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Hi
I have a 11 week old baby girl who has been bottlefed from day one. We are using anti-colic bottles (Dr Browns), but she is still (and always has been) very agitated, squirming, flings her arms around constantly and sucks her wrists all the time. She never sleeps through the day, cat naps on and off for approx 15mins, squirms whilst she has her bottles and always seems hungry, sometimes it is only 2 hours between feeds. She doesn`t really cry often but can not seem to settle. She does sleep at night, due to exhaustion I think and only wakes usually for one feed. I have tried every wind mixture, changed formula`s, tried thickened formulas and I also give her mylanta before each feed. She still seems so unsettled and never content to just lay there. My doctor wasn`t really interested and just said try soy formula, which I am reluctant to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated and do you think she is suffering from silent reflux and if so what can I do??
I’m sorry that things are so tough for you and your little girl. I’m sorry too that your doctor doesn’t seem to understand what is going on. As hard as it may be, please keep persevering so you can find some help for your baby.
Did your doctor seem to think she has reflux, or is that something that you wondered about? While she is displaying signs that could fit with reflux, it is not something I can diagnosis, (sorry) and there are other conditions that can cause her to be so uncomfortable. It is important that your doctor makes that diagnosis. Have you spoken to your doctor about the possibility of it being reflux (and if you have, do they have any other reason for her being so unsettled if it is not reflux?)
It may help your doctor understand if you keep a written record of everything that is happening (including details of feeds, sleeps, dirty nappies, vomiting, and all the behaviours you describe etc) – and show them. That can sometimes get their attention more than anything we say. Another option that can help is if you take a family member or friend who can back up what you are saying (or video specific behaviours so they can actually see what is happening). Alternatively, perhaps you could ask to get a referral to see a paediatrician or paediatric gastroenterologist who may have more experience dealing with these types of issues?
One possibility that comes to mind is whether food sensitivities could be an issue (while cow’s milk protein intolerance or allergy seems to be the most common food sensitivity, other foods may also be involved, such as soy, wheat, egg). Food sensitivities seem to be common in babies with reflux, so it may be something worth considering, particularly as she is so unsettled. While HA formulas can sometimes help, there are formulas that doctors can prescribe e.g. Neocate, EleCare, that may work even better (if food sensitivities are the issue).
If you are not comfortable using soy formula, I think it is important that you discuss this with your doctor so you can come up with some other options. Did the doctor explain why he/she suggested you use soy formula? You may be interested to know that soy formulas are often not recommended in babies under the age of 6 months these days (in line with the Australian consensus panel recommendations on formulas used to treat cow’s milk allergy).
I hope that information helps. I’m sorry it has been so difficult, but please continue to trust your instincts like you have been doing, and keep looking for the answers you need, whether it is reflux or not. Please also talk to your doctor whenever you have concerns.
Best regards,
Glenda