~ Dealing With A Colicky Baby With Reflux For The First Time ~
I received product and compensation from Mead Johnson Nutrition to create this post written by me. All experiences and opinions expressed in this post are my own and not those of Mead Johnson Nutrition. Consult your pediatrician before making changes to your baby’s diet or if you have concerns related to your baby’s digestive health. Please see the product label/website for acceptable use and benefits. You can contact Mead Johnson Nutrition with product related questions or comments toll free at 1-800-BABY 123 or through the Contact Us link on Enfamil A.R. or Enfamil.com
When people hear that I have five boys they assume that I’m a pro and know just about everything there is to know about babies and to be honest, I was pretty sure I did while I pregnant with Joseph. I remember thinking “this is no big deal, I can handle this with my eyes shut.” Boy was I wrong! Joseph was colicky the moment I to associate frequent spit up and irritability with acid reflux when in reality, most healthy infants may have uncomplicated reflux.
I tried giving him smaller bottles, but that meant I was up feeding him more than usual. I also tried burping him more often, and still, nothing worked. It was pretty bad. This was something I had never dealt with before because my other boys were not colicky and definitely didn’t spit up this much and this often. After a week of no sleep, I gave in and called his pediatrician.
His pediatrician told me exactly what I suspected, that Joseph had a pretty bad case of uncomplicated reflux (GER). With cases of uncomplicated reflux, the AAP recommends simple changes, like burping more often and holding the baby upright after feeding. You can also use thickened feedings such as Enfamil A.R.™ as a first line option. My pediatrician immediately had me switch to Enfamil.
A.R.™. Exhaustedly, I went and bought Joseph his new formula, but to be honest, I didn’t even think it was going to help. My exhaustion had taken over and nothing was making sense to me.
Soon after Joseph being on the Enfamil A.R.™ it was very noticeable that the amount of spit up was less and less with every feeding, so I started to increase the amount of formula to test it. As it turns out, he was holding it down. I was so happy I cried! He was still a tad colicky but it was on and off, he was a huge improvement when we brought him home.
If your baby is excessively spitting up don’t wait like I did. Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician who can help you find the solution.
Enfamil A.R. is the #1selling brand of formula for spit-up and is clinically proven to reduce spit up by over 50% in infants with frequent spit up, while still providing the nutrition your baby needs to reach his or her key milestones. To learn more visit www.Enfamil.com/AR
I’m so glad you were able to find something that helped – him and you! I am SO THANKFUL I didn’t have colicky babies, though!!
I only have two boys, but I definitely thought having my second would be easier since I had so much practice. Each kid is so different though, it’s like starting over every time!
I’m so happy my son didn’t have to deal with this. I heard it could be a nightmare for baby and mother.
Glad that that worked for you! we had to switch to formula for latching issues AND for my sanity!
Glad that you found something that helps. I have never had a colic baby before, so I’m not sure how it is. My first two were formula fed. My youngest is breastfed.
Awesome that you finally hit on the answer for what helped! I can’t even imagine how frustrating it was.
I’m so glad companies are making different formula options now for babies with tummy troubles. My son was always plagued with gas from formula and we never did find a good solution way back then.
oh my. I remember those days. I cried with her.. all night. LOL
Oh my goodness, I have flashbacks of my colicky baby and it stresses me out just thinking about it. Anything you can do to help baby is amazingly appreciated during those stressful times.
Poor kiddo 🙁 My son was colicky…he didn’t have reflux, but the colick lasted for about 12 weeks.
Reflux is so awful for baby and mom! I had several babies with reflux so bad we had to do medicine. I am glad you found something that worked for your baby.
My sister is having a baby soon. This is great information for her.
Poor little guy. I’m glad you found something that helps him. I’m sure it’s not easy on both of you.
Glad there was something that helped. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like for you guys.