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Hi Glenda My daughter Jessica is 9wks old. Some medical professionals have said she has reflux while othres have said she has colic, honestly I believe she has both! My milk supply had has been up & down since she was born so I have had to top her up with formula. Initially she was put on S26 for Reflux but this made her very claggy in the mouth and she also sounded dry. Then I was receommened Nan but she always sounded like she was bringing it back up and always sounded gurgly. Then I tried her on Karicare for regurgitation but again this had the same effect the S26 did.
Finally I was told to try her on Goat`s because from birth she has always strained to go to the toilet and Goat`s formula is easier to digest, but after 2wks on this she is again sounding gurggly and gets quite upset when it comes up.I am finiding it really hard to find a formula that suits her and was wondering if you can suggest anything. Ideally I want to breast feed her not only because it is healthier but also because she won`t strain as much, because for her to pass a bowel motion which she only does every 4-5 days is quite painful. Your advice would be greatly appreciated
Kind Regards Melissa K
I applaud you on wanting to breastfeed, as it is definitely the best option for a baby, and especially a baby with reflux. There are many benefits to a reflux baby, on top of all the other benefits of breastmilk. It can be so confusing trying to work it all out though, especially as feeding problems are quite normal with refluxers too (and bubs with colic). I’m sure it must be difficult that the doctors all have a different opinion as well; and I’m sure it is possible she has both conditions like your instincts are telling you.
Have you contacted a breastfeeding counsellor or lactation consultant to help with your supply? If you contacted your local hospital, I’m sure they would be able to help. Your bub is still very young and it can take some time to really establish breastfeeding, and they may be able to help you get things under control. Again, reflux and colic can make it difficult because of the extra stress and exhaustion that can go along with it.
Some infants with colic do have reflux too, and I guess I would wonder if she had a problem with food sensitivities, and cow’s milk protein specifically. If you haven’t considered that angle, it may help to talk to the doctors about it. It can help if she avoids cow’s milk for several weeks, so with breastfeeding, if you avoid all traces of cow’s milk and also soy, it may give you an answer. With formula, if you want to continue using that, then perhaps a hypoallergenic formula which are on prescription would be worth trying.
One of our reflux mums is also a breastfeeding counsellor (so of course has a great understanding of how reflux can impact), so if you would like to contact us via our email address (info @ reflux.org.au no spaces), we can put you in touch with her.
To be honest, I hadn’t heard that goat’s milk formula is any easier to digest than cow’s milk formulas, and that may be why you haven’t seen any improvement. I think the ones that are easier to digest are the ones where the proteins are broken down- they are the HA formulas (which may or may not be suitable), and the prescription hypoallergenic ones I mentioned earlier.
You may not be aware, but constipation can cause more reflux as well, because of the extra pressure on their tummy, so if you can find something that works that doesn’t contribute to constipation for her, that, I’m sure, would be a big benefit.
Have the doctors who do think it is reflux started her on medication? That may be another possible option, though I don’t know what you think about that? It’s not always easy to decide that, but sometimes it can be unfair to the baby not to give them too. I would recommend you talk to your doctors about that option too.
Well, I hope I have given you some new perspectives, and some new ideas that I hope help. If we can help any further, please don’t hesitate to ask.
I hope that helps,
Glenda