wreck. Dont worry about bugging anyone, thats what they are there for.
Find a sitter and take a nap... level your head. Even if it's for 30 minutes of solid peace and quiet. Your baby is equally frustrated; she can't communicate any other way than crying. Be sympathetic about that. Next check up at the pediatricians, explain everything (and let them know about your other daughter too). I think the baby is picking up on your stress. Don't leave without a decent explanation and treatment. I also think you need to go see your OBGYN and get checked out for PPD. The fact that you're already so overwhelmed and your child is only 2 weeks old... something's not right. I don't mean that in a bad way; there's no shame in taking medication to better your mental health! I think you'd see a world of difference. Good luck :)
I have a good friend that is a nurse in the neo natal unit at Children's Memorial here in Chicago.
The only trick I can think of to help....
She told that for newborns with severe acid reflux, they would add a small bit of rice cereal to their bottles. I guess it helps with digestion. Only about 1/8 of a tsp. But enough to coat the stomach. She said they do this with babies that are 2 days old, so age isn't a factor here.
Good luck mama.
You can ask your pediatrician for a referral to a Pediatric Gastroenterologist that can diagnose GERD/reflux or even lactose intolerance. They can get your daughter on appropriate formula and/or medication as needed along with any additional advice and hook you up with a nutritionist. There's no need to drag it out this time when your instincts and experience are telling you that GERD is likely.
Did you have this problem with breast feeding as well?
My oldest son spit up all the time - however, he never screamed - he just spit up after each feeding - he was totally healthy - at 3 months he was 15#s...
You are tired and still going through a lot of changes with a new born. Take a deep breath...
The fussing is because she's out in the big world now - for 9 months she was in this nice, tight, warm place...now she has noises and movement, lights, the whole kit and kaboodle!
Make sure you get enough sleep. Have your husband take one of the feeding shifts so that you can sleep.
Keep her upright - we had to do this with my 2nd son - Dr.s THOUGHT he had reflux - and we had to keep him upright...turned out his ears weren't fully developed so he was constantly DIZZY and vomiting/spitting up...got tubes put in his ears and he was a WONDERFUL baby!! Sometimes it's NOT reflux but something else....don't assume and don't pigeon hole what is going on.
GOOD LUCK!
My response is identical to JessicaWessica! My daughter had a dairy allergy and is now intolerant at 3 yrs old. she was on Neocate, which is a hypoallergenic formula. It is very expensive, but did the trick coupled with reflux meds. If you have the option, go to a GI Ped...the wait and see approach SUCKS when you're baby is screaming and you're ready to lose it. You're in a tough spot, you can do it! Xo
Is she on the slowest flow nipples possible? Also over-eating from a bottle can cause fussiness, belly upset and spitting up...so I would check that out too and maybe feed her a bit less- there are formula charts of oz needed based on weight. If it is reflux, do you have a wedge for UNDER the crib mattress or have you tried letting her sleep in her car seat upright beside your bed on the floor? Good luck!
That is what the Doctor is there for. If they give you a hard time then ask to talk to the Office Manager. I would be worried too. It could be the nipples, the bottles, the formula, how often you burp etc. just keep calling until she is what you feel is normal. Good Luck.
I am soooo sorry that you are experiencing this!! I can relate all too well. I had all three of mine on Enfamil Nutramigen. The switch to this formula made a huge difference. We ended up using a Prevacid tablet with the formula for my daughter. Helped with the spit-up and she was much more comfortable. Switch the formula without going to the doc. I did and then at the follow-up apt. told the doc. If the switch to the sensitive formula doesn't resolve it then definitely consult a Pediatric Gastroeneroligst.
