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leahsmom
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Topic: Back Again
Posted: 02 August 2012 at 2:30pm

So I am devastated to be back on this forum with child number two. My daughter had GERD and was intolerant of milk, egg, nuts and soy. With a combo of Elecare and Prevacid, she outgrew everything but the asthma by the age of two. We were thrilled.

We finally had the courage to try for number two and the reflux is back in the house. My son is 7 weeks. To give you some background, he started refusing to nurse around 3 weeks and I have been exclusively pumping since 4 weeks. He gets mostly breastmilk and I have cut out most of the dairy from my diet as a precautionary measure.

He has started crying at feedings. He will eat two ounces, burp, try to get back on the bottle and then scream some more. He is hungry. He is also a very gassy baby. He burps fine after eating (which is a welcome change from my daughter) but he seems uncomfortable with the gas and only poops about twice a week.

The doctor prescribed Zantac, .75ml 3 times a day which we started today. I know that this is not enough-- he is a big baby- probably about 12 pounds right now. We are also using the Dr. Browns bottles, he sleeps on an incline in a rocker or the bouncy seat and I give him as much tummy time as he will tolerate.

How long before I can expect the zantac to work? What are the next steps? Please help me get armed for our next peds appointment-- the sleep deprivation is making me so emotional about this. I am just so sad that he has to go through this. I am not sure that I can handle a second round.

thank you

melissa

Leah 1/15/09
Gerd Free since 2011

Benjamin 6/12/12
Zantac 1.5/ 3x day

Edited by leahsmom - 02 August 2012 at 2:32pm

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hellbennt
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Posts: 13403

Posted: 02 August 2012 at 3:40pm

hugs!

dashing out the door-

I would start taking digestive enzymes/probiotics and cut out ALL dairy, not just some (since your daughter had issues)

12lbs = 5.4kilos

highest zantac is 10mgs per kilo

so 10 x 5.4 = 54mgs

that's 54 mgs total for the day of zantac

your bottle of liquid zantac says 15mgs/ml

this means that for every 1ml of liquid you give, there's 15mgs of the medicine zantac in that 1ml of liquid

so you take the 54 & divide by 15 = 3.6mls total for the day of zantac

you can give in uneven doses - more in the evening, etc

Reasons a breastfeeding mother might think her baby is reacting to something in her milk:

*poop that is not 'normal' mustardy yellow, seedy breastfed baby poop

*mucous in poop; mucous can look like: snot, jelly, cottage cheese, stringy like the inside of a banana

*foul-smelling poop

*stinky, foul-smelling painful gas

*straining and grunting to poop and, when baby finally does poop, it's soft

the TED takes two weeks and then you start adding foods in to see what you CAN eat.

Research all you can! You are your baby's best advocate!

Look for all posts by Erinntx! (be SURE to read her 'sticky' - the link is below)

here's some more light reading for you :

MSPI 'Main' page:

http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2697

best EXPLANATION OF FOOD ALLERGIES/INTOLERANCES and their RELATION TO REFLUX that I have found, to date: 2nd post: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2697&PN=2

Misconceptions about how Neocate & Elecare work: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6013

THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT:

Erin's sticky: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12948&PID=105126#105126

More Erin: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13175&PID=106395#106395

Erin post: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13576

Great anne post: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9242

Exposure to foods & blood testing: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12993

Sheri’s allergy/intolerance explanation: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=10223&PID=87638#87638

Another Sheri explanation- intolerance/allergy post:

http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11579&PID=97442#97442

Accuracy of allergy testing & great post by sherri explaining IgE and IgG (intolerance/allergies) http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=10815

(sue again, replying to gina- breastfeeding info to (TED)http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11324&PN=1

probiotics, brands used:

http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8970&PN=1

erin posts that mentions enzymes:
http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12781&KW=enzyme

http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12610&KW=enzyme

http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12227&KW=enzyme

Post from me:
http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12200&KW=enzyme

babywearing SAVED US!
http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1044&PN=1

www.thebabywearer.com/forum

~laura~
Jonah 7/03:GERDfree@12mos! Silent Reflux@birth(apnea episodes/NICU);Past Sandifer Symptoms, breastfed->15mos
Ari 7/06 REFLUX FREE, so miracles do happen!

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leahsmom
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Joined: 18 June 2009
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Posts: 79

Posted: 02 August 2012 at 3:45pm

Thank you for the response. The pediatrician recommended culturelle. Do you think this is a good idea? or should we try a different one?

Edited by leahsmom - 02 August 2012 at 3:45pm

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hellbennt
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Joined: 28 August 2003
Location: United States
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Posts: 13403

Posted: 02 August 2012 at 4:44pm

I would read here

probiotics, brands used:

http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8970&PN=1

~laura~
Jonah 7/03:GERDfree@12mos! Silent Reflux@birth(apnea episodes/NICU);Past Sandifer Symptoms, breastfed->15mos
Ari 7/06 REFLUX FREE, so miracles do happen!

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leahsmom
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Joined: 18 June 2009
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Posts: 79

Posted: 02 August 2012 at 6:37pm

I should add that I am supplementing with some formula. We are using Nestle Good Starts at the recommendation of the pediatrician.
We have also been asked to bring in a diaper for blood testing. I must also mention that he has gone from pooping at every feeding to 2x every 10 days.

Leah 1-15-09
GERD free since 2011
Benjamin 6/12/12
Elecare and Prevacid

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hellbennt
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Joined: 28 August 2003
Location: United States
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Posts: 13403

Posted: 03 August 2012 at 11:20am

I would get to a lactation consultant and la leche league & get to breastfeeding? (or not! whatever you want

! continue to pump?)

The La Leche League Breastfeeding Helpline w/access to toll free breastfeeding help 24 hours a day. Just call 1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-452-5324)

to find a local internationally board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) click here:

http://www.ilca.org/falc.html

Anyway, I would say not to give formula too, if you can help it, because Anyway, you can control what you're eating & take notes and see how it affects baby...you can make your milk like elemental formula (for food intolerances/allergies)...if you do give formula, you might want to give neocate?

please read this

about how Neocate & Elecare work: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6013

and please read this:

Erin's sticky: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12948&PID=105126#105126

Edited by hellbennt - 03 August 2012 at 11:21am

~laura~
Jonah 7/03:GERDfree@12mos! Silent Reflux@birth(apnea episodes/NICU);Past Sandifer Symptoms, breastfed->15mos
Ari 7/06 REFLUX FREE, so miracles do happen!

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leahsmom
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Posts: 79

Posted: 03 August 2012 at 4:00pm

The breast feeding is a no go. I have talked to La Leche and two LCs. He is just not interested. I hate pumping but I love him so I plan to do it as long as I can. I have to give some formula because I am not pumping enough (probably why he hated nursing) and have made peace with that.

SO, diaper tested today and no blood -- not even trace amounts. This means that dairy should not be a problem? Or could he still have an intolerance? Would he still need an elemental formula?

The doctor promised me that if we did not see change by monday we can reevaluate the zantac.

Leah 1-15-09
GERD free since 2011
Benjamin 6/12/12
Elecare and Prevacid

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hellbennt
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Joined: 28 August 2003
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Posts: 13403

Posted: 03 August 2012 at 7:52pm

well, I would continue doing what you're doing and continue testing the diapers for blood...if there isn't any for two weeks, I'd say you're 'safe' with what you & he are eating

you can test diapers on your own- there's a mom who was on here & she [erintx]writes

I was searching & found a site that has the same brand we use (Hemoccult Sensa by Beckman Coulter) & you can buy them direct from them for around $82 for a pack of 100.

http://www.medexsupply.com/diagnostic-tests-blood-fecal-occult-tests-hemoccult-sensa-singles-x_pid-706.html

~laura~
Jonah 7/03:GERDfree@12mos! Silent Reflux@birth(apnea episodes/NICU);Past Sandifer Symptoms, breastfed->15mos
Ari 7/06 REFLUX FREE, so miracles do happen!

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Happy Mom
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Posts: 406

Posted: 03 August 2012 at 9:59pm

I am in a hurry right now but hope to come back on here later tonight and write more to you. For right now... PLEASE take the time to read my blog (see signature)

Martha, mom to Quinton, Jackson, & Shiloh

My blog-
Treating our children's reflux/MSPI with probiotics and enzymes.. NO MEDS!

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Happy Mom
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Posts: 406

Posted: 04 August 2012 at 3:49am

OK here I am! :) Yes, sadly.... "they say" if your first child suffers from digestive problems than probably all your children will. But THERE IS HOPE!!! That is what made me willing for a 3rd child after living through 2 screaming babies. I will let you read about that in my blog. :)

Your statement of "I don't know if I can handle a second round".... yeah... I know the feeling. I'm so sorry!! :(

The way I understand blood-in-the-poop is that the protecting lining of the intestines is gone. This lining is made up of probiotics and they can be killed by too much acid being present or by antibiotics. When this protective coating is gone then the intestines can become inflamed, raw, and bleed.

Most often the reason a person produces too much acid is because the stomach produces excess amounts of it to try to break down the food. This happens when there isn't enough digestive enzymes in the stomach to break down the food properly. Digestive Enzymes are made in the pancreas and then go into the stomach to aid in breaking down food. What causes the pancreas to not make enough enzymes? The biggest cause is either diet or inherited. All foods have digestive enzymes in them but when they are cooked or processed then the enzymes are killed. Many people who cut high protein foods out of their diets and/or eat mostly fresh foods will notice a significant improvement in their digestive problems.

I may be wrong but I am wondering if the reason that there is not blood in the poop is that the intestines aren't inflamed and rubbed raw enough YET to cause bleeding.

Our lives were changed when my children started taking a probiotic/enzyme supplement and it just might be worth a try for your little one too!

Martha, mom to Quinton, Jackson, & Shiloh

My blog-
Treating our children's reflux/MSPI with probiotics and enzymes.. NO MEDS!

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InfantReflux.Org Forums : Infant Reflux Support : HELP!!!

Author	Message
leahsmom Newbie Joined: 18 June 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 79	Topic: Back Again Posted: 02 August 2012 at 2:30pm
	So I am devastated to be back on this forum with child number two. My daughter had GERD and was intolerant of milk, egg, nuts and soy. With a combo of Elecare and Prevacid, she outgrew everything but the asthma by the age of two. We were thrilled. We finally had the courage to try for number two and the reflux is back in the house. My son is 7 weeks. To give you some background, he started refusing to nurse around 3 weeks and I have been exclusively pumping since 4 weeks. He gets mostly breastmilk and I have cut out most of the dairy from my diet as a precautionary measure. He has started crying at feedings. He will eat two ounces, burp, try to get back on the bottle and then scream some more. He is hungry. He is also a very gassy baby. He burps fine after eating (which is a welcome change from my daughter) but he seems uncomfortable with the gas and only poops about twice a week. The doctor prescribed Zantac, .75ml 3 times a day which we started today. I know that this is not enough-- he is a big baby- probably about 12 pounds right now. We are also using the Dr. Browns bottles, he sleeps on an incline in a rocker or the bouncy seat and I give him as much tummy time as he will tolerate. How long before I can expect the zantac to work? What are the next steps? Please help me get armed for our next peds appointment-- the sleep deprivation is making me so emotional about this. I am just so sad that he has to go through this. I am not sure that I can handle a second round. thank you melissa Leah 1/15/09 Gerd Free since 2011 Benjamin 6/12/12 Zantac 1.5/ 3x day Edited by leahsmom - 02 August 2012 at 2:32pm

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hellbennt Admin Group Joined: 28 August 2003 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 13403	Posted: 02 August 2012 at 3:40pm
	hugs! dashing out the door- I would start taking digestive enzymes/probiotics and cut out ALL dairy, not just some (since your daughter had issues) 12lbs = 5.4kilos highest zantac is 10mgs per kilo so 10 x 5.4 = 54mgs that's 54 mgs total for the day of zantac your bottle of liquid zantac says 15mgs/ml this means that for every 1ml of liquid you give, there's 15mgs of the medicine zantac in that 1ml of liquid so you take the 54 & divide by 15 = 3.6mls total for the day of zantac you can give in uneven doses - more in the evening, etc Reasons a breastfeeding mother might think her baby is reacting to something in her milk: poop that is not 'normal' mustardy yellow, seedy breastfed baby poop mucous in poop; mucous can look like: snot, jelly, cottage cheese, stringy like the inside of a banana foul-smelling poop stinky, foul-smelling painful gas straining and grunting to poop and, when baby finally does poop, it's soft the TED takes two weeks and then you start adding foods in to see what you CAN eat. Research all you can! You are your baby's best advocate! Look for all posts by Erinntx! (be SURE to read her 'sticky' - the link is below) here's some more light reading for you : MSPI 'Main' page: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2697 best EXPLANATION OF FOOD ALLERGIES/INTOLERANCES and their RELATION TO REFLUX that I have found, to date: 2nd post:* http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2697&PN=2 Misconceptions about how Neocate & Elecare work: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6013 THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT: Erin's sticky: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12948&PID=105126#105126 More Erin: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13175&PID=106395#106395 Erin post: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13576 Great anne post: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9242 Exposure to foods & blood testing: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12993 Sheri’s allergy/intolerance explanation: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=10223&PID=87638#87638 Another Sheri explanation- intolerance/allergy post: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11579&PID=97442#97442 Accuracy of allergy testing & great post by sherri explaining IgE and IgG (intolerance/allergies) http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=10815 (sue again, replying to gina- breastfeeding info to (TED)http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11324&PN=1 probiotics, brands used: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8970&PN=1 erin posts that mentions enzymes: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12781&KW=enzyme http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12610&KW=enzyme http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12227&KW=enzyme Post from me: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12200&KW=enzyme babywearing SAVED US! http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1044&PN=1 www.thebabywearer.com/forum
	~laura~ Jonah 7/03:GERDfree@12mos! Silent Reflux@birth(apnea episodes/NICU);Past Sandifer Symptoms, breastfed->15mos Ari 7/06 REFLUX FREE, so miracles do happen!
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leahsmom Newbie Joined: 18 June 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 79	Posted: 02 August 2012 at 3:45pm
	Thank you for the response. The pediatrician recommended culturelle. Do you think this is a good idea? or should we try a different one? Edited by leahsmom - 02 August 2012 at 3:45pm
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hellbennt Admin Group Joined: 28 August 2003 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 13403	Posted: 02 August 2012 at 4:44pm
	I would read here: probiotics, brands used: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8970&PN=1
	~laura~ Jonah 7/03:GERDfree@12mos! Silent Reflux@birth(apnea episodes/NICU);Past Sandifer Symptoms, breastfed->15mos Ari 7/06 REFLUX FREE, so miracles do happen!
	IP Logged

leahsmom Newbie Joined: 18 June 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 79	Posted: 02 August 2012 at 6:37pm
	I should add that I am supplementing with some formula. We are using Nestle Good Starts at the recommendation of the pediatrician. We have also been asked to bring in a diaper for blood testing. I must also mention that he has gone from pooping at every feeding to 2x every 10 days.
	Leah 1-15-09 GERD free since 2011 Benjamin 6/12/12 Elecare and Prevacid
	IP Logged

hellbennt Admin Group Joined: 28 August 2003 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 13403	Posted: 03 August 2012 at 11:20am
	I would get to a lactation consultant and la leche league & get to breastfeeding? (or not! whatever you want! continue to pump?) The La Leche League Breastfeeding Helpline w/access to toll free breastfeeding help 24 hours a day. Just call 1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-452-5324) to find a local internationally board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) click here: http://www.ilca.org/falc.html Anyway, I would say not to give formula too, if you can help it, because Anyway, you can control what you're eating & take notes and see how it affects baby...you can make your milk like elemental formula (for food intolerances/allergies)...if you do give formula, you might want to give neocate? please read this about how Neocate & Elecare work: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6013 and please read this: Erin's sticky: http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12948&PID=105126#105126 Edited by hellbennt - 03 August 2012 at 11:21am
	~laura~ Jonah 7/03:GERDfree@12mos! Silent Reflux@birth(apnea episodes/NICU);Past Sandifer Symptoms, breastfed->15mos Ari 7/06 REFLUX FREE, so miracles do happen!
	IP Logged

leahsmom Newbie Joined: 18 June 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 79	Posted: 03 August 2012 at 4:00pm
	The breast feeding is a no go. I have talked to La Leche and two LCs. He is just not interested. I hate pumping but I love him so I plan to do it as long as I can. I have to give some formula because I am not pumping enough (probably why he hated nursing) and have made peace with that. SO, diaper tested today and no blood -- not even trace amounts. This means that dairy should not be a problem? Or could he still have an intolerance? Would he still need an elemental formula? The doctor promised me that if we did not see change by monday we can reevaluate the zantac.
	Leah 1-15-09 GERD free since 2011 Benjamin 6/12/12 Elecare and Prevacid
	IP Logged

hellbennt Admin Group Joined: 28 August 2003 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 13403	Posted: 03 August 2012 at 7:52pm
	well, I would continue doing what you're doing and continue testing the diapers for blood...if there isn't any for two weeks, I'd say you're 'safe' with what you & he are eating you can test diapers on your own- there's a mom who was on here & she [erintx]writes I was searching & found a site that has the same brand we use (Hemoccult Sensa by Beckman Coulter) & you can buy them direct from them for around $82 for a pack of 100. http://www.medexsupply.com/diagnostic-tests-blood-fecal-occult-tests-hemoccult-sensa-singles-x_pid-706.html
	~laura~ Jonah 7/03:GERDfree@12mos! Silent Reflux@birth(apnea episodes/NICU);Past Sandifer Symptoms, breastfed->15mos Ari 7/06 REFLUX FREE, so miracles do happen!
	IP Logged

Happy Mom Fan Joined: 04 May 2012 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 406	Posted: 03 August 2012 at 9:59pm
	I am in a hurry right now but hope to come back on here later tonight and write more to you. For right now... PLEASE take the time to read my blog (see signature)
	Martha, mom to Quinton, Jackson, & Shiloh My blog- Treating our children's reflux/MSPI with probiotics and enzymes.. NO MEDS!
	IP Logged

Happy Mom Fan Joined: 04 May 2012 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 406	Posted: 04 August 2012 at 3:49am
	OK here I am! :) Yes, sadly.... "they say" if your first child suffers from digestive problems than probably all your children will. But THERE IS HOPE!!! That is what made me willing for a 3rd child after living through 2 screaming babies. I will let you read about that in my blog. :) Your statement of "I don't know if I can handle a second round".... yeah... I know the feeling. I'm so sorry!! :( The way I understand blood-in-the-poop is that the protecting lining of the intestines is gone. This lining is made up of probiotics and they can be killed by too much acid being present or by antibiotics. When this protective coating is gone then the intestines can become inflamed, raw, and bleed. Most often the reason a person produces too much acid is because the stomach produces excess amounts of it to try to break down the food. This happens when there isn't enough digestive enzymes in the stomach to break down the food properly. Digestive Enzymes are made in the pancreas and then go into the stomach to aid in breaking down food. What causes the pancreas to not make enough enzymes? The biggest cause is either diet or inherited. All foods have digestive enzymes in them but when they are cooked or processed then the enzymes are killed. Many people who cut high protein foods out of their diets and/or eat mostly fresh foods will notice a significant improvement in their digestive problems. I may be wrong but I am wondering if the reason that there is not blood in the poop is that the intestines aren't inflamed and rubbed raw enough YET to cause bleeding. Our lives were changed when my children started taking a probiotic/enzyme supplement and it just might be worth a try for your little one too!
	Martha, mom to Quinton, Jackson, & Shiloh My blog- Treating our children's reflux/MSPI with probiotics and enzymes.. NO MEDS!
	IP Logged

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