CMPA...PND...Here we go again...

[HLBug]

Sigh. I've had a shitty day and am hoping for a hand hold.

DS (now 3) was on nutramigen as a baby and seemed to do relatively well on it, but was still not an 'easy baby'. He suffered with reflux and constipation and changing formula definitely helped. I had mild PND when he was very young, mostly before he switched formula as I was at my wits end looking after a poorly baby. Milk was reintroduced at age 1 with no problems.

Fast forward to present day...he's been suffering from constipation again for the last year (!) and went on a dairy / soya free trial to see if that helped. It didn't, and we've a gastro consultation at hospital next month.

DD came hurtling into the world a mere 3 weeks ago (still very squishy) and for the last week or so has been getting more and more unsettled. Saw HV today and nutramigen was suggested as she was starting to show similar symptoms to her brother. So far she's taken 2 feeds of nutramigen today and has arched back / been unsettled after both.

Sigh. I'll make a GP appointment tomorrow but tonight I'm starting to feel really down again, and I'm a bit worried about the PND coming back. Sleep deprivation isn't helping. I keep thinking my body must not be able to 'make' healthy babies and I'm cause of their problems. Why otherwise are both babies having such issues? It's horrible seeing DD in pain and all the months of stress with DS have just come hurtling back. I'm also worried that, like him, she'll continue to have constipation troubles as she gets older.

Any MN Aunties able to offer a hug / hand hold or share some advice/ stories to make me feel better?

[EveryoneTalkAboutPopMusic]

None of this is caused by anything you've done @HLBug. Some babies have allergies, some don't it's just the way it is.

Can you go back to the GP? Film DD arching her back and screaming and insist on a referral to a Paed. Then tell them your concerns about Post Natal Illness.

Pandas Helpline is open 9am to 8pm and are you on any of the CMPA Facebook groups?

Hope you are feeling a bit better this morning. Sleep deprivation is a killer isn't it? Have you got anyone who could have her for an hour today or this evening?

[HLBug]

Thanks. I have a GP appt for Friday. I guess by then I'll know if the nutramigen is making any difference or not. DD actually took two feeds during the night without any real signs of distress afterwards, but then this morning she's been hard to settle again. Sigh.

Maternity leave with DS was awful and I really, really was convinced this time would be different. But all I can see ahead of me are stressful times - like not being able to use teething powders (because they contain milk), always having to be organised for feeds (as can't use ready made cartons) and constantly cleaning up sick and worrying about milk intact. Oh, and then the joys of dairy free weaning! I know I should just put on my big girl pants and be thankful we have such a beautiful daughter, but I really hoped it would be easier this time and I guess I'm just disappointed and sad about all the problems I know are ahead of us. Again.

[EveryoneTalkAboutPopMusic]

I know it's probably not much consolation but at least you know why she's crying this time and know that you can deal with it, even if it's difficult.

Have you got anyone around who could come around to see you and have a . I think 2 weeks is a really difficult time. You probably haven't recovered from the birth and you are totally exhausted to boot. It does get better.

Have you rung the Panda helpline? It might be worth ruining them today or tomorrow before your GP appointment.

[RestingBitch]

I'm currently going through the same with my ds and they have him on althera. He was a very difficult baby and every time I took him to the Drs they made me out to be some kind of paranoid mother. A massive allergic reaction and a trip to a&e they finally agreed he needed to see a consultant. He's now 8 months and still showing signs of more allergies. So far milk, eggs and some fruit.
Just keep on at your Drs and don't be scared to keep going back. My hv was actually really good. Just my dr is fucking useless

Allergies tend to run in the family, so if ds has an allergy it's not uncommon for siblings to have the same. Don't feel it's your 'fault'. Hopefully she will grown out of it.

Have you tried doing baby massage with dd? I found this helped my son with stomach cramps. Just massage some baby oil on her tummy in a clockwise direction. If you draw petals round her belly button this helps with constipation. Don't be scared your pressing to hard if that makes sense.

Feel free to pm me if you would like.

[HLBug]

Thanks both. Some of DD's symptoms are definitely better on nutramigen but she's still not 100% happy. Will see what GP says today.

Had a coffee with a friend who's LO also had CMPA issues so feeling a bit better today. Will probably burst into tears as soon as I arrive at GP's door though...ah well!!