Nutriprem 2 help/ silent reflux

[Emmiec92]

Our boy was born at 27+6 and was discharged from neonatal on Nutriprem 2 formula. He is suffering with silent reflux and is so uncomfortable and in pain. He is always in our arms upright to ensure he is as comfortable as possible which isn’t practical as we have another child

He is currently 3 days away from his due date and wondered if anyone has had any similar experiences with silent reflux related to Nutriprem 2? We have friends who’s little one was born at 33 weeks in the same situation as us and they switched to ‘standard’ Kendamil organic formula and the reflux disappeared instantly. I have tried to ask what are the ‘risks’ with changing to a standard formula however the answers are very vague and they just say they wouldn’t advise changing without being able to back up the reasons why. He is gaining weight well, was born at 2lbs10oz and is now 7lbs 8oz. We already use cow & gate carobel to thicken his milk.
Looking for any NICU mums who have been in similar position who can give any advice or share experience please

Also looking at baby bjorn bouncer as I have read they are good for reflux babies, can anyone confirm this is the case before we splurge? lol

My DGS was born at 32 weeks. The silent reflex was less of a problem than for his older sister who was born at 38 weeks. Hers was dreadful. I wonder if it’s the formula that’s the problem or the prematurity? Have you asked about trying omeprazole or gaviscon in addition to the carobel, if he’s in a lot of pain and discomfort. Is he feeding ok? With DGD I think she was in so much pain she would fuss and spit out each bottle and was losing weight and put on an extra calorie formula to try make sure that even though she would only drink a little at a time, there were max calories in it. It’s so distressing to see them in so much pain. Will DS tolerate a sling so you can keep him upright but not be stuck on the sofa? It does sort itself out as they grow and become less hunched up but I hope you find something that eases it until then

It’s difficult to tell however I have seen loads of mums online who have reflux babies switching to Kendamil Organic and symptoms completely disappearing. If we go to GP they will likely prescribe gaviscon first which our health visitor told us will definitely cause constipation and is unlikely to relief reflux symptoms. The other medicine they could offer is omeprazole however I just feel strongly if there’s a non medicinal way to help him that’s the way I’d prefer to go although no one can tell me why he needs to be on the nutriprem 2 other than it’s designed for prematurity so it’s frustrating as I can’t make an informed decision as his mummy. With any medicine prescribed, they also want you to give it 28days to start working, it feels so wrong to leave him so long like this

I totally get what you’re saying about wanting to try formula rather than a medicine. And yes gaviscon really binds them up which is then a whole new problem.

Is Kendamil a formula for premature babies? I’m guessing if it isn’t, you’ve asked if there’s an alternative formula for premature babies that he could try ? Is the Nutriprem the aptamil one? DGS went home with that and a daily iron supplement. It’s so distressing seeing them so miserable and not being able to ease their pain. He’s a good weight now, so maybe if the HV or GP know just how bad his reflex is, they’d be prepared to change him onto Kendamil. Or at least give you a really strong reason why that wouldn’t be in his best interest. I hope you get this sorted.

Kendamil is a standard off the shelf formula, but they can’t tell us exactly why it must be nutriprem 2 he’s to have other than it’s designed for premature babies. We know there’s a slight calorie difference which doesn’t concern us as he’s a good weight now and puts on weight really well. It’s the nutritional values we can’t understand as I’d never switch him to something if it meant any harm to him. Usually can switch formulas when 6 months corrected age.
health visitor was totally on board with us trying him on a different milk and keeping an eye on his weight gain, but she checked with neonatal who advised against it, but can’t be specific on exactly why. So it’s not easy to get the information we need to make that decision as his parents. Just want to relief him of the discomfort