Breastfed baby 6wks old has reflux - questions about meds prescribed

[extremelychocolateymilkroll]

Dd had blood in her posset and poo at the weekend. Went to A+E who seem to think it's reflux which would fit in with her behaviour - very difficult to settle and arches her back quite a lot. However, she is putting on weight and healthy in every other respect. They have put her on Ranitidine, Domperidone and Gaviscon. Has anyone ever had this combination of drugs for their lo? Also, I'm breastfeeding and wondering when it's best to make up the Gaviscon - how long in advance can it be made up before being used? It takes forever to get the powder to dissolve so just wondering if anyone has any tips as to how to improve this. We're currently using a syringe but wondered if we could give it to her in a bottle? Also, ,how long before we should notice any improvement? TIA

both my dds had gaviscon, and dd2 also has domperidone. to make up the gaviscon, i used to measure the correct amount of boiled water into a ittle tupperware pot and when i needed it, tip the sachet/s in, put the lid on and shake it to dissolve it. then used a syringe. others advised putting it in ebm.

hth.

My DS had this and was prescribed all 3 at 3 weeks (he's now 15 months). Out of all, I found the Gaviscon least effective so stopped giving it but the others seemed to give some relief. He did "grow out of it" or it bothered him less at 4 months but I know for some people struggle for a while. You can get lots of reflux type equipment too (such as wedge pillows) if you want to go down that road. I found it quite frustrating that they basically don't diagnose it as such, just give meds and - hey, if they work, then it was probably reflux. But I really feel for you it's horrible to see them so upset.

We use Ranitidine to get rid of the acid. I hate Gaviscon its a nightmare to make as others have said. I hate to say it but I think the meds can cause more probs later as one ped told me the body has to have acid it just has to learn to manage it......horrid for you all though, I feel your pain!

Thanks for your replies.spotofcheerfulness - will look into the wedge pillows and other equipment. olivo - thanks - I started putting the Gaviscon in a bottle of expressed milk and she seemed to be taking that quite well. However, she has become constipated which just seems to be causing more pain so have stopped giving her this. tryingtobemarypoppins2 - it's interesting what your doctor said. It doesn't really feel as though the meds are making that much difference and it's hard to keep giving them with the thought that they might be making things worse in the longer term.

We had the same issue with Gaviscon and constipation. Doctor reduced the dose to half a sachet and it solved the problem. Wedge also helped a lot , there is a site called babyreflux which has lots of advice and links. Good luck!

Hi, we also had the constipation with gaviscon but as niallsangel says, tweak the dose. I give it in a bottle before a bfeed - and I make up a day's worth of bottles in advance and keep them in the fridge. Bung the powder in, two tspns boiling water, nipple and cap on bottle and shake. It dissolves after a minute. Easy!

BUT - it's just a mechanical treatment; thickens the feed to keep it down. The other meds actually control the acid which is the dangerous bit, I believe. They might take a while to work? Like maybe 2-3 weeks.

The thing with the Gav is that it's pretty inert..not likely to cause long term probs. (Ranitidine and domperidone and often used but as far as I'm aware haven't been extensively tested for use in infants). However, constipation is nasty, and I did worry for a while that DS might have 'psychological bum issues' if it continued to hurt him while pooing. Not funny really [slightly worried/sheepish face]

I mixed gaviscon with 1oz of EBM on the recommendation of my chemist and gave it to DD in a bottle after feeds, she hated the syringe and always spat it back at me straight away (funnily enough she actually latches onto the syringe when there is Calpol in the offing :D). The extra amount means that it's ever so quick to dissolve by shaking the bottle. I make the bottle up pre-feed, let it heat in a cup of hot water while I'm feeding then change her straight onto the bottle when she's done.

Also, I now mix it with formula from a carton instead as I'm lazy and sick of constantly expressing. DD has neither noticed or cared about the difference. So she has her full breastfeed then an extra ounce of formula.