Natalie is three weeks old today. Funny how time flies. Transition to motherhood was a quick one, but I am still an amateur. I feel like I have to check with my mom, sisters, sister-in-laws, mother-in-law, friends, and WebMd before I make any decision about Natalie. Who knew you could have so many questions about what to feed her, why she's crying, why she's not crying, what her poo looks like, how to cut her fingernails, when to call the doctor, when not to freak out over little things, the list goes on and on. I'm sure I'll eventually get the hang of it but for now I truly appreciate all the patience and good advice everyone has for me!!Natalie continues to be a sweet baby. She is so patient with me! She has the most expressive looks and half the time I swear she's giving me a "I don't know what you're doing to me mom, but I'll endure" look. She rarely cries and when she does it just breaks my heart because its usually because she is in pain because her tummy hurts (how quickly my vocabulary changed to tummy, poo, and binky). So friends, collegues, family, I need some more advice. Natalie has been pretty fussy for a couple of days. She is throwing up after every feeding (thus the sour smell) and is fussy in between most feedings. Today she hasn't slept for more than 15 minutes straight. I am feeding her breast-milk and formula (I have an inconvenient dilema of not producing enough breast-milk so we are supplementing). We have been feeding her Similac since she was in the hospital and she's done well, but lately its been a struggle. We had some soy-based formula at home so brady and I fed that to her tonight. She is currently sleeping for the first time today and hasn't thrown up after this feeding. Is that coincidence? Should I not have given her the soy formula? Any other suggestions? Was it just a fussy couple of days? Am I overrreacting (very probable)? Mothers, friends... A little help please.....
11 comments:
I really don't know much about milk allergies and soy formula, but the tummy aches Gracie had were mainly gas...we bought "gripe water" like at Walgreens. It's an all-natural gas drop that you can give pretty much unlimited amounts of. It seemed to calm her down quite a bit and settle her tummy. I read somewhere to feed them so their bodies are more angled instead of laying her flat on her back to eat, making less bubbles in her tummy and less spit up.
I've heard of a lot of babies having milk allergies. Maybe that's why she was so calm after you fed her the soy milk. I'd call the doctor on this one. Not that it's life threatening but he might be able to tell you if he suspects an allergy or not.
she is adorable! good luck rach
My neighbor had an experince similar to yours. Her little baby is allergic to milk, but is also allergic to soy as well. Similac is the best formula for allergies. Im not really quite sure if this was a one time thing, or if Natalie has been a fussy baby the whole time she has been on formula, but it could be he breast milk also. Too much garlic, spicy foods, or gassy foods(broccoli, beans, ect.) can also cause belly aches. I use gas drops with my girls. They have always seemed to work. Also, when Ava has a tummy ache, I hold her in my arms with my hands around her, on her stomach so she is facing the ground and her feet are against your stomach. Thats been the only way to get them to stop crying in they have been upset. The pressure on their tummies seem to help. Plus my ears get a little relief. lol. ;) Hope this helped. She is adorable rach! congrats!
i had the same problem with Benjamin. I couldn't produce enough milk and we were supplementing. He also had major trouble throwing up (not spit up). I eventually lost my milk and just did formula. Turned out to be a blessing. Ben was lactose intolerant. Sometimes babies are lactose intolerant, then grow out it by the time they are weaned from the bottle. Weird, huh? I also switched over to GentleEase. Much easier formula on tummies. Good luck! Call me if you want :)
Dawson had acid reflux, that might be it. The gas drops helped for about a minute, we tried to keep him at an incline at all times. It makes it really hard for them to sleep, the poor little things are in so much pain. The doctor gave him ACID which helped a little. Good luck, I know it is hard and exhausting, but it will pass. It gets better and better.:)
My friends baby had a milk allergy and cried for 5 months straight until they figured it out. Soy milk worked for them. So keep trying the soy milk and if it continues to work, then ask the doctor and her next apt about it. Or call them anytime.
I have too much experience about babies and milk allergies. All my children have been allergic to breastmilk...and regular formula. We've used Lactofree, ProSobee, and Nutramigin (between all 4 of my children). If there is a history of milk allergies in the family, that could definitely be the problem. I don't think there is any problem giving her the soy formula if you think it's easier on her tummy. If neither work, I'd try Nutramigin or the equivalent. It's not milk or soy based...it's very hypoallergenic. Good luck! She is a doll! Let me know if you have any more questions.
First, let me just say she is SO CUTE!
About your dilema... I'd call the doctor. She's so little and new and throwing up isn't normal after feedings (as in, its not good, not like its a rare thing- does that make sense) I bet that the soy really was helpful and it wasn't a coincidence. You can call and talk to a nurse probably without having to take Natalie in. I'd at least inform them about what's going on. They're usually helpful.. good luck!!
Hey Rach! First--Natalie is a BEAUTIFUL baby...you know how I feel about newborns and I can say with 100% certainty that she is absolutely gorgeous. No aliens here! :-) It sounds like everyone has given you good advice so I will echo it. When I worked in a doctors office (I was a med. assistant for 2 years) this was a common problem for new mothers. It almost always seemed to be either lactose intolerance, acid reflux or both. I would strongly advise that you talk to your doctor. They can narrow it down and tell you exactly what you should do. BUT the good news is that often, things like soy milk will help substantially (although not take it away completely). Hope that helps a little. Also...I had the SAME problem with producing milk. I did the breast milk/supplement combo for 4 months until I just switched over to formula for good. It worked out a lot better after I switched. Hang in there, I know how hard this must be (no one tells you how much it hurts when you can't figure out what's wrong with those little angels). Sorry this is such a long note. I would love to see you soon!
Rachael,
Your a mommy!! How exciting!! She is beautiful and your Mom is wonderful. Thank goodness for moms especially when you are a mom. I have great memories of your mom and dad and your whole family growing up I loved the Empey house!!
Well you done well she is beautiful!
Deborah
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