So we went to the doctor today, and she agreed that the colic symptoms could also be infant reflux. She prescribed Zantac (generic form) and said if it is reflux, it may take 7-10 days to see results. We administered the first dose tonight (twice a day, we squirt .8 milliliters of grape-flavored medicine in her mouth). Oooo, she did not want!! She made the oddest face, a puzzled, startled expression, and then cried out her protest. I’m getting better at soothing her. Or maybe she’s responding to me more. Or maybe both.
Claire had gained nine ounces from her visit two weeks ago and weighed in at an even nine pounds. The doctor was pleased and said she looks beautiful. She also said that an average of 18 ounces a day of formula is great, and not to focus on the Similac and other brochures that predict what an average infant should eat. (For her age, according to Similac, she should be consuming 4-5 ounces at a time, eating 5-6 times a day, for a total daily intake of 20-30 ounces. Not our Claire!)
The doctor was also generous in handing out samples of Alimentum, the hypoallergenic formula we use. At $28 for a 16-ounce can of powder (which lasts us about 3-4 days), every bit helps. If the Zantac works, maybe we can return to the regular formula later.
I feel reassured and better, though Claire continues to dawdle at the bottle, gum the nipple, and pull away crying. But she did it less today. And she also had a really good day again, eating and sleeping and not crying inconsolably (fussy starting around 7 p.m., but it’s a vast improvement).
In my experience, after each ounce of milk, one must pat them on the back..and lower back…gently until a burp comes up. Never stop patting without a burp. Otherwise …problems later…
Good luck
Bill
oh lordy, hon, i will not be one of those folks who gives advice without asking first, so i have some info for you around food sensitivities and digestive issues (really common scenario for formula drinkers) if you’d like . . . 🙂
smiling.
kathryn, though her symptoms are atypical, has she been checked for pyloric stenosis? a painless ultrasound (you remember those!). . no radiation. . .can show it up well.
the pyloric stenosis kids do projectile-vomit, but the colic is part of their presentation too.
you are doing REALLY WELL, kathryn. .xoxoxoxo
Hi Kathleen — She rarely spits up and doesn’t vomit at all. This is why it might be reflux, because there’s a symptom where kids have the reflux but don’t spit up. It’s called silent reflux, and because of this it often goes undetected.