Formula - Riverview,FL

I have 2 boys now. The oldest had MAJOR acid reflux and was also on zantac. I had to put him on formula very early and I used enfimal lipil ar. it worked wonderfully. I have a 7 month old now and he was having some of the same issues ( not as bad, he is not on meds) but that formula helped. Now, my sister has a 8 week old that was having gas issues ( can look like colic) and she is on nutragemin (sp) and also taking gas drops every 2-4 hrs. That really helped. Before you do something drastic like move :) try the ar with the gas drops. It soulds like the lil one is having gas and AR issues. With the drops and zantac, you should be able to get thin undercontrol. Please feel free to email me and I can give you my number and you can have oneone to talk to :) Its hard I know...it does get so much better :)

Have you tried a lactose free formula? Like Enfamil or Similac Lacto-Free? It really helped my boys.
Jen

Hi D.,

I definitely feel for you. I had a daughter who also had GERD and not only did it do a number on my nerves but it also aggravated me how laxed our pediatrician was about it. He too thought that we should be putting our daughter in her crib and let her cry it out. Well, if you've ever tried this you'll know that a baby w/gerd who's upset most of the time anyway b/c they're so uncomfortable can not calm themselves down. I vividly recall one night letting her "cry it out" and three hours later she was still bellowing and so was I. However the longer you wait the harder it will be. I don't feel that a 1 1/2 month old should be expected to "cry it out", though. Your baby is too young for that and needs to be comforted and feel safe. Have you tried putting her in her car seat next to you? My pediatrician was adamant about us not doing it but that's the only way she would sleep and so that's what I did. No harm done. Only you know your child the best and unless it's something that will put that child in danger then you need to go with your instincts.

BTW, we tried almost all the formulas out there and we found that the good start was the one she could tolerate the most.

Good luck and I hope this helped....

Phoey! I think you'll hear plenty either way on letting her cry it out or holding her. Baby's wants *are* baby's needs, and wanting to be held by your mother is hardly a habit. I was your age when my one and only was born, I breastfed her until almost three years old, and coslept with her until recently (she is now five). When it was the right time for US, we changed our routine. She sleeps on her own, has great eating habits, and is a healthy and delightful child. My daughter has always had mild GERD, which is fortunately manageable. A friend's baby spent most of his first year sleeping upright in his car seat thanks to reflux.

There is no *right* way; if there were, we would ALL be doing that. There are some great resources about getting your child to sleep on her own, if that's your goal (I liked "The No Cry Sleep Solution"). I think you are right to mind your intuition. It sounds like right now, it makes you AND her feel good to hold her. Even if you felt it to be harder later, I would think that the difficulty is outweighed by the feeling of doing what feels right for your family right now.

Warm wishes to you both!

Don't let a one and a half month old cry to sleep. They are way too young to be spoiled. She is in pain and I know how difficult it is trust me . My daughter who is 4 mths old now was colic, had acid reflux, bad gas and thrush (mouth virus) anything that could make her cry 24/7 she had it. My pediatrician said she was the worst baby she had ever seen. Plus, I was dealing with my other daughter who was only 19 mths. It was the most difficult time of my life. When I put my daughter on her back she was in so much pain that she would scream, it only took a second for her to wake up from a deep sleep and scream once we layed her down. We had to co sleep with her that way she could nurse and fall asleep on her side which helped at night. Your child isn't crying because she is spoiled or wants attention she is crying because she is in a lot of pain. Hold her, love her and try anything you can to comfort her while remembering this will only last a few mths. The only thing that worked for my daughter was a front carrier, she would always fall asleep in it, she lived in it for the first 3 mths. I would consider switching pediatricians. I jsut can't believe anyone would suggest letting a new born cry it out. If you are in the Jacksonville area I would try Victoria Mosteller she is great. Also, I had my daughter on some medicine for acid reflux which helped. Swaddling helped too. I know how bad it can get but you need to be there for her, she needs her mother now. If you need to take a break from the crying don't feel bad take a step outside or go out for awhile while your husband watches her I did it and sometimes you need to get your sanity back. I would also try a soy based formula. Babies under 3 mths can have stomack problems from milk based formula. Good luck and if you need to talk about it e-mail me. I have been there and know what you are dealing with.

Hi D. - I would try the Enfamil again, but trying mixing it half & half w/the Good Start to see if that helps reduce the crying...if that works, continue with mixing the 2 formulas for a few days then use 2/3 Enfamil with 1/3 Good Start until you can do all Enfamil. Some friends of mine used the Bright Beginnings formula b/c of bad gas w/other brands and swear by it...you can get it at Publix I know for sure. Not sure where else it's sold. There are several different types of Bright Beginnings formula as well (Gentle, Organic, Ultra Milk & Soy). Try emailing them (____@____.com) and ask for a free sample, so you can try it out (asl for coupons too). As for your pediatrician...at 1.5 months old your daughter is still adjusting to the outside world & I don't think you should let her "cry it out" til she's at least 3 months old (& it will still be heartbreaking then)...Good luck & take care.

K.

Dear D.,
You are going through so much right now!! I remember how horrible I felt after I had my son. I too had postpartum depression(and am still taking medications), but I had a lot of family support. Right now you have so many adjustments!! I think you need to see a good pediatric GI specialist and search for a new pediatrician. Call your local hospital (where you had your baby) and ask the newborn nursery nurse to tell you who she thinks is the best pediatrician. Young babies have immature digestive tracts. It is common for reflux, spitting up, gas, etc. It will get better!! Changing the formula may not help at all especially since she had reflux with breastmilk. Nutramigen is super expensive and is usually the last resort. My son was on Enfamil Lacto-free and that seemed to help his digestive issues. You will probably start to notice that she is less fussy as the weeks go on. I recommend a book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." It talks about feeding and colic and sleep. I found the book extremely helpful when I felt at the end of my rope. The colic is not your fault!!! Your baby's brain and digestion are immature. This will work itself out!!! Good luck, K..

I'm sorry to hear you guys are going through this. My daughter was diagnoised a 2 days old with GERDS. She does see a GI specialist. I really belive it will help not only her, but you as well. My daughter has been on Zantac from day one. She is now 9 months old and it has gotten sooooo much better. It will get better I promise. I wouldn't worry about holding your daughter too much either. You really need to do what feels best for you and your daughter. I found that incling her while she slept or even putting her in either the swing or her car seat helped. She loved the feeling of being cuddled and being inclined also helped with the reflux. Also just incase they didn't tell you, you need to hold your daughter upright for 30 minutes after she eats. My daughter wanted to be held a lot at that age. At that point you really can't spoil her. She needs you and your comfort. You aren't doing anything bad. Once you start to give her solids around 4-6 months old it will help a lot too. I hope this helped and gave you some hope that it will get better. If you need anything else....please let me know. I didn't have anyone to talk with about this so I know how frustrating it can be.

This may seem really wierd to some....Have you ever thought of using donated milk? Your Doctor can write a perscription for milk, the only thing is that the milk is REALLY expensive. Also you could join the yahoo group milkshare to find a donor near you. You would pay for them to have a HIV and Hep test done to ensure the saftey of your baby and you provide the milk storage bags as well. They donate their time and milk to you. I have seen it help a lot of babies out! I will continue to donate my surplus milk until I wean my son.

I would NEVER let a baby cry it out! They are crying because they need something and have no other way to comunicate. Do you wear your baby? There is immense bonding when you wear your baby and they cry a lot less because mommy is right there with them. If you are unsure which carrier to use I would join the NINO group on yahoo it is called marsupial mommas of tampa bay I believe. They have a ton of different types of carriers (and I'm not talking about the crappy snuggli or baby bijorns) for you to try on and they have a very helpful message board as well as meet up a couple times a month. Good Luck momma! Let me know if you would like some more info on the groups, I am apart of both.

Hi,

when i had my baby 7 years ago, he also was colicy. What i did was switch to a lactose free formula.i amnot sure what is out there now but give it a try after a few days he was better.i used to have to give him gas relief drops in his formula. My doctor thought it was all hooky pooky but to me and my husband it worked and i kept it on it until he got regular milk. When he was going to change i introduced regular formula back to him slowly for about a month. I mixed it with the lactlose free and then straight regular formula.then went to milk. He does not have a milk intolerance now. I think it was similac.
Give that a try..
Good luck...

A.

D.,
First of all, know that you are a wonderful mom and love your baby. It is so difficult with all the worries when things don't go right to keep things in perspective. But give your daughter lots of love, that will make her and you feel better.

I do not think you should worry about how or where your baby sleep right now. Tackle one problem at a time. Figure out the nutrition issue then you can work on the sleeping issue. I think it would be worth a visit to the GI specialist. You will get a different opinion on your baby's care and then you can use your motherly instincts to decide what would be best for her. I have a 4 month old who was a difficult "eater" too. She would cry when I tried to nurse her, and also cry when we tried to bottle feed her (not at all feedings, but most). And she would not eat much, only about 2 ounces every 3 hours when she was 3 months old. I tried eliminating things like milk and caffeine from my diet to see if it made her better. We also supplemented formula, Enfamil Lipil. My ped didn't want us to switch around a lot until we were sure that she didn't tolerate it. I don't think anything we tried really made a difference. I think she just got older and her digestive tract got more mature. I would recommend giving her the gas drops BEFORE she eats, if you want to try them. They work better if you give them first. Also try having her sleep in her infant carrier if you haven't tried that yet. The elevation seems to help and that may free you to get better sleep. I do believe in letting your baby figure out how to put themselves to sleep. I have a 2 yr old who slept thru the night at 11 weeks, and my 4 month old now sleeps thru the night. But you can only do that when you are comfortable as a mom that you have done everything to take care of her. You can't sit there and listen to her cry and wonder is she in pain, is she hungry, etc. You will have plenty of time to worry about the sleep training if you chose to do that. Wait until she is a little older and you are more confident in her nutrition. And always remember, you will get thru this! You are a great mom to seek out all the help you can, esp when you don't have family close by. Hang in there!

When you transition from different formulas, do what the first mom suggested and ease her into it. I feel so bad for you and her! I hate that doctor's give the advise to CIO!! I don't think they have any right to tell people to do that, much less with a 1.5 month old! There is NO WAY I would do that with perfectly healthy newborn! She is not forming habits now, she is doing what she needs to sleep and that is all! I personally don't believe in CIO, but if you were to do that, i would wait until after 6 months. Please, only leave her to cry if you are at your wits end and afraid you might hurt her in some way. Everyone can go through that at some point and I am glad you are aware of your mental stress. let her sleep on you or have you tried a swing?? Please take care of yourself as well! Good luck!

Hi D.. So sorry to hear about your little girl's problems. The Dr Browns bottles are super and wonderful for colic. I even went so far as to put gas drops in the bottles at feeding time and it helped so much. A friend of mine's little girl had the same problems as your daughter and she wound up having to feed her the Nutramigen. So I would def give it a try. If you haven't already, go to the formula brands websites and sign up for their coupons and have your friends or family sign up also so they can get the coupons and give them to you. They are a BIG help with the cost of formula. As far as her sleeping, it is best if you try to wean her from falling asleep on you as I have seen friends and my sisters do this and all of their kids ended up having to be held ALL the time. I know they tell you not to, but I put both of my girls to sleep on their tummies. It helped them with the gas pressure and as babies, the majority of us were put to sleep that way when we were babies. I always kept an eye on them though. They slept in the bassinet in the living room during the day and next to my bedside at night. I sympathize with you on the crying and no sleep thing. Being a first time mom is so nerve racking and sleep depriving. But it gets better and before you know it, you'll be missing those sleepless nights when she was so little. Hope this helps you a little.

D.
Ok. let me see if i can help you. OK first off on the letting her cry it out. DONNOT do that cyring it out in a reflux (GERD) baby can make it worse. There is nothing wrong with cosleeping with your baby. Or, try and see if she will sleep in her carseat or in her bouncy chair, or incline her bed to see if that will help. But there is nothing wrong with cosleeping with your child. I did it, and my son didn't have reflux, i just couldnt' see the point of him crying to try and learn how to go to sleep. YOu want them to learn that sleep is a gentle, safe place ot enter, and a safe place to remain. most pediatiricans won't suggest you cry it out till around 6 months anyway. at that young of an age, they are crying for a basic need to be met. they are not manpulating (sp) you, or anything like that. when they cry at that age, especially, there is a reason for it, and the parents must go see what it is. I would personally run for the hills if a doctor told me to allow my 1 1/2 month old baby to cry it out. I personally don't believe in Crying it out. I did try it, once at 3 months of age, adn again at 6 months. both times it met in utter failure, and a very upset mommy and baby, and very tired mommy and baby as well. co sleeping has alot of wonderful benefits, specially for the reflux baby.

My son was on formula as well after the age of 2wks , but that was due to lack of supply problems. What type of antidepressant medication are you on?? Did you know that Zoloft, which is an excellent antidepressant to take for PPD (which it sounds like what you have) is safe to take while Breastfeeding? Formula is harder to digest, and can make tummy situations worse, not better. My son was on the Goodstart Supreme, dha and ara (and i do recommend that all formula fed babies be on it, cause those two ingrediants are naturally found in breastmilk, and are great for brain and eye development) I love the goodstart formula and so did my son. He had a bit of gas issues, but the mylicon drops after every meal helped him alot. Also, something ot look into as well, some cases of reflux is aggervated by milk protiens or other foods. Since formula is milked based, it has milk protiens in it. This is something i urge you to speak with your peditrician and a gastrointerologist though before switching formulas again. I would personally stick with the goodstart, unless you are told to change. Switching formulas suddenly or often can also have bad effects on tummmies. My son for instance couldnt' drink the enfimal at all, it made him puke.

OK about hte bottles. OK those ventair bottles are a joke!! they cause wayyyy more air to get into the tummy. I for one am a huge fan of the cheapo depo playtex nursers. these are the ones that take the drop in bags in them. THis way, you can squeeze all the air out of the bottle prior to giving it. Also the bag collaspse like the breast and no air gets in. ALso,it is easier to clean thenthe doc, brown bottles are, and not to mention a heck of alot cheaper.

HTH
B.

Also, i wanted to add. By wearing your baby in a sling or a wrap. I personally wouldnt' advise any of teh slings or carriers you can buy in the stores such as the snuggli or bjorn, cause they are really bad on your back. but wearing your baby in a sling or a wrap would help as well. I own a sling myself, and if you have any quesitons, i'd be more than happy to answer them. slings and wraps can offer soo much to a reflux baby. helping their digestion, and the pain. also it keeps your hands free so you can carry your baby adn still get your things done. while a baby is in a carrier they are more alert, they either sleep, or stay in a quiet state of alertness. they are calmer, and studies have shown that in this calm, quiet, wakeful state, they learn easier. Plus the motion of your movements will remind her of the womb.

Also, infant massage is a wonderful thing for reflux babies as well. infant massage helps the immature digestive track of babies, boost their immunes systems, helps with stress and pain. It is something i also did with my son since birth. again if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

I will agree with the past advice for most of it, but I want to add something to it...

My son went thru everything you are talking about right now...He just turned 3 years old, and we found out he is allergic to milk! And has major sensitivites to wheat and Soy....I would ask your Ped to test your child for allergies. I wish someone had suggested this to me years ago....

My opinion is this: Get another Ped!! At 1 month, they are on survival mode, and can not be "spoiled" or form habits from being held...there is something going on in your baby's system, that your body temp, heartbeat and such is soothing to her...The CIO method is not recommended until 6 months of age....

D., I have to agree with the other mothers about not letting your child CIO. She is so young, worry about that later, when you don't have so many other more important things to worry about. If sleeping on your chest gets you and her the much needed sleep, then who cares. Even if it is a littler harder in a couple months, I don't feel it's worth the stress now. As long as your child is safe. I would probably try a sling and let her sleep on you that way, at least so she couldn't fall off you if your arms fell loose. My dtr is almost 15 months old, and I still hold her to get her asleep, I don't rock her, but just hold her. I know I need to break her habits, but I am not ready to go that route yet.

When my daughter was about 6 weeks old, we also had problems with gas and spit up. I am talking, spitting up puddles. We Switched formulas and went to Alimentum made by Similac. It is made for colick symptoms. Her ped didn't think she would like it, as it smells and taste different than the others, but she drank it fine, and her gas and spit up was not as bad. After about 3 days, she was soooo much better. Now it is pretty expensive, but, if it works, you can always get it about half price on ebay. WIC also covers it, but you would have to get a rx from the doctor in order for them to do that.

Before alimentum, we tried a soy formula, and my dtr threw it up right after finishing the bottle.

I think even with one bottle, you should know whether or not it will work

About the specialist. I would definately go. My feeling is it's better to be safe than sorry. Only 2 things could happen, they could say there is nothing wrong, which would be good, you would feel better, and only be out some money for the visit. Or, they could find something that will help her. Either way, I think the money and time spent going would definately be worth it, even if only for your piece of mind. You can never be to protective when it comes to your baby.

Most of all, just know that whatever you do, you are doing the best for your baby, regardless of what anyone else says or things. Mom's always know best.

Hi D.,

I am sorry but I really do not have any advice for you. I just wanted to say that I feel for you and your baby girl who is obviously in some kind of discomfort. I can't believe the Dr. told you to lay the baby down and let her cry it out to go too sleep. There is obviously something going on with her and why would you leave a helpless baby to it's own devices like that??? It's not a habit, she needs you and that's what she's telling you. Babies that young do not have "habits". I wish you the best and remind you to not let your little ones cries aggrevate or frustrate you, just remember she is telling you something and I hope you are able to find out so it can be "fixed". I would see the gastroenterologist ASAP. Take care and good luck.

S.

Ok, I didn't read through all of the advice already given, I just sort of skimmed, so I may be repeating stuff. I don't have any idea on the formula part, although I know my niece had some severe gastro problems and was prescribed neocate. I guess it is super expensive, but my SIL was able to get it through WIC (it may have beena different type of assistance)I believe.
As far as CIO, I am appalled that a doctor would reccomend it for a baby so young and with discomfort problems. I'm not a huge fan of it to begin with, but everything I have read and been told about it, states you NEVER let a baby CIO under 6months. I would find a new pediatrician immediately.
I dont' have too much advice I guess, but good luck and my heart goes out to you. I had pretty severe PPD after baby #1 and I can definitely empathize. Hang in there, it does get better.

You have got a long time to try to break her habit of sleeping on you. My daughter napped on us until she was 3 months old because she wouldn't stay asleep when we put her down. It isn't going to be something that gives her a complex for the rest of her life!! I would concentrate more on trying to get her colic and reflux under control. It isn't going to be something that gives her a complex for the rest of her life!! I have no advice for you there because I've never had the problem myself. Good luck, I hope everything gets better for you.

I've been through the same thing. Honestly, sometimes babies just cry. Please read Happiest Baby on the Block. Also, maybe see if there is an attachment parenting group in your area. You CAN'T spoil a child under 6months. My son had colic also. We thought for sure there was a reason but after Zantac and changing formula we just decided to patiently wait it out.
My son was only a belly sleeper. He also only slept on us until he was 2.5months old. He transitioned to his crib without a problem. I also bought an infant carrier/baby bjorn and he pretty much lived in it till he was almost 4 months.
He is now 14 months and VERY independent and social.

I went through the same exact thing- my daughter had colic & GERD, I had to bottle feed because I had to be on some major blood pressure meds after delivery. For her GERD, the only thing that seemed to ease that was liquid formula...it made a difference the very first feeding. I think that the preservatives in the powder disagreed with her and I tried it all...every kind of Enfamil and every combo of bottles. She was also on Zantac as well. As for the colic that is a different story. There are a number of different positions you can put the baby in- or walking, pacing with them...each baby is so different you know what works best with your baby...but they need that comfort until they "come out" of that colic...I know it is hard and tiresome...I too have a husband that works evenings...but they so come out of it, mine stopped around 3 months and she also outgrew the GERD at about 18 months-Zantac free :) She will be 2 this Sat. and is the most loving, quick kid I know (I may be biased:) I say this to let you know I have been there in the woods with you and you and your baby will be out soon- Take Care & feel free to email any time with questions.

D.,
My daughter Caroline had GERD as an infant. I know how difficult it is. What I can tell you, is that it will get better!! She was on the Enfamil Gentlease, as well as Zantac. This is what worked for us:
-Get a Boppy Pillow (if you don't already have one), and place it in the crib all the way towards one end with the open end facing the railing. When you put your daughter down, lay her in the Boppy, with her head on the bottom of the "U". This will keep her head elevated and help her sleep without any reflux.
-Don't move her until 15 minutes after feeding. Or, put her in the infant car seat right after feeding. It's something about that angle that helps the reflux.
-Stick with the Dr. Brown's and give them a chance to work. Trust me, they are the BEST bottles for GERD babies.
-I agree with the ped.....don't let her sleep with you! We NEVER did with our daughter. The Boppy in the crib will save you.

I hope this helps. You're going to be dealing with this for the next 6-12 months, but I can promise you it does get better. Our daughter is now 21 months, and no GERD since she was 8 months.

Just try to relax and do the best you can.

Good luck!
A.

D.,
As for right now, I wouldn't worry about where she falls asleep. My daughter is almost 10 months old and I still hold her to put her to sleep. I can't stand to sit there and listen to her scream and cry just because I won't do something so simple as to rock her to sleep. Yeah, it would be a lot easier in the long run to let her cry it out and learn how to put herself to sleep, but personally, I feel that's something we can work on when she's older.
In regards to the formula, and if your dr hasn't mentioned it, ask: when you switched her from the Good Start to the Enfamil, did you just stop the Good Star all together or did you mix it with the Enfamil at first? Again, if you just gave her a whole bottle of the new formula, b/c they are different brands and different types, I would ask, but WIC had given me a paper with direction on how to switch the formula, starting with one scoop of the new formula and 3 of her regular (she was drinkling 8 oz bottles at the time) for a couple days and then up it to half and half for a couple days and then 3 of the new, 1 of the old, etc until she was on the new formula completely. The nutritionist said swithing her without the steps like that would cause her to be constipated, which was the main problem to begin with, plus she had bad gas that she couldn't get out. I would definitely try the Nutrimagen, since it is made specifically for colicky babies, but if you're worried about using it when she doesn't have any other symptoms other than the crying, perhaps try the Gentlease again, or whatever you've found so far that seems to agree most with her. Perhaps you could try a soy-based formula? Good Start also has one of those.

Listen to your heart! It's your baby. I didn't listen to my doctor and my son and I have a wonderful bond because I answered his cries and comforted him through his problems. Crying it out is not for a baby under age 6 months anyway.

K.

Instead of frequent changing formulas, you should try Babies magic tea. It really helped with my colicky and gassy 4months old.

D.
First of all formula is not going to help with colick - if anything it will be worse. If you still have breastmilk, I would increase breastfeeding and reduce formula. Formula is much harder for a baby to digest. The depression is normal - I had crying spells for 2 to 3 months after my daughter was born. I would suggest you get off the meds and try to deal with it naturally.

Secondly, it sounds more like you have a sleep problem than a food problem. A baby that is not getting enough sleep will cry much more. I would highly recommend you get a baby carrier - sling, Mei Tai, etc. to keep baby close, upright, and able to sleep more.

check out this website.. www.thrivingbabies.com Rebecca has great info about the benefits of baby-wearing.

I understand being a first time mom and at home with no job. I had DD at 34 and had worked all my adult life. The first months were VERY HARD on me. I just got out of the house as much as possible - walks in the park, joined a moms group, went to the mall, etc.

Good Luck
P.

I give my baby of 2months infant gas relief drops and it has worked. And i also give him the same formula you give your baby. AND MY BABY HAS A LITTLE RELEX AND THE DOCTOR TOLD ME TO PUT A TABLESPOON OF CEREAL TO SETTAL THE MILK IN HIS STOMACH.