I'm posting here as opposed to the breastfeeding challenges forum because I think many of you have dealt with reflux.
My first had reflux and I breastfed him until he was 2.5. I was on a strict elimination diet and it only barely took care of the problem. DS still cried and was up almost all night with reflux. It was a nightmare and I look back on it with dread.
When I weaned him at 2.5, the problems went away.
My new little guy (6 weeks) is showing signs of the same problem. Spitting up, arching back, crying all night, difficult feeds, projectile vomiting, overeating to soothe the throat. I have started an elimination diet and it seems that all I can eat without making him sick is rice and turkey. I feel defective in some way.
I have started supplementing with a hypoallergenic formula to help DS get some sleep. And it has helped (even though I don't want to admit it) At least I am still breastfeeding in the mornings. Now I find out that my doctor wants me to do a 2 week trial of only formula to see if he gets better. I know this may be the end of our breastfeeding relationship. If I don't breastfeed for 2 weeks, won't he forget how to nurse? I can't fathom doing this and possibly ending our nursing relationship. He still roots for the breast when he needs to be comforted.
As for me, I'm depressed. It may be due in part to decline in hormones. I keep thinking maybe there's something I'm missing. Maybe there's something I could take or something I could try that could possibly help. I don't want to just give up on breastfeeding and then realize later that I could have done something else.
I guess this is just a vent. I'm not sure there's anything more that can be done. I think I just need a little perspective. Maybe it's not as bad as I'm feeling it. DH doesn't understand and most of my friends are not AP. Thanks for reading...
My first had reflux and I breastfed him until he was 2.5. I was on a strict elimination diet and it only barely took care of the problem. DS still cried and was up almost all night with reflux. It was a nightmare and I look back on it with dread.
When I weaned him at 2.5, the problems went away.
My new little guy (6 weeks) is showing signs of the same problem. Spitting up, arching back, crying all night, difficult feeds, projectile vomiting, overeating to soothe the throat. I have started an elimination diet and it seems that all I can eat without making him sick is rice and turkey. I feel defective in some way.
I have started supplementing with a hypoallergenic formula to help DS get some sleep. And it has helped (even though I don't want to admit it) At least I am still breastfeeding in the mornings. Now I find out that my doctor wants me to do a 2 week trial of only formula to see if he gets better. I know this may be the end of our breastfeeding relationship. If I don't breastfeed for 2 weeks, won't he forget how to nurse? I can't fathom doing this and possibly ending our nursing relationship. He still roots for the breast when he needs to be comforted.
As for me, I'm depressed. It may be due in part to decline in hormones. I keep thinking maybe there's something I'm missing. Maybe there's something I could take or something I could try that could possibly help. I don't want to just give up on breastfeeding and then realize later that I could have done something else.
I guess this is just a vent. I'm not sure there's anything more that can be done. I think I just need a little perspective. Maybe it's not as bad as I'm feeling it. DH doesn't understand and most of my friends are not AP. Thanks for reading...