Best reflux formula?

[Arimeh]

Howdy

It appears that Miss E might have reflux - all feeds are basically thrown up either immediately, or over the course of a couple of hours - until she cries for another feed.

So its been suggested that I feed her, and then top up with a bit of reflux formula, and because its heavy, it should keep the other stuff down.

At the moment I'm expressing so I'm keeping an eye on her intake because she has only just regained her birth weight, and the LC said she was a happy starver, so even though she has been quite unsettled, she will settle in my arms and go to sleep, even when she is starving (hence the low and slow gains of weight)

So I thought I would give it a go - its an option anyway, we are also getting some infacol to try just incase its just wind (LC isn't sure if I have a low supply, she has reflux OR just wind - so we're kind of just bobbing around trying everything at the moment)

So yes, what is the best reflux formula? I'm assuming there are a few types? Never had to use a reflux one before, just standard S26 for DS and Goats Milk formula for DD1.

[Tinks]

I used a thickener in normal formula for DD1 for a while and then changed to a Karicare AR only because it was the only AR formula available in my area. Both worked really well. The good thing about the thickener was that I could add more or less to get the perfect mixture for her.

DD2 had refulx but I changed her to Nan HA which reduced her vomiting so I didn't need an AR formula for her in the end.

[~Trish~]

Aww, poor Eden . Reflux is such a nasty thing. Poor mummy too .

I am no expert, but has anyone suggested using a thickener? I'm pretty sure you could add it to your EBM? When DS2 had reflux I had a MCHN tell me to make some thickener into a paste and put it over my nipples just before feeding him so he was ingesting it if that makes sense? You can buy it from chemists.

I have no idea about reflux formulas, hopefully someone will be able to help you

ETA - Do you know of any paediatric chiros down there? I know you've taken your other kids to one in the past. Maybe there is one near you that could help with the reflux too?

[rufalina]

Karicare do a thickener, and you can add that to your EBM. It has directions on the tin for how to mix it up... (i think). It was suggested to me to try it with DS1's reflux, but with modifications to my diet he got his under control... I would give it a go...

[maz]

I used SMA hon....it was slightly thicker then normal and the MCHN at the time said it was good to use.

goodluck

[[M]umma[M]ia]

I tired alot of them with Mia. I swear by S26 and shes still on it now. BUT... not for th reflux. I didnt think the S26 was that good as it went abit clumpy. After trying them all (and i mean ALL) the Karicare HA AR formula was the best.

[Tinks]

The thickener in EMB would be a great idea.

[Shanti]

Hey Mel,

I thought Reflux was the case when i read your post the other day.... sounded like it.
DD had some of that.... it's awful.

You can buy Karicare thickeners to add to your EBM.....rather than giving her formula but of course the option is yours.

Well done you are doing great with Eden. It took my DD 5 wks until she was back to her birth weight so I know how hard it is watching their weight and trying to get their weight back up hey.... she'll get there.

[Arimeh]

You can buy Karicare thickeners to add to your EBM.....rather than giving her formula but of course the option is yours.

I can't express enough to sustain her - I'm expressing every 2 hours, and she is feeding every 3 - she takes 120mls each feed - I'm not lucky enough to get that!!

My LC rang just before and is very happy with the way I'm doing things at the moment so if she's happy - I'm happy..lol

[~Trish~]

PM'ing you now

Just wanted to say that DS1 and DD were both happy chuckers and both had shoulder issues (DS1's was dislocated from birth ). Once the shoulder was sorted the chucking stopped. With DD it took about 3 days after treatment to clear up

[Shanti]

I can't express enough to sustain her - I'm expressing every 2 hours, and she is feeding every 3 - she takes 120mls each feed - I'm not lucky enough to get that!!

My LC rang just before and is very happy with the way I'm doing things at the moment so if she's happy - I'm happy..lol

Awesome -I'm so glad you are seeing an LC Mel! They are the BEST

Yep use the formula if that's what you need to do, she's still getting the goodness of your boobie milk too which is just great!! We used formula with DD in the early months too (I didnt have enough milk for her demands at one stage either)

[ladybird11]

A friend of ours had a son who had terrible reflux. They went to the chiro and that seemed to help a bit - but they were advised to by 'Novalac' formula.

They have different types depending on the problem, one for colic, one for reflux, one even for constipation (go figure ).

I've only really seen them in pharmacies - but our friends swore by the Novalac Reflux formula.

HTH.