Screaming because of Reflux or wind?

[Melly_11]

Ok my boys have reflux and are on Zantac for it. Nick in particular chucks ALOT after every feed.

But at the moment once they have finished their feeds, I go to burp them (and this happens mid-feed too) and they scream. Nick is worse than hayden. Usually after they have burped a bit they are better and after about 5 mins, and theyre back to their contented little selves.

We have to have them on 3 teats with Advent, because they are on a thickened formula and they dont get enuf with any smaller teats.

Theyve been on Zantac from about 4 weeks old (now 16 weeks), and its only the last 2 weeks or so that this screaming has begun.

Today it look much longer, like 15 mins for me to calm Nickolas.

Basically my Pead told me to give them mylanta also because it not only has the same ingredient as Infacol but it can lessen the reflux. But it did nothing today and recently.

A while ago we (me & Pead) upped the dosage and now they are on 3mls of Zantac a day, and it doesnt seem to be doing anything anymore? Perhaps they might have to be put on Losec or something stronger?

And is there anything that you can give bubs to stop the contant throwing up?

[RISA]

Hi,
Thanks for contacting our organisation, and congratulations on the birth of both your beautiful boys!! WOW, both of them with reflux. I really hope you are getting some support with them- having one with reflux can be tough, but two must be even worse. They’re worth it though, hey!

It sounds like they are keeping you busy, and to answer your last question first, apart from giving them thickened feeds, then no, sorry, I don’t think there is anything that will stop them throwing up. I know it’s hard when there is only one, so two throwing up must make your day even more exhausting with all the washing and cleaning you need to do! Are you using a prethickened formula? Really, the only suggestion I can think of for that is to use a formula and thicken it yourself using something like Karicare Food Thickener- that way you can adjust the thickness to see if you find one that does work.

Have you tried giving slightly less formula and giving it just slightly more often, or is that just no do-able for you, considering there is 2 of them? Sometimes that works better as they have less of a feed in their tummy and therefore less chance of refluxing it.

Given they are getting more upset, I would recommend talking to your paed again- it sounds like he/she is being supportive, and perhaps they will increase the dose of Zantac once again, or alternatively, may consider changing over to a more effective medication like Losec or Zoton. With Zantac, it is very much a weight related medication, and as they put on weight, the dose often needs to be increased. Also, they generally start on a low dose, and work up, so it’s quite possible it could stil be increased even further.

It can be really hard working out the best treatment, and it can involve a lot of trial and error. With 2 it must be even harder, but it may help to try to keep them upright as much as possible during the day. Some mums like to use an angled bottle, as they have found it easier to keep them more upright to feed (doesn’t work for everyone though).

Try to avoid any pressure on their tummy, so no slumping, and try to avoid tight nappies or tight elastic waistbands.

It may help to know that at the moment, they are likely to be the worst they will be, simply because they are probably becoming more active, yet they aren’t able to make any purposeful movements like sitting up to lessen any reflux. Often as they get older, and able to sit up, it does help (though not for all of them).

I hope that helps a little

Glenda

[Melly_11]

Thankyou very much. Your very quick reply is MUCH appreciated and very informative.