Reflux Help & Support Thread

[stardust599]

Morning girls well we had a better night - bought some Enfamil AR last night and gave him 2 bottles and he absolutely hates it. He screamed - spat it out so I am not continuing. I put him back on the Aptamil comfort last night and put extra Colief in and he did have a better night.

Saw my homeopath yesterday and have got some Natrum Phos and Aethusia so I will let you know how we get on with it for the regurgitation and reflux.

I decided only to make 2oz bottles last night as I am sick of expecting him to drain a 4oz bottle and he isnt going to do it so it took some pressure off because I did feel like he had finished a feed even though it was only 2oz. So technically he went

8pm 4oz
8.15 to 9.30 Moaning,
9.30 - 1.30 sleep
1.30 to 2.00 2oz feed
2.15 to 4.30 sleep
4.30 - 2.5oz feed
4.45 to 7.10 sleep
7.15 - 3 oz feed.

So he is getting his 6oz or so just over a longer period but at the moment he is gaining weight and is well so I am not gonna push it.

I have said to hubby though I am NOT changing his milk any more he is staying on the comfort and if need be if the homeopathic side doesnt work I am gonna go the medical route as the poor mite doesnt deserve this.

I know Ollies reflux isnt so bad so I really do feel for you ladies and you little ones with the severe cases it must be so sad to see babies in so much pain.

I have Barrets Oesophagus which means basically I developed stage 0 cancer through severe heartburn over the years so much so it changed the cells in my throat, Ive had to have laser surgery and have had a shot of radiotheraphy to stop further changes. I have to use domperidone and omeprozale (sp!) if I have any spicy food/alcohol which can start the acid off. I also use something called Mucogel which is like milk of magnesia just stronger and its saved my life ! I just hope this isnt hereditary because I know what my pain has been like so I really feel for these babies xx

That sounds like a pretty rough night, about our average!! Last night was good though with 4ounces at 10.30pm, sleep until 3.30am, 3ounces and awake at 7.30am, can't complain!

I too have been making 2oz bottles to take the pressure off. I've decided just to go with her and let her tell me how much milk she wants. She's going onto a high calorie and nutrient supplement anyway plus 3meals a day and her weight is monitored weekly so I guess it's time to stop forcing the milk. We haven't done too bad today though at 7.5ounces already, probably 1-2ounces at 5pm, 2-3 ounces at 7pm, 4ounces at 11pm and 3ounces at 3am so 18ounces in total. Plus 3 proper meals, a pudding and also some rice tonight so I'm happy enough with today

Much less screaming as well since I introduced the 3 meals again, don't know why but it makes an instant change - I think maybe she's just crying from hunger but can't tolerate the milk? Either that or it coats her throat or something and stops the heartburn :-S

Please please let me know how you get on with the homeopathy, it's something I really want to try! I have heard Dioscorea (spelling?) is fantastic for reflux babies. But if it doesn't worry then medication is probably the best route for your LO.

I would try the Enfamil AR another time, try half and half with comfort milk. The only reason I'm saying that as we used a similar formula - SMA Staydown and had fantastic results with it before we switched to Neocate. Also, since comfort and colief are making such a difference I wonder if it would be worth you trying a lactose free milk? I know it's not nice to change milks all the time but I'm really glad we did as we eventually found one that worked for us.

Going to ask for Domperidone tomorrow at paediatrician. I thought that since it empties the stomach quicker it might help Macy's appetite too xx

 

[fluffyblue]

I was going to get the SMA Lactose Free but was recommended the Enfamil. Im going to give him a week back on the comfort and colief and see because to be honest im only giving a couple of days and its not long enough.

He has had comfort today and seems pretty content but i have been giving warm water as well between feeds which seems to be comforting him.

We dont seem to have had the spit up today nor the squirming, the grunting is in force also the snotiness but he does seem happy for once ! Might even get my dinner in peace !!!!

 

[babyjiva]

https://www.pollywogbaby.com/refluxandcolic/breastmilkeasiertodigest.html

 

[stardust599]

fluffyblue - i think you need to wait a week or two on each milk to give it time to get right through their system and for their digestive system to adjust, let us know how you get on. Is the homeopathy stuff making a difference? I was thinking of getting something but I can't decide what suits my LO better - dioscorea, nat phos or lycopodium, will have to look into it further. Also looking at colic calm but it's so expensive I bloody grudge it!

Last night was rough - up every 10mins from 2.30 onwards but been a better day for us, feeds 6.30am 2 ounce, 9.30am 1 ounce, 10.30am 1 ounce, 12.30pm 4ounces, 4pm 2 ounce and 7pm 5ounce! Only a little screaming at each feed too. It's heaven compared to what the past few days have been like.

Went to see paediatrician who was useless tbh, didn't want to do a scan or further investigation as she has gained weight and she was happy while in the hospital and finished 4ounces of milk in front of him without any fuss (a first in a couple of weeks!). He actually said "why would I bother with a healthy baby?"

Anyway, he did agree to up her Omeprazole to 15mg a day which he says is the maximum dose for her weight so I've given her an extra 5mg today and she does seem a little more settled.

He also told me if Neocate isn't making much difference for us then I should experiment with different milks. He tried to get hold of a goat's milk formula for me but none of the chemists stock it. He told me it was the only thing that eventually settled a baby similar to Macy but they can't prescribe it. When I came home I looked online and discovered it's not recommended in the UK so I don't wan't to try it anyway!

I have bought some SMA Lactose Free and she did seem to prefer the taste and just finished 5ounces at bedtime, just praying it doesn't upset her tummy but she seems okay so far! I'll stick at it for at least a week and if no difference I've to try SMA Wysoy.

I think it's kind of pointless though as she has full, natural pre-biotic yoghurt which doesn't upset her tummy at all, infact it actually settles her but she seems to be in pain with normal formulas :-S I don't get it as it's the same proteins and lactose in it! I'm thinking that maybe her digestive system is a little immature as she was induced 3 weeks early due to IUGR and maybe she just can't digest milk very well.

I asked for domperidone for the sickness and I thought as it empties the stomach quicker it might help her appetite too but he said that it's not possible as paediatrics are now moving away from domperidone because of the side effects. Bloody rubbish if you ask me as I've heard lots of Mums say their LOs are on domperidone and haven't mentioned any nasty side effects!

thanx for the support happyface and miss_bump, i like to come on here when things are tough cos i know there are others who understand

xx

 

[stardust599]

fluffyblue - i think you need to wait a week or two on each milk to give it time to get right through their system and for their digestive system to adjust, let us know how you get on. Is the homeopathy stuff making a difference? I was thinking of getting something but I can't decide what suits my LO better - dioscorea, nat phos or lycopodium, will have to look into it further. Also looking at colic calm but it's so expensive I bloody grudge it!

Last night was rough - up every 10mins from 2.30 onwards but been a better day for us, feeds 6.30am 2 ounce, 9.30am 1 ounce, 10.30am 1 ounce, 12.30pm 4ounces, 4pm 2 ounce and 7pm 5ounce! Only a little screaming at each feed too. It's heaven compared to what the past few days have been like.

Went to see paediatrician who was useless tbh, didn't want to do a scan or further investigation as she has gained weight and she was happy while in the hospital and finished 4ounces of milk in front of him without any fuss (a first in a couple of weeks!). He actually said "why would I bother with a healthy baby?"

Anyway, he did agree to up her Omeprazole to 15mg a day which he says is the maximum dose for her weight so I've given her an extra 5mg today and she does seem a little more settled.

He also told me if Neocate isn't making much difference for us then I should experiment with different milks. He tried to get hold of a goat's milk formula for me but none of the chemists stock it. He told me it was the only thing that eventually settled a baby similar to Macy but they can't prescribe it. When I came home I looked online and discovered it's not recommended in the UK so I don't wan't to try it anyway!

I have bought some SMA Lactose Free and she did seem to prefer the taste and just finished 5ounces at bedtime, just praying it doesn't upset her tummy but she seems okay so far! I'll stick at it for at least a week and if no difference I've to try SMA Wysoy.

I think it's kind of pointless though as she has full, natural pre-biotic yoghurt which doesn't upset her tummy at all, infact it actually settles her but she seems to be in pain with normal formulas :-S I don't get it as it's the same proteins and lactose in it! I'm thinking that maybe her digestive system is a little immature as she was induced 3 weeks early due to IUGR and maybe she just can't digest milk very well.

I asked for domperidone for the sickness and I thought as it empties the stomach quicker it might help her appetite too but he said that it's not possible as paediatrics are now moving away from domperidone because of the side effects. Bloody rubbish if you ask me as I've heard lots of Mums say their LOs are on domperidone and haven't mentioned any nasty side effects!

thanx for the support happyface and miss_bump, i like to come on here when things are tough cos i know there are others who understand

xx

 

[happyface82]

Hey!

I'm really sorry the appointment didn't go any better

I think you are right in what you say about her digestive system. I was told that this could be our problem (Katerina was born 1 month early, she had IUGR as well and was on the small side).

It is difficult though when they don't run any tests, as we don't know what the real problem is in order to find a way to help them! Its very frustrating!

I really hope the Omeprazole helps her settle, its supposed to be the strongest medication they can get for reflux I understand!

 

[SilasLove]

Madelyn's doctor has agreed to put Madelyn on medicine if switching to AR isn't successful. We will see !

 

[puppymom32]

We got switched today from Zantac to Prilosec anyone had any luck with this.

 

[happyface82]

Hey puppymum! I think prilosec is the equivalent of losec so it should work really well!! Fingers crossed for you!

 

[bathbabe]

Got another appointment with the paed on friday. Is it worth asking for domperidone? We are already using ratitidine x

 

[happyface82]

Got another appointment with the paed on friday. Is it worth asking for domperidone? We are already using ratitidine x

Hey! It is worth a try if you are not getting on well with ranitidine! Can I ask how much ranitidine you give ur LO?

 

[bathbabe]

Got another appointment with the paed on friday. Is it worth asking for domperidone? We are already using ratitidine x

Hey! It is worth a try if you are not getting on well with ranitidine! Can I ask how much ranitidine you give ur LO?

1ml twice a day, acid isnt his problem tho, it doesnt hurt him loads its mainly just the puking thats the problem. Before he was only on 0.4ml twice a day.

 

[fluffyblue]

Ollie seems to be playing up again doesnt seem to be regurgitation this time more tummy ache, cant seem to win at mo, he isnt drinking as much so am going to try and top up feeds with Enfamil so at least he is getting some.

We are going 3 hours between feeds but then taking at least an hour to settle which i hard work but the little angel has started smiling so how on earth can you be angry!

 

[puppymom32]

We got switched today from Zantac to Prilosec anyone had any luck with this.

And forgot to mention the best part he gained 1lb in two weeks!!!

 

[puppymom32]

Ollie seems to be playing up again doesnt seem to be regurgitation this time more tummy ache, cant seem to win at mo, he isnt drinking as much so am going to try and top up feeds with Enfamil so at least he is getting some.

We are going 3 hours between feeds but then taking at least an hour to settle which i hard work but the little angel has started smiling so how on earth can you be angry!

Its hard isnt it when u just want them to feel like they do when they are smiling all the time.

 

[happyface82]

We got switched today from Zantac to Prilosec anyone had any luck with this.

And forgot to mention the best part he gained 1lb in two weeks!!!

That's great!!!!!!

 

[Worrisome]

fluffyblue - i think you need to wait a week or two on each milk to give it time to get right through their system and for their digestive system to adjust, let us know how you get on. Is the homeopathy stuff making a difference? I was thinking of getting something but I can't decide what suits my LO better - dioscorea, nat phos or lycopodium, will have to look into it further. Also looking at colic calm but it's so expensive I bloody grudge it!

Last night was rough - up every 10mins from 2.30 onwards but been a better day for us, feeds 6.30am 2 ounce, 9.30am 1 ounce, 10.30am 1 ounce, 12.30pm 4ounces, 4pm 2 ounce and 7pm 5ounce! Only a little screaming at each feed too. It's heaven compared to what the past few days have been like.

Went to see paediatrician who was useless tbh, didn't want to do a scan or further investigation as she has gained weight and she was happy while in the hospital and finished 4ounces of milk in front of him without any fuss (a first in a couple of weeks!). He actually said "why would I bother with a healthy baby?"

Anyway, he did agree to up her Omeprazole to 15mg a day which he says is the maximum dose for her weight so I've given her an extra 5mg today and she does seem a little more settled.

He also told me if Neocate isn't making much difference for us then I should experiment with different milks. He tried to get hold of a goat's milk formula for me but none of the chemists stock it. He told me it was the only thing that eventually settled a baby similar to Macy but they can't prescribe it. When I came home I looked online and discovered it's not recommended in the UK so I don't wan't to try it anyway!

I have bought some SMA Lactose Free and she did seem to prefer the taste and just finished 5ounces at bedtime, just praying it doesn't upset her tummy but she seems okay so far! I'll stick at it for at least a week and if no difference I've to try SMA Wysoy.

I think it's kind of pointless though as she has full, natural pre-biotic yoghurt which doesn't upset her tummy at all, infact it actually settles her but she seems to be in pain with normal formulas :-S I don't get it as it's the same proteins and lactose in it! I'm thinking that maybe her digestive system is a little immature as she was induced 3 weeks early due to IUGR and maybe she just can't digest milk very well.

I asked for domperidone for the sickness and I thought as it empties the stomach quicker it might help her appetite too but he said that it's not possible as paediatrics are now moving away from domperidone because of the side effects. Bloody rubbish if you ask me as I've heard lots of Mums say their LOs are on domperidone and haven't mentioned any nasty side effects!

thanx for the support happyface and miss_bump, i like to come on here when things are tough cos i know there are others who understand

xx

Sorry not been on for ages sorry our lo's are still suffering,
Well we had paeds app, stardust he prescribed domperidone off his own back, sorry your having a tough time.

Millie is now on ranitadine 3 x a day, domperidone twice a day, colief and gaviscon. Breast milk has deffinately helped with sickness,no where near as bad as she was on formula.

 

[stardust599]

Hey!

I'm really sorry the appointment didn't go any better

I think you are right in what you say about her digestive system. I was told that this could be our problem (Katerina was born 1 month early, she had IUGR as well and was on the small side).

It is difficult though when they don't run any tests, as we don't know what the real problem is in order to find a way to help them! Its very frustrating!

I really hope the Omeprazole helps her settle, its supposed to be the strongest medication they can get for reflux I understand!

I know, I guess they're really isn't much they can do for her now that she's on maximum dose of Omeprazole for her weight (although I see others have their LO on more than 15mg?), sometimes I think I just have to persevere and wait it out, doing my best for her but other times I'm so desperate. The consultant has contacted the nursing team near me and if she is still horrendous at taking feeds in a week they're going to fit an NG tube for 1-2 weeks to take the stress of feeding away for both of us. How have things been for you the past few days?


SilasLove I hope the AR is successful but if not please don't worry about putting your LO on medication as they are very safe and common for reflux babies too, keep us updated.

puppymom32 - yep, like happyface said it's the same as LOSEC/Omeprazole, what's your LOs weight and dose of omeprazole? you should also make sure it isn't given within an hour of a milk feed as it's less effective then, it's actually best if it's given with fruit or yoghurt so you could mix the granules with the teeniest teeniest bit of fruit puree just to get your LO to take it as mixing it with water just made Macy sick. and 1lb in 2 weeks is fantastic!

bathbabe i think domperidone would definately help the sickness so it's worth asking for and giving it a try. my paediatrician wouldn't prescribe it for macy as her reflux is silent but i thought it might help stop so much acid coming back up if her stomach empties quicker. he wasn't keen on it as it can have side effects like facial twitching or something but he said he would have prescribed it if the sickness was worse

fluffyblue when macy's feeds were really bad I used to spoon feed her a little after each feed. just a teeny bit, like a half ounce to help keep her appetite up. it's so nice when they smile isn't it!



We've had an okay day, I was using the SMA Lactose Free which is really sweet - it reminds me of custard and Macy was wolfing down the milk for a change rather than not wanting it like the Neocate (which taste bitter cos of the way it's made). But then she still had quite an upset tummy today, a bit of wind I think and reflux pain during feeds too. I couldn't decide if the SMA was making it worse or not as she's been really bad the past few days anyway.

So tried a bottle of Neocate which she wouldn't take so I do think that sometimes it's the taste that's bothering her. I did her bedtime bottle half and half and it went down okay, seemed to taste okay to her and no screaming or back arching and is completely settled. She was worse today 1 hour after the SMA so I'll see how she is in an hour, maybe it being half and half with Neocate will be just enough for her stomach to be able to tolerate it.

Also started using Infacol today which could be the culprit as I know it can make reflux worse, I only used it as she's had terrible trapped wind the past few days but she seems okay now so I hopefully won't need it again soon. I have gripe water but I'm not sure it really makes a difference :-S Thinking of buying that colic calm stuff as it has brilliant reviews on amazon.

Hope everyone ok xx

 

[puppymom32]

She gave him 3.5 mg once a day. He is at 10.9 lbs now.

 

[stardust599]

Ok, Macy is about 11.2 pounds just now. She's on 15mg now- almost the maximum dose for her weight but her reflux is pretty severe and she did start on a lower dose which helped.

The starting dose is 0.7mg per kilo of your babys weight and the maximum dose is 3.3mg per kilo

So 10.9lbs = 4.79kg

x 0.7mg = 3.353 rounded up to 3.5mg so you're just on the right starting dose.

Give it a week and if things haven't improved ask them to up the dose. Omeprazole stops the production of acid straight away but the lining of the throat and stomach need time to heal first. Hope things improve quickly for you, it's so hard seeing your little one in pain!