Silent Reflux/Omeprazole

[heyitsRhi]

Silent Reflux

I’m a FTM to a one month old who is really struggling with a case of silent reflux. We’ve tried Carobel and Infant Gaviscon, both of which don’t agree with him at all, so the docs have now prescribed him a months worth of omeprazole to trial.

I’m wondering if anyone has any positive experiences of Omeprazole or can provide some reassurance? My little one is struggling so much at the minute - he can’t lie on his back at all, is constantly hoarse and wheezing, tries getting to sleep but ends up gagging and screaming out as if he’s in pain after only a few minutes, and ends up awake for several hours at a time. We’re stuck in this overtired cycle at the minute where it takes him so long to settle that he ends up hungry before he’s even had a chance to nap, and he spends most of his awake windows yawning and arching his back.

His latch is great, he feeds well and I burp him thoroughly for over 10m most feeds but nothing seems to have helped. Really hoping it gets easier for him soon as I can’t stand seeing him constantly distressed.

Omeprazole saved ds1's life. He was ftt and off the growth charts, with 6 weeks of omeprazole he picked up and within 6 months was in the 90th percentile.

Have you tried going dairy and soya free? CMPA is a very common cause of silent reflux.

If he’s wheezing @heyitsRhi, is he on a milk suitable for babies with CMPA?

As PP says, CMPA is very common. I think it affects around 1 in 10 babies.

@CatherinedeBourgh That’s really reassuring to hear. I haven’t tried going dairy free as it seems like a huge challenge to eliminate 70% of my current diet but I may have to give it a go.

I know, it's brutal. I'm a dairy fiend too. I had to do it for several months. But it made a huge difference, even with the omeprazole. I slipped up once and boy could I tell the difference! Key is to cut out also soya and all beef products, not just dairy.

I really feel for you, it's tough. But these early months make such a difference. Once he is on the mend he will get stronger and more able to cope with different things.

Really sorry, I missed the bit where you said you were BFing.

There is a really good article on BFing and dairy sensitivity here on Kellymom.

I found going DF overwhelming at first but it does get much easier when you’re used to checking the labels constantly.

CMPA could be an issue and going dairy free gets easier. Best alternatives I’ve found have been Flora and oat milk (however nothing is good cheese wise). There are so many more dairy free options today.

You could also try an upright feeding position. Good laid back breastfeeding, natural breastfeeding or koala hold. These allow the baby to feed upright, support their natural feeding reflexes, and help them to manage wind.