What else?

[Mummabear]

Hi,

My 6 week old son has been diagnosed with reflux. When he was on the Mylanta to work out if it was reflux he was quite content once it started working. He was put onto 5mg of Losec once a day and I still used the Mylanta for a couple of days until the Losec kicked in. Several days after stopping the Mylanta, but continuing the Losec he's very unsettled again and seems to be in pretty much constant pain. I've been giving him Mylanta again (making sure it's at least 1 hour either side of the Losec and that the Losec is also at least 30 mins either side of a feed). I spoke to the Dr and she said to put him on 5mg of Losec twice a day, which I have started and am waiting for it to take effect. In the meantime I'm still giving him Mylanta when I can fit it in around his medication and feeds. I was wondering if there is anything else that I can do to help him? Should I be thickening his feeds with the Karicare food thickener also (he's prone to constipation). I really want to get him off the Mylanta as I know it's not good for them long term and he also HATES it and screams when I try and administer it.

Is there anything else I can do to help ease his pain, both long term and short term?

[RISA]

Hi mummabear,

Thanks for contacting our organisation. Congratulations on the birth of your son, but I am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time. Good on you for doing so much so soon, as it sounds like you have really done your homework!! It isn’t always easy to get a diagnosis, so that’s a great step in the right direction.

You also seem to know about giving medications too, which is also wonderful to hear. You don’t mention, though I presume you are aware that it is really important not to crush the granules? I gather you are using tablets, though I’m not sure.

The thought of medication can be quite frightening, but sometimes it’s a better option than not medicating. From the amount of pain he is in, it doesn’t sound like you have much choice to be honest. It’s good that the dr has been open to what you say too, and has increased the losec. How long ago was it increased? Sometimes it may need to be increased a few times before you find a dose that works best. Reflux bubs are all different, and it’s often a matter of trial and error to find what is best for them.

Thickening feeds are sometimes a great way of controlling reflux, but it isn’t always the answer. You don’t mention whether you are breast or bottle feeding, so that would make a difference about how you go about it, but it is still possible with either. I guess it does depend on what your instincts tell you, and if you would like to try it. The possible constipation may be an issue, as constipation can make reflux worse as well, so it would be necessary to keep that in mind.

Given that it sounds as though you have done a lot of research, you may already know these other management strategies, but just in case, they may be worth considering.
- feed smaller amounts more often, but not more often than 3hrly
- if breastfeeding, try feeding one side only so you give as much hindmilk as possible.
- Try to keep him upright while feeding and for half an hour after. If possible, also keep bub upright as much as possible throughout the day.
- Sometimes reflux bubs like to be carried around a lot of the day, like they need comfort from their mum. If that is possible, you may find it helps to use a baby sling.
- Avoid putting pressure on his tummy as that can cause reflux too- so no positions that cause pressure, no tight nappies or elastic waistbands and that kind of thing. Sometimes baby capsules can be really uncomfortable for reflux bubs as they can scrunch them up.
- Avoid cigarette smoke

For some reflux babies, avoiding cows milk can help too, so that may also be something to keep in mind. Does it run in the family at all- any food sensivities?

Caring for a reflux baby can be trial and error and it’s important that you follow your instincts. You have been doing really well up til now, so you know your instincts are worth listening to. I hope too that you are able to look after yourself, as often reflux mums tend to put that aside. It is even more important for a reflux mum, as reflux bubs are often very high needs babies.

I hope some of that information helps, but if you find things don't improve, keep letting the doctor know. There is also a range of other medication, of doses, and combinations, as well as other treatmetns that are possible, until you find something that works.

Glenda