Hello to the Reflux Moms (and Dads) on the Site!

Hello! Can you believe there are so many different formulas on the shelf?! I hope you get some feedback from other parents about their experiences with formula.

Jan Gambino

The Reflux Mom

Is Similac Sensitive helping your son? Is he doing better ?

No.  He is the same.  Another technique that works for us is we standup while holding our son and then feed him.  He initially fusses but we don't take the bottle out and we bounce up and down a little and he starts to drink.  He falls asleep halfway though and then we end up finishing the bottle.  We are just trying to find ways to make feeding more enjoyable for him. 

  My daughter has had reflux since birth as well as colic issues.  I went from brest milk, to similac soy and she was horrible with both. Around one month old they finally dx her with reflux/colic. Since that time she was on Nutramigen, zantac, and another med for relux (meta something, dont have the bottle with me) She still was spitting up and projectile vomitting, definetely less but still occuring. Her Doctor said since she is gaining weight, which she was and still is, that she is fine.   

  She is know 4 months old and continues to spit up and projectile vomit.  Doctor told me to switch to Emfamil A.R. She said she has had families that have had success with that formula. Similac carries Similac RS (rice startch).  But instead I switched her over to Similac Sensitive. I did this since she has never had rice and fear that if she is allergic, I would not really know if it was the formula or the rice starch. So I decided to go with the Similac Sensitive as of yesterday, 9/21/08. I figured since it is lactose free it would be gentler on he stomach. 

 So for how much the Nutramigen cost, it was not that effective, she was still spitting up often.  The only difference is that her spit up was very thin and watery.  

 With the similac sensitive, She spit up twice last night, once after each feeding. It came up slowly and thicker than normal. She did not spit up this morning after her morning feeding. So I am playing by ear. All I know is that she slept longer! Feed her at 6pm last night and then 12am and then 5am. She was waking up every 2 to 3 hours with the Nutramigen.

I hope I am making the right decision.

Hello Madeline,

How are you doing with the new formula? I hope her little tummy is feeling better! Jan

HelloTina N!

Welcome to our group. You might want to post a message on Amy D's Sharepost too and join in the discussion on Dream Feeding.

To answer your questions:

Acid Reflux or reflux is a term used to describe Gastroesophageal Reflux or the backwashing of stomach contents into the esophagus. If reflux occurs daily or a few days a week, it may cause consequences or damage. At this point, a doctor may diagnose Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. Sorry the words are so big and the terminology is so complicated!

Take care,

Jan Gambino

The Reflux Mom

Oops! I forgot to mention about the formula. There are many brands and types of formulas for babies. Your doctor is the most qualified to decide on the type of formula that is right for your baby. Some babies have Milk Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI) with symptoms similar to reflux. A baby with MSPI needs a special formula. Other babies need thickened formula, hypoallergenic formula, etc.

Again, too confusing I am sorry to say...

We are all curious about the speech therapy appointment for Amy D's little one. Some speech therapists have training in feeding issues and can work with a baby to determine the cause of the feeding issues as well as some practical ideas to use at home.

Most Children's Hospitals and some Pediatric Therapy Clinics have feeding therapists or feeding teams to help children with reflux and other feeding issues.

Take care and keep in touch.

Jan