Reflux??? Too Soon to know?

[reeson8]

I know this question has been asked and answered a 100 times and I've been trying to read through some but here is my question:

Our DD is now 2 weeks and 4 days old. 3 days ago she started projectile vomiting a couple times a day. She has been very gassy, and loud hard burps since she was born. While burping her she arches her back and draws her feet up groaning as if she is in pain. She also moans and groans alot while sleeping and will cryout and go back to sleep. Sometimes burping on her own. She gets the hiccups all the time also. But other than all of that she seems to be a happy baby. She is formula fed (similac advanced) still eating 2-3 oz every 2 1/2-3 hours. We go in for our regular check-up on Friday, I just want to be prepared and have enough information.

Thanks! Marie

[ssh]

Marie,

I would definitely discuss it with your pediatrician, as it sounds like your daughter could have reflux. My daughter had some symptoms of reflux from the time she was born, but I didn't realize it (arching back, hiccups), but she was a preemie and was not taking more than a .5 oz of formula per feeding in the beginning. I found that once she started feeding larger amounts of formula, the reflux worsened and she had more symptoms. Depending on your daughter's weight, etc and how much she is eating, she could be exhibiting symptoms earlier... basically I think if they are born with it, they have it, you just may not realize it until they are older.

You might want to try changing the bottles to a different brand. We used Dr. Browns which has a special design that reduced the amount of air that the baby gets. My DD preferred the smaller nipples (they have tall bottles/small nipples or wide bottles with a wider nipple). By the way I had tried about 6 other kinds before finding Dr. Browns. Not that it will work for every baby, but it is definitely one that is used/recommended often for kids with reflux.

I would talk to your Dr. about whether they would recommend changing the formula (many different opinions on what works for for reflux - about as many brands) ... we switched a few times and ended up on Enfamil AR Ready to Feed. The premade stuff is thicker than the powder, but also more expensive, but it did work for us.

Your doctor may want you to wait before trying meds. Most start on Zantac.

Here is a list of common symptoms... you can review/discuss with your dr.

- Frequent spitting up after meals or in between feedings
- Frequent hiccups
- Frequently shows signs of hunger but only feeds for a few minutes because of discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing
- Arching the back during feeding
- Irritability, persistent crying
- Fussing after feedings
- Signs of abdominal pain: drawing up legs, arching back
- Sour burps or bad breath
- Waking from sound sleep with screaming and/or writhing
- Poor weight gain, poor growth
- Wheezing or excessive coughing
- Resisting all feedings or solid foods

We visited the doctor often when DD was small because of her reflux. Between her regular appts, shots for RSV prevention and reflux issues, I think we were there 2 times a month for most of the first 9 months!

It's good that you recognize the symptoms as you can try to do things to make her more comfortable and reduce her discomfort. Some things to try:
- hold her more upright when feeding her and then hold her for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to help her digest
- Elevate her head in the crib/bassinette. I used a towel. They aren't moving much at this age, so it's fine to do.
- I purchased a small wedge that is actually to help reduce the head from getting flat, but worked well for us for reflux. It is a wedge with round pillows on either side to keep baby from falling/rolling off
- I stopped putting her in the basinette for naps and mostly used her bouncy seat - anything that keeps them more upright.
- they also say to feed smaller quantities of formula more often, although I think this is hard, but I did stop almost every ounce to burp her and waited a few minutes so she didn't chug it all down at once.
- move her legs in a bicycle motion and it will help with the gas. I also used to hold her up to my shoulder and rub her back in a circular motion, or when she was a bit older lie her down on her stomach and rub her back. It will help push the gas out.

Can't think of anything else right now... my baby is now 2, but still having issues. I hope you get some answers on Friday!

Best of luck.

[jillgalindo]

My daughter's pedi told me the symptom start as early as 4 weeks. I would talk to your pedi.