AR & HA Formulas and Reflux...HELP?

Hi Sarah
Thank you so much for all your info. It makes sense.

I feed Michael upright and keep him upright after feeds. I also burp him frequently coz of his prematurity.

When I breastfed he would latch perfectly and suck for a while then fight it like he does with the bottle. I never thought anything of it then, just thought something was wrong with me and my midwife said my let down refelx wasnt working. Which I couldnt understand because I had milk. If I used a pump to express not much came out but if I hand expressed it would squirt. So a little dissapointed, feel a little robbed

So far the NAN AR is really working. He doesnt fight the bottle anymore and he isnt niggly after his feeds at night. But still waking 2 hrly.

I am going to see our gp today and see if he can't prescribe losec and see if that helps.

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thanks
We live in a small city so doubt we have a cranial osteopath. But will ask my gp today about it.

You right, newborns are hard work lol but people think we loony to want more (and soon)

Thanks again for your help

Hi

HUGS. Newborn babies can be hard work and to top it off, your little man was premature.

Babies tend to have a growth spurt somewhere around 4-6 weeks. It is quite possible that your little many started fussing and wanting to eat more often because he was hungry and this coincided with leaving NICU. It is also very normal for a baby to eat every 2 hours, and better for babies (especially those with reflux) to eat smaller meals more often. Your little man might be suffering a bit with reflux because of his prematurity.

Do you burp him mid-feed? How do you hold him when he feeds? Are you still breastfeeding? Try burping him frequently so that the bubble don't build up too much. Also hold him more upright than lying down.

The NAN AR is thicker which is why the milk isn't coming up as fast / as much. If it works for your little guy, then great. I know that sometimes the AR formulas contain rice cereal which can actually make reflux worse because the rice ferments, however saying that many people find the AR formulas are a life saver. Another option is to stick to your normal formula and use Nestargel to thicken it.

Your little guy could be fighting the bottle for several reasons. He could have reflux and the burn from the reflux is painful which causes him to pull away. He could also be pulling away if the milk is coming out too fast.

I know a lot of Dr's say formula is best for reflux babies, but a lot of research shows that breastfeeding is better for reflux babies as the breastmilk digests much faster and is gentler on the gut than formula.

I would continue with thickened feeds as and when baby wants it (on demand) and if that is every 2 hours, then every 2 hours is what baby needs. As long as he is getting enough in total over 24 hours, then there is no reason to stick to a strict routine.

Your Dr is correct about keeping baby upright after feeds and raising the head of his cot a this will help with reflux. Some moms say that tummy time helps with reflux as it put comforting pressure on their tummies, others say it makes it worse.

I have a pdf book about reflux. PM me your email address and I'll email it to you.

Other things can also show the same symptom as reflux. I would strongly suggest you see a cranial osteopath with your son to rule out any birth trauma and also ask your midwife or a lactation consultant to have a look for a possible tongue tie (this could also explain problems with feeding both breast and bottle).

Don't let people pressure you to start solids too early (especially not in his bottle) as more often than not it won't make much of a difference to his reflux and could cause more discomfort. Hold him a lot, a sling will help to free up your hands. Holding him will a) keep him upright b) reassure him and c) help him to sleep knowing you are close at hand.

HUGS

Hi Ladies

Was wondering if anyone could help. First I am going to give you some background info.
Michael was born 7 weeks premature. The NICU started him on S26 formula. He coped fine on this. But funny enough on the day he got discharged he was on 60ml and we didnt think anything of it but he started bringing his milk up after feeds. So as new parents we thought this was normal. I still gave him s26 at home. Then he started throwing more milk up. Sometimes his whole feed. When he was in NICU he drank every 3hrs. When he came he carried on with this for about a week or two and then started waking hourly. He also started becoming very restless every night from 10pm till 12. Then I changed his formula to lactogen and he went back to 2hrly feeds. And less bringing up. But even before I changed to lactogen he started fighting his bottle. not in a way that he doesnt want it. But like he would drink fine in the beginning and then start moaning and crying while drinking. Sometimes pushing the bottle out only to want it back. When he went for his 2 week follow up check up after being in NICU for 3 weeks, we told the paed about how he brings his milk up etc. He suggested using buscopan, reutri drops and telement drops. He also suggested propping Michaels mattress up and keeping him upright for 30 min after each feed. He said it was reflux.

I see my midwife/sister every 2 weeks and with our last check up she said Michael has signs of colic. I explained to her that he fights his bottle, is niggly every night from 9pm til 12, clenches his fists. So she suggested using colix drops in his milk. Which is helping a little. but not major change. she also said that I have to let him feed 3hrly because frequent feeds will make his colic worse.

I will be honest, although I am letting him feed every 3 hrs its a struggle. He gets niggly at 2 hrs and he wont take to dummies.

If I think back now, Michael would be like this when I breastfed too. Start drinking okay, perfect latch but then halfway through start crying and moaning. I was told my let down reflex wasnt working properly and Michael was getting frustrated. But now I am starting to wonder

I know I should most probably see the paed. But would like to know if any of you ladies have experienced anything like this with your babies? Does it sound like colic or reflux or both?

I started Michael on NAN AR today. He has had two feeds so far. He is taking it very well but not yet keeping him full. He isnt bringing up ANY milk which is great. He still wants 2hrly feeds even though I stretch him to 3 hrs.

Would greatly appreciate some help