Breastmilk vs barium weight and impact on diagnosi

[Anonymous]

Hi, newbie to forum, unfortunately not to reflux.

Took DS for upper gi and small bowel follow through.

Mild reflux, lots of air while swallowing. He is breastfed and also gulps air/overactive letdown.

My question: do the docs take into consideration the weight if the barium vs breastmilk? The radiology doc said mild was no big deal but DS is choking when he refluxes even when inclined.

Any thoughts? Waiting to talk to doc later this week. TIA

[hellbennt]

the upper GI is not to determine reflux – it’s not to diagnose mild or not mild. the upper GI is to look for structural abnormalities. it’s a snap shot in time, if you were. if your baby didn’t reflux during the upper GI they would not be able to tell you your baby doesn’t have reflux. they could say he did not reflux at the time of the test…

if you’re worried about aspiration, I would TELL dr your baby needs a Swallow Study. This looks at the mechanics of swallowing and they can tell if liquid is getting into the lungs.

as for breastfeeding, there is a lot of information about OAL, overactive letdown, also known as fore/hind milk imbalance…

http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/supply-worries/fast-letdown/

http://web.archive.org/web/20091002072029/http://www.users.qwest.net/~fsdebra1/refluxoal.html

http://web.archive.org/web/20090216042347/http://lalecheleague.org.nz/articles/gaining_gulping_grimacing.htm

try unlatching ds after your milk lets down and let it spray into a washcloth first. When it stops, put him back on. and you can also try block feeding -nurse from only one side per feeding and sometimes from the same side more than once to ensure that the breast gets emptied

I know this all sounds so brief and non-emotional- but I like to provide a lot of info as quickly as I can…

[Anonymous]

.Thanks Laura! I appreciate the quick and to the point response! I need to know what to ask, with my daughter I fear my lack of knowledge prolonged her (and our) suffering. Biggest concern is the problem respiratory indication. So I will be asking for the swallow study. Thanks again!

[hellbennt]

I would also find a IBCLC – int’l board certified lactation consultant…this might make you fell more at ease w/ the breastfeeding aspect/letdown, etc…

[Anonymous]

Thanks Laura, I will. I have followed your responses here and I am wondering two things: dosing for Gaviscon and Mylanta. Little Tummy’s doesn’t even begin to help, Mylicon is off the market…..and our little guy is so bound up by the barium he hasn’t stopped kicking and lunching all day. Any thoughts? P.s. thank you for responding to my posts. I can imagine how busy you are and I really appreciate the help.

[hellbennt]

I know nothing about gaviscon…I would try to find

mylanta -it’s hard to find, but you can find store brand equivalents; try Bartell Drug (West coast), Dollar General, meijer, cvs brand, rite-aid, walmart, target, etc- just look for one that does not list aluminum in the ingredients. you can give 1ml up to 5 times a day- it’s safe, even for newborns. if you see loose stools back off.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! I will try to find Mylanta!

[Author]

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