Update on us

[DeputyWifeJen]

Well Bennett was just plain miserable from just a few days old until recently at 7 weeks. I finally tried formula (Similac Sensitive for gassy/fussy babies) and he is a changed baby. I now realize he probably had an allergy/sensitivity to something in my diet. I am sure I could have done a (further) elimimation diet, but I was at the end of my rope. I am just happy he is happy now!

I did want to share my technique for the perfect bottle if anyone is struggling with gassiness.

1. Playtex Ventair bottles. Yes they are a bit of a pain to clean but the new Advanced version aren't that bad. Baby really does eat easier from them and they prevent any air during feeding.

2. Add the water then scoops of formula to the bottle plus 2 Hylands colic tablets (these are TEENY and all natural, I get at the health food store but you could probably find other places too). Also in his first bottle of the day he gets a half scoop (these are TINY scoops) of hypoalergenic infant Probiotic (we use FloraBaby brand). And shake.

3. After shaking open the bottle and add one drop of Mylicon directly to the bottle. It will instantly dissolve all the foamy bubbles in the bottle. Remember even the best bottles can only prevent air from happening during feeding, but can't get rid of air bubbles already there.

We have found this leads to a very peaceful feeding time and his burps are just the air he gets from gulping, still a problem for him. Hope this helps someone else out there. I wish you all the best with your little ones and remember it's all temporary. I told people for weeks "I'm sure he'll stop screaming at me sometime before Kindergarten ;)".

 

 

[ktclick]

GREAT advice!

Doctors won't agree - and I'm no doctor so maybe I'm wrong - but more often than not, "colic" is caused by sensitivities to something, usually soy or dairy. I breastfeed, so I just had to stop eating soy. I also stopped gluten, eggs and corn because those caused obvious painful gas for my son.

Another culprit doctors often don't diagnose until after the third month is reflux (lots of times this is made WORSE by food sensitivities). My DS had silent reflux AND food sensitivities. No wonder he was miserable. We are 100% happier now.

Mommies - don't give up. You CAN help your babies. You don't have to wait until they're in their 4th month to do it either! Be proactive and ask questions. I wish I'd had this information back during our first, miserable, heartbreaking month!

[DeputyWifeJen]

 I wholeheartedly agree. YOU are your child's biggest avocate. Follow your gut feeling. Personally I don't believe in "colic" really anymore than I do SIDS. SOMETHING is the cause. I think SOME seem to "outgrow colic" around 3 months probably just due to more maturing digestive tracts. You are the reason I went to the doc and asked about reflux, but we didn't believe my LO has it. However I still got some good advice and felt at least I was being proactive in the situation and not just waiting it out for 3 months. I applaud you for making such severe dietary restrictions. I just couldn't figure it out and was starving all the time. I am just glad my baby is happy now. I feel like I am finally getting to know him now! I wish I had the first 6 weeks back, when I was home with him :)

Quoting ktclick:

GREAT advice!

 

Doctors won't agree - and I'm no doctor so maybe I'm wrong - but more often than not, "colic" is caused by sensitivities to something, usually soy or dairy. I breastfeed, so I just had to stop eating soy. I also stopped gluten, eggs and corn because those caused obvious painful gas for my son.

 

Another culprit doctors often don't diagnose until after the third month is reflux (lots of times this is made WORSE by food sensitivities). My DS had silent reflux AND food sensitivities. No wonder he was miserable. We are 100% happier now.

 

Mommies - don't give up. You CAN help your babies. You don't have to wait until they're in their 4th month to do it either! Be proactive and ask questions. I wish I'd had this information back during our first, miserable, heartbreaking month!

[ktclick]

Jen - It makes me feel SO GOOD to know one of my posts might have helped even one baby - and mommy, and anyone else is in your family. I'm so glad you found a formula that worked for your baby. I SO would've switched if I could've found (and afforded) a formula that worked for my DS. Now we're so close to the one year mark and I have the hang of the diet so I don't want to rock the boat. You could've sent me a PM if you wanted any advice on BF'ing and diet. Once you figure out what you can and can't have, it's not so bad. I did miss birthday cake on my b-day, but I'll have another one next year! But again, you're doing what's best for the WHOLE family! My DS has a violent vomiting reaction to soy (and terrible gas when he gets it through breastmilk) so I don't want to take ANY chances.

Just something to be aware of - when you start feeding your baby solids, watch out for a soy sensitivity. I believe Similac Sensitive is milk-based so it's better for babies with a soy sensitivity. Most baby cereals use soy as an additive, so look for soy-free baby cereals and baby foods when it comes time for that. I believe Beech Nut is soy-free and I know Happy Bellies rice and oatmeal are both soy-free. Plus, peas are a legume (relative of soy). My DS gets painful gas from peas and green beans because of his soy sensitivity.

[NorthwoodsMom]

Great information here!! I wish I would've had the energy to change my diet early on. But I was just distraught and exhausted dealing with a coicky baby, along with my other little ones! Thanks for the info on cereals and foods! I've actually been just grinding up my own fruits and vegetables, it's so much more cost effective and you know there aren't any additives :)