Infant Reflux, Prevacid, Green Stools and Gas

ebalkits

Hi all!  Not sure exactly where to post this...My second daughter is 5 weeks old (born 11/11).  My older daughter had severe reflux and right from the start in the hospital we started noticing that our second was exhibiting similar symptoms (e.g., frequent spitting up, arching, fussiness, etc.).  Around 2 weeks we started her on Zantac which did nothing and we just started prevacid a five days ago (half a solutab), which was a God send for our first daughter.  Since starting the prevacid, we have seen a nice improvement in her reflux, however now she is exhibiting a lot of gas and green stools.  What's more concerning is that she is extremely fussy while nursing and not eating as much or as well.  I remember my first daughter having green stools, but she was always a great eater.  I am worried if this continues it will affect her weight gain and decrease my supply as I'm breastfeeding.  Anybody have a similar experience?  Does her body just need time to adjust to the medicine?

Bugzee

My ped said green stools = milk protein allergy. Are you BF? If so, I'd try eliminating all dairy from your diet. FF? Maybe time to try a gentler formula with a different protein source. Hang in there momma!

ashiscute

My DS was on prevacid from about 3 mo to 2 years.  I don't remember him having green stools or excess gas when starting it.  But I hated the solutabs.  I didn't think they were effective.  We used liquid prevacid and I much preferred that.  

Have you discussed this with your pedi?

paloma760

I have read on multiple sites that green stools & gas indicate a fore/hind milk imbalance. they recommend not cutting baby off the boob. let her empty one side before offering the other.

my son & I had this issue early on & the solution worked for us. to even myself out, I start him on the side he finished on last nursing session.

ebalkits

Thanks for everybody's responses! I cut down the pill from a half to a quarter for the last 3 days to see if that would make a difference. Unfortunately, the gas, eating, stool issue is still present and now the reflux and crankiness is increasing. We just moved and we don't have a pharmacy here that will compound to liquid form that I know of. We also have a new pediatric practice and have seen 3 different doctors and have not been too happy with them. I called the doctor that prescribed the prevacid and she was less than helpful. Said she gave me the prevacid since I requested it since my first daughter was on it and that basically the ball was in my court. I have to decide which is worse gas or reflux...Ugh! I haven't seen the doctor that was recommended to me yet, but I will definitely be switching if this is the standard there. I also only feed from 1 breast at a time and what bothers me is that her stools were completely normal color before prevacid, so I don't think it's my milk or an allergy to something in my breastmilk. I did go off dairy for a week, which was very difficult for me...I don't think I'm disciplined enough to stick with that. My husband wants me to try formula which I'm not too keen on, but am seriously thinking of it since nothing else is working. This is so frustrating! I just want my baby to feel well!

ashiscute

Can you request a referral to a GI specialist?  That's what happened to DS after Zantac didn't work.  We were referred to an ENT because DS had laryngomalacia as well but when she couldn't treat the reflux she sent us to GI.  

We had the liquid form done at Walgreens so I should think most average pharmacies could handle it.  We had it filled at a couple different pharmacies due to moving as well.  I would not try formula because breastmilk will better for your LO.  We tried formula for DS and it was a nightmare!  I know it's frustrating but you just need to stand your ground and keep demanding help.  Good luck!

Tallulahsmom

Have you tried a nipple shield. It may be that she cannot keep up with the flow of breastmilk. A nipple shield may help to slow it just enough that she can handle it and not suck up air. 

citymama2012

Sounds a lot like milk-protein allergy.  My older son had that.  we tried reflux meds, but ended up with green frothy stools and eventually blood in his diaper.  To really clear your system of the milk protein, you have to be on the diet for 2-3 weeks.  Remember to check labels as lactose is in a lot and remember it also includes any type of cow product--so red meat is a no go.  I eventually could not sustain the diet; my pedi recommended I avoid not only milk but also common allergens like soy, corn, wheat.  I breast fed until 4 months then switched to hypoallergenic formula (Similac Alimentum).  I was so conflicted about not breastfeeding and I cried when I fed him his first formula bottle HOWEVER, it changed all of our lives for the better.  My son's gas cleared, he slept through the night and his eczema cleared up right away.  You could always try a formula like Alimentum for a week or so and continue to pump so you dont  lose your milk supply.  

My pediatrician gave me the best advice "Breastfeeding can be best, but it's not what's best for you and your baby."  Happy baby = happy momma!  Good luck!