Reflux treated with lactulose, REALLY??

[RoobyMurray]

Very refluxy baby, 3 months old.

We've tried the comfort milk, Dr Brown's bottles and infant gaviscon was prescribed by GP.

GP also said to try orange juice (just a tiny bit freshly squeezed) to treat the baby's constipation.

No improvement in 3 weeks.

Today a different doctor has prescribed lactulose, saying that if she's bunged up then that could be causing her to vomit because there's nowhere for the milk to go. And she didn't want to try ranitidine or anything else yet.

I've to wait 3 weeks before going back .

I'm not convinced by this, but I'm willing to be persuaded otherwise if MNers tell me that this could work.

So, anyone got any experience of this kind of situation? DD is clearly uncomfortable before and during vomiting and I don't want her to be in pain any longer than necessary.

TIA

is she still constipated? If so, the lactulose could help with that. Have you tried the anti-reflux formula? (was mentioned on another thread - is new and different from the comfort formula)

She is still constipated, so I'm pleased that is being treated, but I'm just a bit about the reflux explanation. I have no real reason...

I hadn't heard of the reflux milk so I'll look for that, ty.

aptamil and cow and gate apparently make the anti-reflux milk

Any cows milk allergy?

A dummy helped my son, and was much better when able to sit and eat solids. There is a support group for those with reflux. My son is hypermobile - unsure if there is a link with reflux.

It does get better in time.

It's not completely out there. My two were on Domperidone along with Ranitidine for months and months, the Ranitidine was to counteract the stomach acid but the Domp was to keep things moving through the gut, so same theory. Also they had either thickener in the milk or comfort milk, which seem very constipating, so the Domp helps with that also.

Not sure what the new anti-reflux milk is. My two were on Cow & Gate Comfort, which is thicker than standard but also has the proteins altered to make it easier to digest (that's what I was told anyhow!), and previously Neonatal formula with thickener added. The other option for us was SMA Stay-down, but we were told that is essentially normal SMA with thickener, it also very wierd to make (cold water ). For my DS, the worse puker, we moved onto lactose-free formula and then shortly onto weaning, and the problem seemed to go away (also as he got more mobile/upright).

thank you for your posts.

I've just had a look at the Aptamil anti-reflux and it's for 6 months+

The doctors have made no mention of cows milk allergy, but reading around the issue, this seems to be a common cause? I really do hope not

DD uses a dummy, but it doesn't make any difference - she just vomits around the dummy, bless her.

When we're giving her the gaviscon, we're using normal aptamil because the comfort milk becomes almost solid it's so thick when mixed with the gaviscon!

Any eczema? that can go alongside a cows milk allergy. I think constipation does as well? is she putting on enough weight? My dd cows milk allergy caused poor weight gain and was OK with soya formula. Maybe try goats milk formula with GP or health visitor approval? my dd later moved onto goats milk and was ok. Cows milk allergy now gone unlike eczema and other allergies (dust, cat/dog, pollens - grass and tree), peanut. Any atopic people in your family?

How's her physical development. My hypermobile son was initially a floppy baby.

I think there are all sorts of reasons for reflux. Bibs made out of towelling help, and cream eg Vaseline type around neck as it can get sore from being moist. Shout! Stain remover good for removing milk blobs, and good old muslin for your shoulders!

It does get better.

Boots say the anti-reflux milk is from birth Boots - even has a picture showing the age range

cow and gate anti-reflux also suitable from birth

OOh that's interesting. Thanks for the link vodka.

Don't panic if it's a cow's milk allergy. I accidentally gave DS some of my cheese sandwich the other day and he seemed fine afterwards, so I'm wondering if he's grown out of it, they frequently do apparently.

she doesn't have any signs of eczema, but there is some eczema/asthma in DP's family.

No concerns about her weight. Just the distress it is obviously causing her.

Thanks for pointing out the reflux milk - I read the label wrong! I'll definitely get some of that to try. Have any of you used it, is it thicker (and therefore not compatible with gaviscon)?

Apologies for any typos, one handed baby-holding-typing!

And thanks for reassurance that it is likely to pass.

OP try posting in 'breast & bottle feeding' topic for more advice.

I used to lurk on a reflux support thread there and there were lots of helpful reflux survivors with great advice on medication and practical stuff too.

good idea dm1mum, ty

my neighbour, who is some sort of nurse told me one lady was so consitipated she had poo in her throat, nice.

Wow, I've just given DD her first feed of Aptamil reflux formula at 2pm and NO VOMIT!

I can't believe it. Not even a posset. Wowsers.

Hope it continues like this!

Wow to that!
Was having a nose at the Aptamil and C&G anti-reflux feeds today, typical they are launched just after my two outgrow it!

I really really can't believe it! She's just about to have her 3rd feed and so far, STILL no vomit!

How's it going Rooby? Reflux is a right sod so fingers crossed this is working for you!

Thanks for asking Twelve, it's still pretty amazing, I'm absolutely amazed!

we are so very chuffed