Changing formula before prescribing medication?

[Anonymous]

The more I read in the forums the more it seems like once diagnosed with reflux, the Dr should have prescribed something. Is that the norm or do they usually have you switch formulas first, as mine did? Guess I could be jumping the gun, but I can’t stand seeing Conner this way! Just wondering, still really new to reflux and although I like our peditrician, he seems to say that’s just how he or she in the case of my daughter Ashlin, is and they’ll grow out of it! As I’m sure you would all agree, it is not acceptable when you watch you baby in pain, and don’t know how to help. I just want to be armed with info at our next appointment I guess. Thanks for any help,

Nicole

[Anonymous]

Reflux can be caused by a milk/soy protein intolerance. So in some instances, it makes sense to find a formula that your baby can tolerate and then hope the reflux symptoms subside as well. I know that Sarah needed BOTH meds. and alimentum. (hypoallergenic formula) The only bad thing about that is the waiting game and new questions. Is it the right formula? Is she fussy from the new formula? Is reflux still bothering her? We switched formula AND medicine at the same time, which wasn’t smart because then I never really knew which one actually made the different (turns out it was both). Anyway, it’s a tough call. You could try the formula for 2 weeks and if you don’t see any difference, then ask to be put on a PPI medicine. Good luck…I know it can be tricky!

[Anonymous]

Reflux can be caused by MSPI or an immature LES. Changing the formula will address the MSPI but does nothing to correct the mechanical problem of the immature LES.

I think most docs prescribe meds first and then suggest a change in formula if the meds don’t work which is really a nightmare for so many parents because many times the meds are not working because the dose is too low. So then the mom tries this formula and that formula and the baby needs a higher PPI dose and it takes weeks or months to get it all worked out.

In any case it’s usually best to make one change at a time so you know what’s working and what’s not. Like Amy said reflux can be caused by MSPI and so the right formula can correct this, but honestly on this board I can’t think of any babies who did well with a formula change only. It’s possible that those moms just don’t stick around on the board so we don’t hear much about those babies. Personally I’d push for meds but I’m probably biased because I went through hell with my two refluxers and I’m too impatient and neurotic to wait it out. If my baby was miserable I’d do both (meds and formula change) and sort it out later.

If you’re thinking of asking for meds you might want to read up on some current research into PPI meds for infant reflux at http://www.marci-kids.com

Good luck and please keep us posted.

[Anonymous]

People make changes in either order. I think meds are a good first start just to get the pain under control, but that’s just my opinion. Either way, best to make only one change at a time so you know what caused the improvement.

[Anonymous]

With my older son we changed formulas several times thinking that was the issue (he was not MSPI) but what really worked for him was getting him on a good dose of a PPI. Changing formulas didn’t do much good for him. In the end, we stayed with Good Start formula becuase it wasn’t as expensive as Nutramigen and he did fine with it.

[Anonymous]

We did both at the same time. For a long time I thought the meds were the answer for Alana. But given she is still milk intolerant and reflux free since we weaned prevacid at 8 1/2 months with no problems since I’m now thinking it might simply have been the milk intolerance that caused the reflux. So in some ways I get the logic of just trying one thing at a time. All that being said i am still pro medication for reflux babies because it seems to help all but a few!

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for all the info, we have an appointment tomorrow w/ Conner’s Dr. We’ll see what happens. I have kept him on Nutramigen for a little over a week, but do not see much improvement. I feel much better though finding this site and hearing from all you moms ( and I’m sure some dads out there) that have been through or are going through it. Thank you again so much. I have a feeling from what I’m reading we have a long road ahead of us but I will hope for the best!

[Anonymous]

Good luck tomorrow!

[Author]

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