Q about Reflux Babies (long!)

giggler25

Before your LO was put on meds, did you notice decreased eating? My 8 week old DD has been eating less than normal over the past several days. She doesn't have a fever and is still producing at least 7 wet diapers a day, so I hope she's not sick. But, I also can't believe this is her new normal. She typically nurses for a total of 2.5-3 hrs per day, and the past few days she's only been nursing for 2 hrs. Yesterday she tapped out at 1:48 in 24-hr period and then spit up what looked like her entire last feeding, over my shoulder (projectile). Today she's only eaten each time for less than 10 minutes. (Previously her normal nursing amount per session would be 10-15 minutes). I definitely have enough milk, so that's not the problem. I have been on MSPI diet for a few weeks due to mucousy and sometimes bloody poop diapers, as a side note.

I called the pedi to ask aside from fever and wet diapers what I should be looking for to check if she's sick. I've never seen this Dr before (our normal office was closed today but it's the same practice) so he doesn't know my baby and I don't know what he is like. First he said she's fine and they go through phases where they eat more or less sometimes. Then I said one thing which I can't remember but I know it wasn't about the projectile spit up and then all of a sudden he said she has reflux and is calling in a Rx. So now I'm confused and wondering whether I should give her the medicine or wait to bring her to our usual Dr tomorrow. The thing is that our regular is sort of anti-meds so I doubt she would've prescribed the Rx so quickly. I just worry to start her on meds when the Dr prescribing didn't even examine her.

WWYD??

momo214

Have you noticed any other symptoms like LO arching back, fussiness, regularly spitting up, discomfort? Just bc she projectile spit up and nurses less I wouldn't immediately go to reflux and meds if this hadn't been long term and more symptoms. I'm also not a dr and don't know you LO. LO may just be nursing more efficiently or really just not as hungry. IMO if you aren't one to just jump to meds, I'd wait and try some other things first. Good luck!

giggler25

She does sometimes arch her back, and I have posted on here a few times asking about silent reflux, because I've thought for some time now that she might have that.  The projectile vomiting has only started happening over the past week or so.  But, I didn't mention that to the Dr I spoke with today bc I didn't want to taint his opinion/diagnosis.  She also is often always gassy, and fusses from gas -- though sometimes it's hard to tell whether it's the gas that's causing her discomfort or something else.

jenb_99

My DD sounds similar. She'll be 8 wks this Tues, is now eating for 20-30 minutes less per day than a week or two ago, has been spitting up more than usual, and has projectile vomited twice in the past week. Her sleep schedule is a bit off too.

In our case I think it's just a developmental thing. Babies go through some weird stages and I remember experiencing something similar with DS.

Reflux symptoms are common at 8-12 weeks even in babies who don't usually have problems. Babies are also becoming more and more aware of themselves and their surroundings and are learning to regulate their eating and sleep habits at this age. In other words, it's a tumultuous time for an infant.

I'm going to ask about it at our checkup Tuesday but I'm not concerned. And I wouldn't agree to medicating my baby based on a few days' worth of minor symptoms either.

usernewname

Her eating may just be more efficient since the 6 week spurt has passed. Ds started eating at longer intervals and was quick to finish. And oh boy don't offer it before it's time to eat because he got very mad. He's more interested in playing now and interacting than feeding.

If your dd is fine otherwise it may not be reflex. But ifshe's showing symptoms of it for pursue it!