Baby Has Been Diagnosed with Acid Reflux

My son, now two, had a similar condition and always fussed. He tried 3 different meds and finally the Prilosec seemed to help best. Many docs will admit nothing really helps them, but I think the Prilosec finally did. Also, time will help. As my son grew, he was able to keep his milk down better and at 10 months we took him off meds completely. Keep your spirits up!

E.,
WOW! When I had my first son, (11 now) he was diagnosed with severe acid reflux and he had surgery at 2 weeks of age. He is doing okay now, but he still cant vomit. Not that surgery is even an option for you, but i know exactly what you are going through! I cannot understand why he is so congested. You may try to take himinto a hot bathroom to loosen him up before nursing. Maybe you should get a second opinion as well. I dont see where acid reflux and congestion are related. Have you ever just tried some over the counter simethicone. That really calms their bellies. you can also try raising the end of the crib slightly so when he lays his sinuses drain downward. It is very frustrating when you cant comfort your own child. He may just be a little colicy. Whatever the case, good luck. I hope I could help a little.

I would get a second and/or third opinion. This will ease your mind some and hopefully they can possible change medication to help him nurse easier. He may become frustrated also if nursing is truly difficult.

Hi E.!

my son who is now 2, had reflux too and was also on Prevacid. How long has he been on Prevacid? I remember it took a while for it to kick in.

But trust your mommy radar and if something doesnt' seem right, call your doctor back. I've got a girlfriend with a 2m old who is going through something very very similar. Its not easy especially with a 2 year old to "help"!

I have to ask where is the center where you and your 2 year old are taking classes? My son and I are looking for something to keep us busy while my 6 year old daughter is in school. We're way out in New Albany but I'm willing to drive if needed!

Thanks!

:) B.

My daughter was diagnosed with reflux @ 4 weeks. She is now 14 months old and still on Prevacid. The one thing you need to know is that the Prevacid does not stop the reflux, it just stops the acid production so that the reflux doesn't hurt. It is normal for a baby to sound congested that has reflux. As longs as she is not screaming, you can be assured that the prevacid is working. I would try saline nose drops and a humidifier in her room to help with the congestion.

E.,
I can empathize with your worry and frustration - my son is now 4 but he had terrible bouts of throwing up and discomfort/unhappiness as an infant. I did not ever give him either Zantac or Prevacid, though I did occasionally give him small amounts of liquid antacid like Tums with a dropper. What I really found to help, though, was doing an elimination diet. I was nursing, as you mentioned that you are, and learned that in many cases what is diagnosed as acid reflux in nursing infants is actually a food allergy type reaction that the baby is having to something in the mom's diet. You may have already done this, but dairy is #1 on the list to cut out of your diet. If you do not see an improvement, you can also try cutting out other common allergens, such as nuts, eggs, wheat, etc. There is a lot of good info online about elimination diets if you decide to try it. I really found it to help, but it was hard to do. I lived on rice and water and veggies for a little while, until I could start reintroducing foods to my diet. It was worth it though, my son improved very quickly and he is practically allergy free now that he is older. Another benefit is that I lost a lot of baby weight while on that diet! I would be glad to answer any questions that you have, and I wish you the best. I hope that you will continue nursing as long as you can, even if it seems hard to do, it is really the healthiest choice for your son and for you.
A.