i cant do it anymore

I was just in your position less than 2 years ago. And I hated hearing that “it will get better”, because I felt like it never would. So I will not say that to you both. All I can say is that research all you can…there has to be a reason that they are acting that way. I realized that I was the ONLY advocate for my baby. We went to more than 8 doctors (Pediatricians, allergists, and Pedi GI’s) until I figured out the right meds, dosage and food for Addy. Everyone’s situation is different and these doctors sometimes will brush you off….I wouldn’t let them and showed them that I had done my research and knew my stuff. One doctor had the balls to laugh at me when I brought in my pile of research and daily log of Addy’s spit ups, meals, actions, bm’s, rashes, etc. I went to one of the BEST Pedi GI’s in Atlanta and he brushed me off with a laugh. Luckily, I talked to the nurse and she got him to right out the Rx for Neocate so that I could order it online to try it and see if it helped Addy. I was on TED and unfortunately for us, it did not help…I know it has helped plenty of others though….like I said, everyone’s situation is different. I was tired, depressed and completely worn out but figured out quickly that I had to stand up for Addy and find a doctor who would listen to me and address her problems.

have you tried to have others come over and help? all my docs have recommended this and i have done it twice and even though he still cried and screamed it gave me a chance to go sit somewhere in the house for 30 min. it breaks my heart to leave him but for your sake you need a break.

I just wanted to say BIG BIG BIG Hugs to you! I feel your pain. REALLY. I still remember how hard those days were, and how terrible it felt for me to watch my baby suffer, not want to eat, be miserable (and hence, me to be miserable) while doc after doc brushed it off saying that she’d outgrow it. Regardless of whether or not that is true, it doesn’t do anything to help moms and babies through the h*ll of each day until that happens. If that’s what your doc is telling you, then tell us where you live and maybe someone can recommend a good doc. The next thing I’d suggest is to check out the http://www.marci-kids.com website, and research PPIs. Decide which type and brand you want, as they each have their advantages and disadvantages, and decide what kind of dose you would like to try. Marci-kids is agressive, but they do work for most babies in terms of their dosing. Go in armed with knowing what you want in advance, and also what you don’t want, so that you’re educated that way. Unfortunately, many docs are still in the dark ages as far as treating infant reflux, because until more recently, they didn’t use to treat it, and then they used an approach that’s different to best practices now. My personal opinion is that if the zantac hasn’t doing anything for more than a few days, then it’s likely not enough. So go for the PPI and see if that helps.

I’m sorry you are going through this.

Just a few bits that I don’t think anyone has mentioned – I found my Dr finally paid attention because I kept a diary of symptoms. When I had 3 pages of symptoms he could hardly continue brushing me off. Maybe you can keep a diary to show him specifics of how the current meds are NOT ENOUGH.

As far as switching to formula, I had to mix it with breastmilk and go slow. I started with 3 parts BM to 1 formula, and slowly increased. I also had to use a specific bottle and nipple – baby would NOT take any other then the “made to feel like momma’s breast” type wide nipples. Maybe it would help to try a different bottle too?

Also, I went and saw my Dr about post-partum depression because I felt so overwhelmed by the reflux. It was no big deal at all, they said PPD is more common then we realize, and there are meds they feel are safe for nursing. I know that’s not the option for everyone, and there are other options like therapy and support groups, I just wanted to say if you feel overwhelmed please ask for help, even if it’s from friends and family to take a break. I knew I couldn’t be a good mama when I was so overwhelmed; even just a couple hours to myself made me feel so much more able to cope.

I hope you are able to find the right solution soon.