Search Results for 'breast feeding'

[Anonymous]

Thank you for posting this. I think it is very important for those that wish to continue breastfeed, seek the help and proper advice rather than their own physician telling them to stop if it isn’t necessary.

I have had two reflux babies and my first I never continued to breast feed and he had reflux worrse than my last baby whom I continued to bf. I know that breastmilk actually acts as a natural antacid and I believe that is why my last doesn’t have reflux as severe as my other ds. I obviously can’t know for sure but I’m 98% positive that is why.

[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone…

I’m new here, so bear with me as I do not know a lot about reflux. Here’s what is going on. PLEASE help with any thoughts or advice. I seriously need some input here and do not know anyone else in my shoes. I so apologize for the length of this post, but I want to be thorough.

My 17 month old son was diagnosed (like his older brother) with reflux at around 6 weeks. He did have some “little boy issues” in the private area and had surgery for that early on. Because of that, I will say that he is a little developmentally delayed across the board, but not drastically so.

He did not sit up until he had his surgery, which was at 8 months. He also could not roll over until then either. Once he started both, we weaned him off the Zantac as many seem to get better when they are more mobile. Also, at the same time we switched from breastfeeding to regular formula.

At a year, we started table food. Around the same time, we went from formula to whole milk. Here is where our problems begin.

He had 3 horrible episodes of reactive airway disease (like asthma) and ended up in the hospital for each of them….once for a week!!! He also started having chronic ear infections and was diagnosed with a hernia in the groin area. (sigh…so much going on!) Each and every time he had a reactive airway episode, they would do bloodwork looking for infection, viruses, ANYTHING. All of it came back completely negative. I kept insisting that he was having episodes when I put him back on the whole milk. NO ONE would listen to me. Finally, they ran allergy tests and immunoglobin tests (tests immune system). The allergy test (including milk) came back negative, which made me look and feel like an idiot. The immunoglobin test came back very low.

We ended up on allergy medicine and preventative breathing treatments. This just seemed totally strange as we have NO family history of allergies or asthma. Since the blood work came back normal, they just assumed it was allergy related.

So we went to another city to have the hernia repaired and ear tubes inserted since the ear infections never went away. (We are in post-Katrinaville, so it couldn’t be scheduled together or for many months here.) When we saw a new set of doctors, one of them asked if he had reflux. I told him that I didn’t think so. He explained that reactive airway, ear infections, and waking up screaming with clean bloodwork sounded like possible reflux to him.

So when we came home, I gave him Zantac that we had from awhile back. The first week, it worked like a dream! He slept all night and seemed fine. Then the waking up at night screaming started again. (He goes to sleep both for naps and at night on his own in his own bed. I mention this because my pediatrician started suggesting that he was crying to be held and rocked.) I took him in to the pediatrician and asked her what she thought about what the other doctor had said. She seemed a little miffed that I was attempting to tell her what I thought was wrong without her ever suggesting that. Oh well. She gave us a rx for prevacid 15 mg. split into 2 doses. She still disagrees that it could have anything to do with milk, but I’m telling you….there is a big difference in him when he has milk! Last night was our first night on the Prevacid. I did go ahead and keep him on milk yesterday. He woke up only twice screaming, but both times went back to sleep without too much intervention.

Now…about when he wakes up at night. He wakes up SCREAMING. Without any medication, it starts about an hour to an hour and a half after putting him down. We pick him up and give him something to drink. Usually, he takes a small sip then continues to scream. He arches his neck backwards to the point that it is hard to hold onto him while he also tenses up almost every muscle in his body. He will finally fall asleep facing outwards in a semi-sitting position. When we lay him back down, he usually starts screaming again. It then continues every 1-2 hours until about 2 AM. Then it seems to stop for the rest of the night. He wakes up happy in the morning. He is generally happy all day long except when he he wakes up from his nap. Sometimes he wakes up happy, and other times he wakes up too early screaming (about 1 hour and 15 minutes after going down).

I will finally mention that he is in the 5th percentile in weight, but he seems to eat well in my opinion. He does seem to have a lot of gas and more than one dirty diaper a day usually. I don’t know if this plays into it or not. Other than this issue, he is a very laid back, happy baby.

My questions:

Does this sound like anyone else’s experience with reflux?

Has anyone else had issues with reactive airway that can’t be explained except by reflux?

Why did the Zantac not work this time around if it’s reflux?

Is Prevacid a good course of action at this point?

Is it normal to notice MORE burping and hiccupping after starting Zantac or Prevacid? (Doesn’t seem painful for him….just not what he usually does.)

If you’ve gotten this far, thank you so much for reading! I just feel very out of sorts with this since most kids with reflux (that I know) are younger and grow out of it and have more symptoms.

Thanks!

Cindy

[Anonymous]

I’m posting this here since we have several issues that we need help in. DS was dx’d with reflux at 4wks. His main symptoms are: frequent waking, painful crying episodes, fussy during and after feeding, some spit up/vomiting (but not frequent), colicky. One other clue was he slept for 2.5hr for the first time in his life after 2 doses of zantac. Unfortunately zantac stopped working after about a week. He was started on prevacid. Initially his sleep improved a little bit to the extend that he would sleep one 2.5-3hr stretch, then up every hour as opposed to crying every half an hour before we started the meds. His colic also stopped after about a month. He is BF’d and I’ve cut out dairy when he was first dx’d. I think the combination of all of these may have helped. However for the past 3-4weeks he seems to be doing worse waking less than an hour each time. His nap has always been terrible despite all the changes- he cries 20-30min after we put him down.

We are also having problem feeding him. He used to do okay with bottles but for the past 2 wks, he just doesn’t seem to be interested in drinking during the day. He would go 6hr drinking only 1oz from the bottle. One day he went 11hr only drinking one bottle when I was at work. At night, he’s up every hour crying. The only way I could sooth him is to offer the breast. He does prefer the breasts to the bottles. However even when I try to BF him sometimes during the day, he drinks a little bit then keeps popping off and pushing the breast away while kicking his legs and extending his body back. I read about reverse cycling and think that he may have that because he is so easily distracted and very interactive. We tried feeding in the dark during the day but he is still not interested. I think that one reason he wakes up in sleep is because he’s hungry, but it still shouldn’t be every hour. I don’t think he has gained as much wt as before. However he is acting normal and is very pleasant when he’s awake even after a 3omin nap. He usually is only fussy when he’s tired and when he sleeps because he keeps waking up screaming. Do you think it’s still the reflux causing him to wake up or is he learning to cry for us to pick him up?

He was 13lb about a month ago and is on 7.5mg prevacid twice a day. his GI doc won’t increase it any more and told us to add a dose of zantac at night. I didn’t notice too much difference. He had an UGI 3wks ago that was normal. I did cut out dairy but have not been really good at cutting out soy. 2weeks ago we gave him a bottle of nutrimigen for the first time and he didn’t poop for 2 days, whereas he used to be very regular pooping 3 times a day. I haven’t given him any more formula since then but he now would go 2 days w/o pooping. He occasionally has greenish or mucusy poop but never had blood in it. I really would like to wean since it’s hard for me to pump at work and the food restriction is really killing me, but I’m afraid to give formula because of the poop issue. Nutrimigen also tastes terrible. Is there any other brand that taste better and is less constipating?

I’m sorry this is so long. I really would appreciate any suggestion to help him eat and sleep better. Oh I forgot to mention that DS refuses pacifiers. I’ve tried gerber nuk, soothie, MUM? and playtex, all no go.

Thanks for reading!

[hellbennt]

hmmm…

if there’s no pain with the reflux, then I wouldn’t think your baby would need medication…

how are the baby’s stools?

normal, mustardy, seedy breastfed baby stools?

if not, then perhaps you can alter your diet to help your baby…

The Upper GI, (also called a barium swallow?) is good to look for structural abnormalities,
it is *not* good to verify reflux: it is a snapshot in time if you were, so if baby doesn’t happen to reflux at that particular time of the test then a dr might be quick to dismiss you & tell you reflux isn’t there/isn’t bad- the way to show reflux is a ph probe, where the actual length (duration) & frequency (how often) of reflux episodes are recorded (I think actually the acidity is measured as well? Thus the ‘ph’ part of the test?)…

if you do get the Upper GI done or the Swallow Study, find out how to contact the actual x-ray technician, bcse if you’re breastfeeding the amount of time that you need to have baby fasting before the procedure is actually less than what ‘they’ will tell you- tell the technician (somehow?) that baby is breastfed and ask how long before the test you can feed your baby (breastmilk is digested faster than formula)

[Anonymous]

I think vomiting can be normal. If your babies not fussy after the vomitiing spells I’d say it’s probably not reflux, but then again I’m sure all cases are different. I had some friends whose baby spit up all the time and a lot and there was nothing wrong with their baby. My understanding is all babies have reflux.

As far as the barium swallow goes I think it’s a waste of time and money, but if your baby does have reflux and that is the only way your ped will treat your baby then I would do it. The test won’t show wheather or not your baby has reflux, but can show other things. It is actually an easy procedure. Your baby drinks some stuff and then they lay the baby down and watch his body react to it. I think through x-raying him. Sorry, I’m not good at explaining things. If your baby won’t take a bottle you can call ahead and ask for a syringe to give it. If you do decide to do it the only downfall is your baby can get very constipated. I have heard you can give your baby some water after the test, but I would think just nursing him would do the trick. We did the test with my older son and he got very constipated, but at that point I had stopped breastfeeding. With my second I didn’t make that mistake and he did so much better. Breastmilk is so good for reflux babies. So, keep up the good work and I really hope you get some answers. The ladies on here are great and so knowledgeable.

[Anonymous]

I could use some advice. I posted on another board and was encouraged to come here. At the end of this, I’ve added some to my post about what doesn’t seem to fit reflux.

*Being a mom of 4, I’m typically not stumped about things – but this has me.

Our
doctor wants to do a modified barium swallow and x-rays on our 6 week
old. dx: vomiting – possible reflux. I’ve read this test isn’t real
reliable and I’m not convinced it is reflux. But without, she won’t
treat the baby.

The baby vomits 1-2 times a day and may go 2-3
days with nothing in between. The baby isn’t always fussy before
vomiting, sometimes it just happens. This happens on nothing but breast
milk. (As in no gas drops or anything for 1-2 weeks and it was
happening periodically.) It happens 75% of the time after being given
mylicon drops. I thought there was a reaction. Then I tried gripe
water. It happens 75% of the time after getting that. I got rid of
that. I was given nystatin for the babies mouth since I’m getting
re-occurent mastitis and yeast. The baby has taken this 2 times and the
past 2 times has vomited within 30 seconds or less of having it.

Does
anyone have any thoughts or experiences? Could this be reflux? When we
give the baby things other than milk, the baby barfs very quickly. If
the baby vomits the feeding, it is within 30-45 mins. or less.

It is so peculiar to me because it comes and goes. I’m getting worried…..

I
also don’t want to put my little one through any unnecessary tests. I
don’t even know how the baby will keep down the barium swallow.

Should
I get a second opinion? I’ve never done that before. The test is
monday, but I’m thinking of canceling and taking the baby elsewhere
first.*

****My baby DOES NOT fight me to eat and eats well and gains well. They are gassy and fussy, but I don’t find it exceptionally unusual and can or can not be fussy prior to vomiting.**** Can vomiting ever be normal?

bargainshopper2008-01-12 11:52:14

[Anonymous]

Interesting. My wife still breastfeeds once over night and not all poops are the blueish grey colour. Some are however which does make me wonder. However, would there not be other signs ie diarrahea?? I am worried to switch formula’s incase it makes the feeding worse. The last thing I want is for him to start eating less due to a change in forumla taste.

[Anonymous]

If he’s not in pain anymore and maintaining his curve, then maybe that’s just where he’s supposed to be. The other thing is that sometimes kids with reflux know to eat just enough to get by, without eating too much to cause pain. You can ask your doc about adding polycose or duocal to his bottles if he needs the extra calories. You can also see if your doc feels that hypercaloric feeds are necessary. We were told to add an extra scoop of formula to every bottle to increase her caloric intake. Also, if it helps you to feel better, my dd ate around 16 ounces a day, sometimes less, and it was a struggle to get her to take in that much.

The other thing I really wonder is if you’re dealing with MSPI. I’d try alimentum and see if that helps him. I’ve had two babies on goodstart and my niece and several friends had their babes on it too, and none ever reported “grey blue” poops. When they’re only on formula poop is typically dark brown or dark green in colour, as opposed to the seedy mustard colour you often get when breastfeeding. Pale poops can sometimes be a sign of fat malabsorption. I would definitely bring a poopy diaper in to your doc to take a look.

[Anonymous]

Well, compounded Prevacid for my daughter, but that was back when I didn’t know any better. We tried the solutabs with Ben and I about went out of my mind trying to time those around a breastfeeding baby. So, all that to say that ZEGERID was the answer for us for sure!!!

[Anonymous]

Hi,

My wife and I moved to exlusively bottle feeding three weeks ago (expect for breastfeeding overnight) and started the prevacid solutabs. It has taken time but it seems that my son is not longer in pain when he eats. He takes 4 bottles a day and averages 6 ounces. He will rarely take more – but because he isn’t hungry. He still spits up quite a bit a sometimes 2-3 hours after a feeding (he is eating every four hours). His weight gain continues to be slow but is following the 10-15% curve. What has now developed is that he is constantly rubbing his eyes (looks like very minor alergic shiners), he has one bowel movement a day that is greyish blue in colour (although I hear it is common using Nestle’s Good Start), has a dry cough and frequent night waking. He has no diarreha and is not overly fussy right now. I am wondering if the problem could be a milk allergy or intolerance even though there are not typical signs. Would a formula switch to Nutrigamin help? Soy or Latose?

Any thoughts would be helpful.

Adam

[Anonymous]

I was going to suggest trying the TED too before you stop breastfeeding. I did this for several months. TOTALLY SUCKED, but SO worth it in the end!

[hellbennt]

I have a bit to say…

first of all, you need to give the prevacid a chance- it takes up to 2 weeks before you see results- it was day 12 for Jonah.

also, are you giving it correctly, is it a good dose?

as for blood in the stools- this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to quit breastfeeding…

if you think it’s something in your diet, I highly recommend doing the Dr. Sears Elimination diet. this way you will know for sure IF and what you’re eating might be affecting your baby. it may or may not be your diet.

if you’re eliminating dairy, there is ‘hidden’ dairy as well- ingredients like whey, casin, etc…please skim through this post https://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2697&PN=1&TPN=1 & the MSPI forum & the breastfeeding forum and the Elimination Diet forum…also, if you’re eliminating dairy you might as well go ahead & eliminate soy as well (the ‘s’ in MSPI)…that’s why you might just want to go ahead with the elimination diet…

an EXCELLENT thread to read is this- it’s all about switching to elemental formulas (like neocate or elacare) from breastfeeding:

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

[Anonymous]

Just a question with the green poos – are you breastfeeding from the same side for a couple of hours without changing? It’s important to do this with a baby who feeds often but not for long at any one time, as they need the hind milk, not just the watery and high in sugar foremilk.

This may help him too as it shouldn’t come so fast when you go back to the same side.

Forgive me if you are already doing this, the green poos was just a warning for me.

[Anonymous]

As some of you may know from my previous posts, my precious 3 week old baby boy Gavin has been showing strong signs of the dreaded acid reflux. We are on day 3 of prevacid solutab 15mg single dose in the evening. We stopped the Zantac and it seems like things are getting worst instead of better. Things were already bad when he was on Zantac but at lease he was feeding every 3 hours normally. Now on prevacid, it seems like he is crying with each feeding and not eating as much. Not finishing his normal amount of breast milk that he drinks from the bottle.

May be we shouldn’t have stopped the zantac until the prevacid started kicking in.

We had his upper GI this morning and it showed that he is refluxing. They gave him about 1.5oz of the barrium stuf mixed with my milk and he wasn’t even done with that ansd was already refluxing.

I tried to nurse him for comfort after that and he was eager to latch like he was still hungrey since he hadn’t eaten for about 4 hours and he nursed no more than a few minutes before he started arching and crying. I burped him and tried to comfort him and then put him back on the breast without forcing him to latch or anything. He latched himself and withing a few seconds he was crying of pain.

I am so worried that he is starting not to want to eat and that he is associating feeding with pain already.

Please pray for my little one that the prevacid will start kicking in soon.

I am also off dairy completely right now. His poops have been green lately which is not a good sign.

His pedeatrician called and left a message to see how he is doing on prevacid and said in his message that if the prevacid doesn’t work in the next couple of days he wants to discuss other options. I wonder what are the other options? And ow long does it take prevacid to start working?

[Anonymous]

Oh man, do I empathize!!! I’ve breastfed two refluxers also, and it IS really, really hard. Your descriptions of your nursing sessions sound EXACTLY like how I would describe both my boys, before things got better. Many times I referred to our feedings as WCW matches, each one ending more frantically than it had begun — which is so not the way feeding your baby should be. And it was hard, too, because often the doctors and family/friends do not understand because they don’t really see it happening.

I’ll tell you a bit of what helped our boys, and I really hope it helps you! Have you considered that your son might have a protein intolerance in addition to reflux? My first son was intolerant to milk protein only, and when he was 2 months old I cut dairy out of my diet and the feedings were immediately 100% improved. With my second son, Nathan, who is now 7 1/2 mos. old, I tried cutting out dairy and no improvement. So then I cut out soy in addition to dairy, because many babies who have problems with milk protein also have a soy protein intolerance. But still no help for Nathan. Then I found out about the total elimination diet on this forum (if you go to the main screen and scroll down you’ll see it), and within just 2 days of starting the diet, every feeding was as peaceful and calm as could be – no more arching, screaming, latching on and off a thousand times. The painful gas and bm’s, the endless grunting in his sleep were all gone. Nathan could even fall asleep during nursing, which was a miracle! One doctor we had seen actually told me when I had first described our terrible feedings that it sounded more like protein intolerances than reflux. And for us, that’s exactly what it was that was causing the bad feedings (MFPI – multiple food protein intolerance). The results of the TED for Nathan were so dramatic that I have stayed on a very restricted diet (very low protein) for 6 months and counting (though it seems Nathan is recently outgrowing MFPI – yay!!). And the only times we had bad feedings since beginning the TED were when I had eaten something too high in protein for him to handle.

But by no means was Nathan’s MFPI the only issue, nor my first son’s. Both also had plain ol’ reflux (GERD) due to an immature esophageal valve. Even after removing the problem proteins, they still slept terribly and cried a LOT. But good news – the Prevacid (at a Marci-kids high dose) greatly helped this.

Sorry to go on and on, but I just wanted to give you the details I was desperate for when I was in your situation. If I were you, I would definitely try to find out how much of your son’s problems (if any) is due to protein intolerances. I would maybe first cut out dairy, then soy, then go to the TED just to see if your little guy has protein intolerances – if so I believe you’ll see a huge improvement with the TED. Then at least you’ll know what you’re dealing with, even if you don’t decide to continue nursing. I don’t believe Zantac or Prevacid will help with a protein intolerance – they didn’t for my boys. Then after ruling out protein problems, see what you’re left with and then get your son on a Marci-kids dose of a PPI – even if you have to leave a doctor you really like, keep looking til you find one who will give you this high dose.

Good luck!! Please keep us posted.