Let's just get to it, shall we?
Olivia has a milk protein allergy. She is in pain and cranky and pooping blood. I'm sure we can all plainly see what is going on here, but I will put it down on paper (er...screen?) to make it blatantly obvious:
Universe: You should've stuck with breastfeeding, you ignorant slut.
Jennepper: Indeed.
The plan is to feed Olivia Similac Alimentum - hypoallergenic formula with no milk protein - and recheck the poop on Friday.
I'm not sure if you've ever had the pleasure of purchasing Similac Alimentum. But if you like to be bent over the checkout lane at Wal-Mart and completely screwed by Similac? I totally suggest you try it!
You think I kid? The little screen on the register that usually shows the price instead reads " message from universe and its partner Similac: bend over."
Alimentum is pretty much double the price of the other Similac, which sucks. But what can you do? Happy baby = happy parents. We're learning that realllllly quick around here.
I'm not fully convinced that the milk protein allergy is the only thing going on here. The grunting? It continues. But it's not just grunting - it is the scream that follows the series of grunting that has me worried. The pediatrician agreed that it was wholly uncool, and said that we should notice a change in that behavior in 3 or 4 days after starting the Alimentum. Which has not happened as of yet, and we are on day 5.
(If you've had to switch to Alimentum for milk protein allergy - how long did it take to see an improvement in belly ache type behavior? Did you try Alimentum only to switch to something that worked better? HALP!)
(And! And! If your baby had Silent Reflux, can you tell me how you knew? Because Olivia barfs in her mouth and swallows it constantly, will not lay flat, and coughs and gags while eating. Dr. Google says its silent reflux. What thinks you, internets?)
(Feel free to point and snicker at the first time mom.)
Olivia has decided that she will only sleep in her carseat. This makes me feel like an epic failure, but ohmygodaslongasshesleeps!
And the sleep is noisy, and once I'm awake I can't fall back asleep because I am busy thinking really important things, like: GIMME BACK THAT FILET O'FISH; GIMME THAT FISH! Over and over in my head until I want to go to McDonald's and go totally postal on their asses.
(There are no tall buildings in my town on which I can climb in order to execute a more effective insanity maneuver. Plus I don't have a gun. Which is probably good.)
(I've thought about the building thing, though, because the gas pumps at the Marathon near my house say "Please Prepay in Advance" and I have to go there because they have the cheapest gas, but it makes me want to hit people because how does one PREpay in advance? Come on big oil! Come on!)
(Parenthesis: me likey.)
Cute things I want to remember about Olivia during her fifth week:
- Eyebrows. She is growing them. They are adorable to a ridiculous degree.
- Hair. She lost it all except a tuft at the crown of her head and a ring around the bottom that is so totally business in the front party in the back, dude.
- Fist. She has one. She finds it muchly entertaining and looks at it all the time. She hasn't figured out how to keep it in front of her face, though, so she looks surprised every time it comes into her field of vision.
- Fists. She has two. She eats them in anticipation for a bottle. Except eats is an understatement - she makes a NOM sound like she is biting into a giant sandwich. My girl likes to eat, whether it's formula or her own human flesh.
- Gas smiles. So cute. Need to be real ASAP.
- Voice. She is using it more - while she eats, while she lays around and kicks her feet, while she sleeps. I'm hoping for coos sooner rather than later.
- Fingernails. Have cuticles. This makes me all warm and fuzzy and I don't know why.
52 comments:
Ug. Alimentum, eh? Well, give it some time, first of all. My son took about a week or more to see the full effect. We've tried switching off of it a time or two (back to "normal" formula) and he's not responded well. So my son is 7 months this week and we'll be trying again to get off it in when he's 8 mos old. I feel like we could have had an amazing vacation with the amount we've spent on Alimentum. Damnit. Check ebay and craigslist...we can usually get it in bulk for $16-$17/can.
You poor thing. I remember trying all sorts of formulas with Ben to rule out milk allergies. Turns out, nope! He was just an asshole! Lucky me.
Good luck, man. Hang in there. It gets better, I promise.
(and, you can order the special formula online in bulk if you need it. It might be a leetle less painful on the sphincter.)
So my sister could have written this post as she is in the exact same boat. My 4 month old nephew had milk, soy, and protein allergies that they progressively diagnosed (like it started with milk, and then they diagnosed soy too). He has run the gamut of formulas (after she gave up breastfeeding because she wasn't doing so well with not having dairy plus he started teething at 2 months which made it suck worse) and would be ok for a few days before breaking out on his face and having horrendous spitup (he has reflux as well and is on medication for that). They had him moved to Nutramigen (the Enfamil version of Alimentum) which was ok but still not really working. Now he's on Neocate (which is available OTC and with a prescription so at least insurance is picking up part of it now). Neocate is he last resort apparently. And she's now working on getting her breastmilk back. She's taking supplements and pumping like a fiend.
Hoping the best for you all - happy baby does equal happy parents. xo
I thought of one more thing... for the sleep issue. My nephew was only sleeping in his carseat/bouncy seat too. The pediatrician wanted him to sleep on his stomach or on his back at an inclide (like in the boppy or on one of those wedge things). The benefit of him being on his stomach for the reflux outweighed the benefit of him being on his back for SIDS prevention. Just some more thoughts to ponder. :) Good luck!
Definitely sounds like reflux - see if your ped is merciful and will prescribe baby Zantac just to humor you. It didn't work PERFECTLY for my daughter, but things definitely got BETTER - less back arching and agony, and a bit more sleep (in the swing only, and swaddled tightly).
Oh no, you have not lived until you have put your baby in a vibrating seat, covered with a light blanket, placed right outside your bedroom door, with a box fan placed up against the chair facing away from said baby. Oh yes that’s the lengths a parent of a baby that would only sleep in their covered car seat, in a moving car would go. It was sweet wonderful, quiet bliss and I do not feel one bit bad about it. :)
Cheers!!
Rachel
Delurker here just stopping in to offer my experience. My son had reflux that young, though not the silent type - his was the throw up like the exorcist girl all over the house type.
When ALL of the doctor's recommendations did not work, I finally gave in to my own mother's advice - though I really didn't want to because that took me from an evil formula feeder to a whole new level of evil.
I put a tiny smidge of rice cereal in his formula powder - tiny bit at first and then built it up a bit - plain ole Gerber Rice Cereal. He was only 2 months old and the reflux stopped in a couple days. And I had to use a fast flow or variable flow nipple to get it out the bottle into him. He still needed the prescription acid stuff that the doc gave me (can't remember name...been 9 years since then), but the vomiting part and the general unhappiness disappeared with the rice cereal addition.
His food stuck in his belly and we all got a lot of sleep. He's 9 and an honor student and MVP of his football team this year so poop on those who said I was evil at the time. You are doing GREAT as a new mom, by the way!
Hi Jenneper :),
I've never commented on your blog before but reading about your current situation with Oliva I thought I'd give you my two cents. I'm a pediatric dietitian so your situtation is exactly what I do for a living. You should expect to see improvements in her symptoms by now; if you are seeing small ones, hang in there for a full week. If you are not seeing any improvements at all head back to her Doc. She might do better on another brand such as Enfamil Nutramigen or Enfamil Pregestimil. If that doesn't work either you can do what we call 'gut rest' and ask if her doctor will give her Similac Elecare with DHA/ARA or Neocate Infant with DHA/ARA.
I suggest 2-3 weeks on these formulas (Elecare or Neocate) because some times all your baby may need is a little time for her tummy to recover and these formulas above will do that for her. They are, however, expensive and for a milk protein allergy she may not need to be on it until she turns one year. Once her symptoms resolve you can SLOWLY reintroduce either the Similac Alimentum or Enfamil Nutramigen or Pregestimil. Slowly means 1/4 Alimentum to 3/4 Elecare for two to three days then increase it to 50/50 for the same amount of time, and then 1/4 Elecare and finally all Alimentum. If she cannot tolerate the reintroduced formula you will know it right away.
I hope that she is starting to feel better and you won't have to worry about any of what I just typed. And don't beat yourself up about breastfeeding, it's awesome that you tried and she probably got the benefits of the colostrum which is great. You could try relactating if you wanted too, like the other commenter mentioned, which would involve contacting a lactation consultant but get her formula issues resolved first, you don't need the added stress. Good luck!
Hmm, I was just going to comment on the Similac, but now I feel inspired to add my 2 cents on other fronts. 1st - the Similac - really, more expensive? Wow, the "Advance, Early Shield" was crazy enough for us. Anywho, I have some leftover coupons if you want me to send them to you. (yes, "leftover" - we're on our last can -woohoo!).
Next - the reflux, the NICU also put rice cereal in the bottles to help with our boys' reflux, and they cut slits in the nipples to help it flow. It didn't really help our boys, but maybe it works on other babies? They were also on Reglan and Prilosec for the reflux for 9 months.
And isn't a good thing they're so cute? It does help span that gap between "happy" mommy, and sleep-deprived mommy. :)
We tried that formula, too. And SHIIIIT it IS expensive. Even worse was that my daughter wouldn't eat it for NOTHING! We ended up trying soy and that worked for her reflux and tummy aches. Is it an option to go with soy? Apple and prune juice also helped us with regulating her poops. Hang in there, hope you guys find the right formula for her.
I have absoutley no advice.. so this comment useless pretty much.
I can say though, you seem like your doing SUCH an amazing job.
I would not be anywhere near as calm as you are.
And I definatly would not be anywhere near as hilarious as you are.
Seriously..
Favourite blogger ever.
I sure hope you find something that helps Olivia feel better.
My 5 week old baby was also diagnosed with silent reflux at 4 weeks. Her symptoms included the same spit up, grunting and scream, screaming episodes, arching back, and would not sleep on stomach withouth spitting up or crying until you picked her up. My doctor put her on Zantac. We just started this less than a week ago so it is too early to tell. Doc said it takes 2 weeks to see results. Also, for sleep we purchased the crip wedge from Babies R' Us. That has helped a bit. When she won't sleep in her crib she will only sleep on mine or my husbands chest or in her bouncy seat. I put her bouncy seat in our bed surrounded by pillows and then I lay next to her to get some sleep. I also put the vibrate on and that helps sometimes. Nothing works 100% I have found and what works one day will not work the next so it is all trial and error.
I have nothing on the advice front. I could make something up.... but it would do no good.
In other news, Miss Olivia's birth announcements were Oh! My! God! adorable and I loved them* (I just sang that last part) I hope she starts feeling better, so you, in turn will feel better as well.
Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. I am home now and going back to work tomorrow. One day at a time. Luckily, the procedure was only mildly uncomfortable and the OB is wonderful and already looking for a Why? You are in my thoughts and I hope things get better. :)
My youngest Daughter was on Similac and had the same problems you are having. A friend said try goodstart in the orange can, it worked right away she was like a new baby (after a few bottles). Its worth a try (-: Hope she feels better soon...
We're on Neocate, google how much THAT baby costs.
Silent Reflux, check. We have it here, too.. we've gone from Zantac to Prevacid to Prevacid and Reglan together. Elevate crib, keep upright for an hour after feedings, yadda yadda.
I'd ask for a GI referral asap. I'd also have the Ped. or GI do a rectal check for any 'tightness', it can cause screaming/pain/grunting/bleeding.
But the bleeding should be taken seriously, there could be a million causes.. from plain old constipation to blockages to allergies to all kinds of funky diseases. And Reflux + Poop + Blood = GI.
My son had reflux when he was a newborn, too. He would spit up but not hugely... it was more like you said, he would reswallow and then SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEAM! We put him on Zantac and it definitely helped. He outgrew it rather quickly, and life got immensely better for all of us. Good luck!
I could have written this exact post! Our daughter will be 5 weeks old on Thursday and I am convinced that she too has some reflux issues. We have made multiple trips to the peditrician and many a phone calls. I guess I have not convinced him that she has reflux yet because we are still doing the swticharoo with formulas. The first four weeks were very tough! I too gave up on breastfeeding very early and now I am feeling like I REALLY did something wrong! We are now on our fourth formula, Nutramigen and thankfully after two full days on it she is doing SO MUCH BETTER! She still is making the noises, constantly swallowing, will only sleep on her belly, etc, but the arching the back and screaming for hours has really calmed down. She takes her bottles like a champ now and then pretty much goes to sleep if she either on my chest or on her belly. You are so right about the price of the hypoallergenic formulas, it is ridiculous. However, I keep saying I will pay any amount to keep from having her in pain or to avoid these constant screaming fits. Those can really wear on a parent fast! I wish you the best of luck getting to the bottom of the issue. I sure hope we both get some answers in the very near future!
Hey oh I'm not a momma but i am lactose intoerant (the milk protien your on about) its pretty common in babies (neices and nephews i has 'em lactose intoerant we all are).
Now you wants the soya milk baby milk, and if its any help your breast milk has lactose in it. your wee baby wouldnt be able to breast feed anyway. so dont worry lovey.
Ok....this is going to sound a bit odd...but I had the same problem with my DS...and the old timey cure was a tsp of corn syrup in his bottles...worked like a charm..
That definately sounds like silent reflux to me. My little guy is 3 months now, and has been on Zantac since he was 6 weeks for silent reflux. It took a couple days to start working, but once it did it was amazing. He had the same symptoms Olivia has. He would scream during and after he ate and wanted to be straight up. We actually just had to up his dosage because he has gained weight since we started him on it. Hope this helps!
Hey Jen,
I just wanted to back up what many have said, first off dude you need to go get a message to help you relax so when you do sleep, it's really good sleep. Does the bouncy seat work at all for sleeping? That thing saved my life w/DS reflux. He didn't have silent anything, he screamed like a wild banshee about 15 to 20 minutes into the feeding and then finished up w/throwing up 3 times at the end of each feeding while screaming his head off. Yeah good times!!
Also just know that I knew a lady that had the same problem and she was b/feeding. Her daughter was so sensitive that she could only eat chicken, brown rice (no butter) and green beans/peas (no butter) or her daughter was pooping blood-so even if you did b/feed you may have still had a problem. Give yourself a break, Olivia is still thriving-she isn't blue yet = your doing a fan fucking tastic job!!!!
Sorry that's my daily goal "don't let the baby turn blue". I don't set my standards too high so I can't fail.
Lastly, I have access to those 5.00 coupons/checks for Similac and those work at Costco too if you want me to send them to you please email me, I promise not to show up at your house w/shaved bunny and roses, wielding a box cutter. strmonkey@gmail.com
Many hugs Momma...
Zantac and rice cereal for the reflux OUr doctor recommended a teaspoon for every ounce of formula but I didn't use that much. Reflux dulled. Baby was happy and so were mom and grandma (who went along for the entire 2 month ride)
Just a thought...have you tried breastfeeding again? Or maybe pumping? It takes soooo long to completely dry up and you might be able to reactivate those bad boys if you really want to... just a thought....
Also, your last comment about the cuticles was so funny to me because I had similar thoughts about my newborn. When he was about 2 months old he was crying with his mouth wide open and I caught a glimpse of the uvula (you know, the dangly thing in the back of your throat) and thought two things (1) "What an adorable freakin' uvula!" and (2) "Wow, I totally remembered to make all the little parts!"
ohh sucky about the pricey formula! i hoe it works for her :)
You can ask your doctor for Alimentum or Nutramigen as a prescription and most insurance companies will pay for it. If its required for a medical reason, they can write a script and then you don't have to pay at all (except co-pays). It's a beautiful thing! All 3 of my boys were on it because the oldest had food allergies and we attempted (successfully) to avoid the same allergens for the twins. Good luck!
Expensive formula makes my tummy hurt. I feel for you... I hope she gets to feeling better and balancing out soon. Poor baby!!!!
I have a solution for your noisy sleeping baby: a sound machine. It's a lifesaver. Turn it on white noise and play it loud! It blocks out a lot of sound but you can still hear your munchkin when she cries.
If you had been breast-feeding, you would have had to stop eating all dairy products. One of my friends has given up all dairy AND soy products to feed her baby dealing with allergies to both. So, there's the tradeoff--expensive formula, yes, but you can also eat what you want.
I'm sorry the going is so rough and hope it gets better soon!
No expensive forumla minus the milk protein advice from me...But she sounds like she is becoming quite the little girly girl!
I would suggest seeing a Naturopathic Doctor, they usually are able to offer advice for reflux and allergies -- not always the most expensive like most doctors! We have had great luck!!
I obviously have no advice on any of the Mommy front questions, but I wanted to say that I love your updates at the bottom of baby observations. I can't wait to meet your little flesh eating monster :-)
Oh, and hang in there! I know several people mentioned relactating which sounds to me scary and painful, but if you are interested in checking out La Leche for advice - I'd come with you! They scare me, but I'm here for you.
The filet o fish comment made me and my husband laugh until we cried. Good luck! I just wanted to mention to Minnie...lactose intolerance and milk protein allergy are not the same. So she would be able to breastfeed, but she would have to avoid all dairy. I did that with my son for 3 weeks and it was wicked awesome for postpartum weight loss. Luckily though, most babies outgrow the protein allergy by age one.
Okay, this lady (http://sarcasticmom.com/breastfeeding-carnival/) had the same issue with her son. Not sure what formula she used, but her whole feeding story is written in that post. Don't be put off by the link title.
Second? Milk protein allergies SUCK. My daughter had one and I'm pretty sure my son does too. Luckily breastfeeding was mostly easy for me, so I ended up on a dairy elimination diet which = not so fun at all.
Good luck with it.
I have no advice on the allergy, but I can say that my daughters both slept in their carseats for the first couple months. I managed to get them in their cribs around 3 years old. Don't worry.
Yikes! Don't feel too bad about the carseat. It's the same concept as teh AmbyBaby. Just say you are too cheap to buy the Ambybaby!
My son had the "slient reflux" which we didn't pin point for a while (which was BAD all around). I would ask your Dr. if they can give you some reflux meds RIGHT away. We had to beg the Dr. and once my son was on the meds he was fine...no more screaming and no laying down flat...oh and he actually would sleep! It was such a relief for everyone.
I haven't read your other comments but I want to let you know that if you feel bad that this happened because you went to formula, don't. Our son had the same dairy allergy that showed up when he was 3 months old and I exclusively breastfed him until just shy of his 18 month birthday. We didn't do formula but our pediatrician's office did give us a few cans of alimentum in case we decided too. I know it's only a few cans but it does help and they might give you samples throughout your visits.
Once I went off alllllllll dairy and soy (anything that showed any sign of having casein or dairy) and his tummy aches and issues cleared right up, within the week. I would think if it was just dairy she should be feeling better pretty quickly.
If it's really tough for you to afford the Alimentum (or Neutramigen), have your Ped give you the number to the Drug Rep or company that makes it. They're really good about giving a can here and there to lessen the costs.
Our 3 year old is allergic to everything (soy, milk, peanut, eggs, chicken... everything) and had terrible reflux. And I breastfed- but had to be pretty much a vegetarian. When our daughter was born our allergist gave us all the info for the Reps/Companies, in case we needed to go the formula route. We did go the formula route, luckily she doesn't need anything more than the good 'ol Enfamil.
Good luck!
The fact that Olivia will only sleep in a carseat doesn't make you an epic failure. It makes you a smart mom who's figured out what works best for your baby. Reflux HURTS, and any sleep position that can help keep the stomach acid away from the esophagus is going to be more comfortable. Poor baby - and poor mama. I hope she improves soon.
Do not beat yourself up! i was breastfeeding my baby and she had exactly the same problem - milk protien allergy with bloody stool. She was on neutramigen for 15 months, and now is on lactose free milk. try ebay for the formula - sounds wierd but you can save a bunch, just make sure it is factory sealed. - Beth
Hi, you don't know me... I saw your blog through JoDee's blog. I have a 6 month old little boy who is a silent refluxer. His started when he was 3 days old. He would be sound asleep and all of a sudden start gagging. Nothing even came out; just silent gags and then gasp for breath. Very scary. He started on Prevacid at 3 weeks and has been a different person. He doesn't have a milk allergy, but we put him on the formula with rice starch in it. Enfamil AR. It's thicker so it stays down. We buy it on ebay - much cheaper than the store. I know everyone says this, but it gets better. I am hoping to take him off the prevacid at some point. (We tried at 4 months – bad idea. The silent gagging came back and he got a yucky respiratory infection. Apparently they can reflux up milk and it can go into their lungs and cause an infection. Who knew?)
Yikes-sorry about the reflux Jen. That's gotta be so hard on both of you. AND the expensive formula doesn't sound fun either. Hope she starts feeling better very soon.
Poor thing! I hope she feels better soon. I laughed out loud about the excitement she gets over her fists. I love that about babies!!!
I thoroughly enjoy your blog, you write to make us live it!
I do not know a mommy that doesn't allow baby to sleep in a carseat, myself included - but last week Health Canada issued a warning after recent deaths, they advise babies are only in carseats while in the car. Once out their airways can become restricted and prove fatal:
Health Canada issues reminder that safest place for baby to sleep is a crib
6 days ago
Health Canada warned Monday that babies should not be placed to sleep in car seats, strollers and in other products that aren't specifically meant for an unattended sleeping baby.
It says the safest place for an unsupervised baby to sleep is alone in a crib on his or her back.
The crib should be completely empty, except for the mattress and a fitted cover sheet, with one light infant blanket over the child and the edges tucked under the crib's sides.
The Health Canada reminder says the blanket must only cover the child up to the chest, and the baby should only be wearing a diaper and sleeper.
The warning follows two separate deaths in which babies were found face down on playpen accessories.
And last month, a Quebec coroner released a report about a two-month-old boy who died a year ago after being placed in a car seat to sleep.
"The car seat is for the car," said coroner Jacques Robinson. "It's not for a bed or sleeping."
Babies should not be placed to sleep in products like car seats that keep them in an upright position for long periods of time, Health Canada said.
"It is not safe for babies to be in a seated position to sleep," it said in a statement.
"When asleep, babies' heads can fall forward due to their under-developed muscles and their airways can become constricted. Once your destination is reached, the safest place to move a baby to sleep is a crib."
In addition, the health department says babies shouldn't be placed to sleep on change table accessories that attach to playpens.
Blankets, pillows or an extra mattress should never be added to a playpen because of the risk of suffocation, it says.
wow. We have a lot in common I am thinking.
Don't be too hard on yourself for not breastfeeding. I breastfeed but I have to suppliment. My baby has a milk protein allergy too and I had to stop drinking milk because my little guy was just a mess. Then we went to similac sensitive which works for us and then came the Zantac.
How is she doing now with the Alimentum? Costco sells it at a great price, you may want to check that out.
Not to scare you but please read this: http://www.montrealgazette.com/Seated+position+harmful+sleeping+babies+Coroner/1252124/story.html
I know this is an old post and you may be beyond this, but tell the doc you want Prevacid. Worked much better than Zantac, MUCH better. Tell him/her you want the liquid suspension, not the tablet you split in half and try to shove down their throat. Dealing with the milk protien allergy too. Just want until they introduce you to Nutramigen AA at $40 a can...which will last you 2 days....however it is a gift from GOD. We are problem free right now!!
My 5 week old baby was also diagnosed with silent reflux at 4 weeks. Her symptoms included the same spit up, grunting and scream, screaming episodes, arching back, and would not sleep on stomach withouth spitting up or crying until you picked her up. My doctor put her on Zantac. We just started this less than a week ago so it is too early to tell. Doc said it takes 2 weeks to see results. Also, for sleep we purchased the crip wedge from Babies R' Us. That has helped a bit. When she won't sleep in her crib she will only sleep on mine or my husbands chest or in her bouncy seat. I put her bouncy seat in our bed surrounded by pillows and then I lay next to her to get some sleep. I also put the vibrate on and that helps sometimes. Nothing works 100% I have found and what works one day will not work the next so it is all trial and error.
So my sister could have written this post as she is in the exact same boat. My 4 month old nephew had milk, soy, and protein allergies that they progressively diagnosed (like it started with milk, and then they diagnosed soy too). He has run the gamut of formulas (after she gave up breastfeeding because she wasn't doing so well with not having dairy plus he started teething at 2 months which made it suck worse) and would be ok for a few days before breaking out on his face and having horrendous spitup (he has reflux as well and is on medication for that). They had him moved to Nutramigen (the Enfamil version of Alimentum) which was ok but still not really working. Now he's on Neocate (which is available OTC and with a prescription so at least insurance is picking up part of it now). Neocate is he last resort apparently. And she's now working on getting her breastmilk back. She's taking supplements and pumping like a fiend.
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