Carob bean gum to thicken milk?

[aliss]

Any experience?

LO has reflux and is now eating an insane amount of food (for example, 4x per night feeds of 6-8 oz).

I have been reading that carob bean gum is a no-calorie add to milk to assist in the reflux (he has been having a couple of violent vomit burps lately as his hunger increases). The doctors have confirmed reflux and his throat is getting a little raw again but they won't give him reflux meds as he is gaining weight (almost 18lbs). I feed him at least every hour during the day now because he is so hungry.

I know some use rice cereal but he is only 14 weeks. Anyone know more about carob bean gum?

 

[rosie272]

Had a look at Carob bean gum on Healthline website and it says it can help with dioareah (although more study needs to be done) but doesn't mention baby's bottles or reflux. I don't think you should add anything to a baby's bottle tbh - I had Gaviscon for Charlie when he was younger and this helped a bit but constipated him all probelms with reflux etc went once he was fully weaned! Maybe ask your HV for some advice

 

[aliss]

Thanks for the info!!

Unfortunately we can't find infant gaviscon anywhere here in Western Canada We'll keep trying!!

 

[rosie272]

Aw thats a shame It's a horrible thing to deal with but it does go eventually! Not much use right now of course - Do Health Practitioners in Canada not have something similar to Gaviscon that could help? You would think there is something that you could use... I used to prop Charlie's cot up with a couple of hardback books so he wasn't lying in a totally flat position and the same when he was out in his pram - hope you find some help soon (a lot of people have sworn by Cranial Osteopathy as well - maybe worth a shot?) x

 

[aliss]

Thanks! Funny you mention, we took him in for his first cranial osteopathy session this morning. It's super $$ out here because it's very uncommon and we need to drive 1 hr each way but I really read good things so we're giving it a shot.

Doctors out here refuse to prescribe anything for reflux babies that aren't losing weight. It's a total nightmare

 

[rosie272]

Well good luck with the Cranial Osteopathy! Hope it all works out for you and your LO - It's heartbreaking to see them in so much discomfort And quite frustrating because you know the Gaviscon would probably help, but it does have some side effects too, horrible constipation being one of them... So maybe sticking to just the Cranial Osteopathy will be better in the long run

 

[suzanne108]

Lola is precribed something called Carobel Feed Thickener.....I guess by the name its something similar. Its been fab for us! I'd def give it a

 

[OmarsMum]

U can get special formula for reflux & it's over the counter. Omar is on Aptamil AR & it really helped with his reflux. When u look for AR formula check the thickening agent. Avoid the ones with rice or potato starch as they cause constipation. The thickening agent should thicken in the stomach. It gets better while growing up hun. Omar still have bad days when he gags. Vomitting stopped at around 6.5 mnths & spitting stopped at around 8 mnths. xx