Refluxing horribly on formula

[Anonymous]

HELP!! I have a one week old son who I am trying to breastfeed but my left nipple is severely cracked and bleeding and killing me. I really want to stop breastfeeding as it just isn’t for me, but I refuse to stop if he can’t tolerate formula. Yesterday he started out taking bottles of Enfamil Lipil but threw them up and then we switched to soy formula and he threw those up too. I know he has reflux, but does NOT throw up or cry with breastmilk.

My daughter had severe reflux and I nursed for a week and then stopped due to her pulling off the breast and screaming and then pumped for a month and quit. She ultimately ended up on Nutramigen and Prilosec after many trials of medicine. She is now a very happy 3 year old with a milk allergy that we just found out about when she was 2 1/2.

Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted to give some background information to try to get some help. It is likely that my son has a milk allergy along with reflux, but I don’t know what to do if Nutramigen doesn’t work. I am truly miserable with breastfeeding, but won’t stop if formula hurts him.

Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

our son couldnt tolerate nutrimagen. thats when you get neocate. good luck!

[hellbennt]

this should explain why formula may or may not be the next step: Misconceptions about how Neocate & Elecare work: https://www.infantreflux.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6013

[Anonymous]

I don’t have any advice about formula, but meanwhile, have you tried Lansinoh ointment for the cracked nipples? I had the same thing happen with my 3rd son, and I just kept using that several times a day and it went away after a few days. Anyway, that might help until you get things figured out.

[Anonymous]

Is there a lactation consultant in your area who can help you? Sometimes cracking/bleeding is caused by poor latching.

Nursing is such a personal choice….I don’t think anyone can really help you decide whether to continue or not. Either way you’ll get it worked out and your baby will be well taken care of.

Good luck.

[hellbennt]

oh yeah, the best thing that helped me w/ my cracked nipples:

http://www.mothermates.com/ (yikes looks like it’s only in canada?)

ok, looks like you can buy them here: http://www.positivelybreastfeeding.ca/shop/breastfeeding/sor e_nip/MothermatesHydrogel.htm

my lactation consultant helped me…it took only like 4 days to have my nipples back to normal, phew!

[Anonymous]

For cracked/sore nipples, I had what I called my miracle cream… it’s Dr. Newman’s recipe, and I can tell you how to find out how the pharmacy can make it if you’re interested. I’ve tried a gazillion OTC creams, and this truly is a godsend. Let me know if you’re interested. I also agree that if it’s so bad that you’re bleeding a lactation consultant would be a good idea to help with the latch. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Hi Jennifer.

I’m in the same boat as you are. Minus the cracked nipples You poor thing.

I have a new daughter and she was supplemented with nutramagin in the first couple weeks. She’s doing better on BM only, but WOW when I eat something that doesn’t agree with her it’s pure HE#%! That happened last night and it sent her into a screaming fit for 4 hours! All she wanted to do was eat more and that made her even more upset. It’s a viscous cycle.

So, I just wanted to show my support for you and what you’re going through. I feel like giving the BFing up about every day. I know in my heart it’s the only way to deal with her issues. Do what you feel is best in your heart.

The lactation specialist is a fantastic idea. For me it was the only way nursing worked this time.

Keep us posted.

[Author]

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