After speaking to the doctor and attending my breastfeeding mom's group today (there is always at least one lactation consultant there), I learned a lot and feel much better.
First of all, the doctor again considered medication, but after hearing me describe the symptoms, decided we're not there yet. Whew! I don't like the idea of medication. He recommended I give her a teaspoon of rice cereal at night mixed with some of my milk. It's heavier and will help the food stay in her gut. If the milk isn't coming back up, she'll have less acid and pain and will hopefully sleep better.
The lactation consultant recommended some things to help her spit up less:
-- completely empty the breast from which she is feeding before switching sides (I usually do this, but I might not be completely emptying it) because the fatty hindmilk is heavier and will stay in her gut.
-- make sure she has a good latch (sometimes if it isn't hurting, I don't worry about it) because she won't take in as much air.
-- prop her up after each feeding, even if she doesn't seem uncomfortable. I have been laying her down when she falls asleep. Instead, I should put her in her swing or carrier.
-- "Wear" her more often. In other words, put her in a sling to keep her more upright and to help her feel secure.
* when I mentioned colic was acid reflux, what I meant was, what used to be called colic, is often, in fact, acid reflux and people just didn't know. They used to say the baby was colicy when they might have had reflux. I think this infant acid reflux is fairly new.
Posted by Hannah at May 18, 2006 01:31 PMI hope that those situations help Olivia! It's great that you're attending a breastfeeding moms' group. And how wonderful that there's usually an LC present! Hope that Olivia gets better soon.
Posted by: Lisanne at May 18, 2006 05:21 PMthose are great tips... I am going to remember those in case Wiggles gets that... hope it helps =)
Posted by: Shannon O. at May 18, 2006 06:42 PMI agree that sitting them upright helps. I don't think Lila has been flat on her back in weeks.
Posted by: Chas at May 18, 2006 06:48 PMHarper had an epic spit-up a few nights ago, so I asked my doula for her tips. She suggested many of the same things (like making sure he's upright for at least 15 minutes after eating, even if he's fallen asleep), but she also said to hold him so that his butt is lower than his head when feeding (if you're using the cradle hold). Basically, make sure the baby's back is in a pronounced downward diagonal line from head to butt. I have been doing that, and no spit-ups since. Good luck!
Posted by: Arin at May 19, 2006 12:22 PMSophia was "colicky" starting around 6 weeks, with major spitting up (and projectile). We were "threatened" with medications, but my Mom (an RN) suggested cutting dairy from my diet. Lo & behold, we got a new happy baby who rarely spit up. I will swear by trying to find something offensive in Mommy's diet, before giving a baby meds. I'd be happy to chat if you have any questions!
Posted by: JessMarie at May 19, 2006 08:09 PM