Reflux

[ItWasADarkAndStormyNight]

Ds has been a very unhappy baby since birth, he's now 4mo and spends most of every day screaming finally got hv to back me up that it's probably reflux as tried EVERYTHING for colic and he's got all the symptoms. She mentioned a medicine (not gaviscon) that reduces the amount of stomach acid (begins with R?) does anyone know the name? Got docs later this week and can't remember the name... Does anyone know?

[Tori27]

I can't remember the name as DD is now 2 1/2 and was only on it for 4 months, but it's very common and doctor will probably send you to a consultant anyway - but they will know.

My DD was the same and at 17 weeks and 1 day I introduced solids - within a week her reflux had vastly improved and she was a much happier baby. HV was against me going for solids but I was desperate and my mum suggested it. after 3 weeks DD still hadn't put on much weight and the HV advised me to ad a second solid meal to the day, contradicting everything she'd said before!

Good luck x

[MillyMollyMardy]

It's Ranitidine. I'm sure you've tried it but we found the thing that really helped my ds was a swing chair. The rocking soothed him and because he was sitting up the reflux wasn't as uncomfortable. If your GP can't prescribe the Ranitidine you'll need referring but they can's start on Gaviscon which thickens up the milk so it doesn't come up as much. Silent reflux is horrible for them

[ItWasADarkAndStormyNight]

Thanks to both of you, my mum keeps suggesting early weaning but hv very against it, I'm just don't think either of us can take much more, pinning hopes on doc.
Hv did say if doc was uncooperative to ask for a pediatrition referrel, last doc was, so giving myself pep talks to not be talked out of the office this time!

[MillyMollyMardy]

ITWADASN if they don't offer a referral push for one. Ask how long the wait will be, if it is ages consider a private referral if you can afford it as the medicine will really help your ds' symptoms. In the meantime you can start Gaviscon if he's not on it already. We didn't get much improvement with the weaning and 4 months is very young to be weaning.

[MyDingaling]

After trying Gaviscon with very little effect, DD2 was given Enfamil AR formula,relieved her reflux more or less straight away. She was like a different baby overnight.
Good luck

[ItWasADarkAndStormyNight]

I'm going to be more forceful this time, was furious with myself last time after gp told me all babies get reflux and I just sat there feeling very small. Didn't know then that you could ask for a referral though.

[MillyMollyMardy]

All babies spit up but writing in pain is not normal and remember you know him best. My ds was so much more comfortable with the Ranitidine and it made me wish I'd pushed for the referral much sooner. If the Ranitidine didn't help there are other drugs they can give as well.

[Tori27]

I have not met any parents with more than one child who haven't weaned at 4 months, some even earlier.

I figured that DD was perfectly capable of sicking up food if she wasn't ready and started with breast milk and baby rice - after 2 days went for sweet potato. Her eyes lit up and she did the biggest smile! (I have a picture to remember it). Best thing I ever did - avoided HV until DD was 8 months and turned out HV had changed anyway. New HV is much more laid back. I did have her weighed regularly at a singing group I went to.

HV also told me DD would only roll food around and spit most out so one tea spoon full is enough for first feed - well, DD took food first time and I ended up mixing more.