Omeprazole and constipation?

[LuchaGarcia]

Hi all
Anyone experienced their baby being super constipated following omeprazole? My DD hasnt opened her bowels since last Wednesday when she had her vaccinations, but she started omeprazole 5 days before that so I'm trying to work out what might be causing it!

How is she fed? Is she comfy able or is it bothering her?

EBf...shes very very uncomfortable. Tummy pain and constant straining so she's not sleeping well either.

Whilst some BF babies can start to go further between pooing, and it's not really an issue unless they're crying, I would try to find out what's causing the reflux like symptoms.

Has she been checked properly for tongue tie? that's really worth looking into and has anyone mentioned the possibility of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy to you?

She's had her tongue tie separation done and confirmed CMPA also.

Forgot to add- CMPA symptoms much better since I've eliminated dairy and soya. Hence I'm wondering if it's the omeprazole and how I can relieve her

Omeprazole does inhibit breakdown of food/milk by lowering stomach acid. Quite possible this would slow things down. Probably worth a chat with your GP.

Our daughter had awful tummy troubles with omeprazole (also ebf).

When I had omeprazole for my HG last year it gave me terrible constipation so I wouldn’t be surprised if it was upsetting her stomach. Definitely give the GP a ring and don’t be tempted by any of the old wives tales about giving her water/diluted fruit juice.

@carolinementzer did you end up changing meds and if so, what to?

Was a case of avoiding cow's milk, which lessened symptoms of reflux so that omeprazole wasn't really needed, then playing the waiting game whilst baby gets older and digestion matures to the point where the sphincter (little lid) that holds the contents of the stomach in place (as opposed to escaping up the pipe) gets strong enough, and reflux disappears. You don't say how old your baby is?

Keeping baby upright after feeds helps. Smaller more frequent feeds. As @JiltedJohnsJulie says correcting a tongue tie should help - coz there should be less gulping of air, so less pressure on the tummy and (hopefully) less reflux. Good luck!

Thanks @carolinementzer. She's 10 weeks. I'm currently reducing the dose gradually to wean her off it as I understand the reflux can come back worse temporarily if I stop the omeprazole suddenly. Also watching my diet!

@carolinementzer can I ask how long after you took your DC off omeprazole their tummy cramps etc went away?

Ahhhh 10 weeks - tiny!! Mine are well out the baby stage now. @LuchaGarcia I'd say about a week. I forgot to mention, as omeprazole lowers stomach acid this can cause a gut bacteria imbalance, which can also lead to constipation, cramps etc. Giving baby probiotic power may help re balance and I've read it also improves symptoms of constipation and baby reflex. I can't remember which one we used. But I've heard good things about Baby Gaia drops. I like Biocare products too. Good luck!

@carolinementzer thank you!!! I can't wait for her to be off this stuff