Stomach Issues ......

Hi T.,

I understand what you are going through I went through every formula also we eventually found out that my daughter was having the same belly issues I ended up having to take her to a gastroenterologist and she had to be put on neocate which could only be ordered through one company. I had to complain about the problem several times to my pediatrican before they refered me to the specialist if you are having that much trouble I would recommend going to see a gastroenterologist.

Dear T.,

My 8 month old niece Abby had the same thing, she would cry non-stop, her belly was in constant pain, the ped. suggested several different formulas, her mom's breast milk was to much for the belly also, so the doctor perscribed Zantac and within a couples of days she started to see a change, No crying!!! Ask your doctor and see what they say but I have heard this works for many babies.

Good Luck! H.

While you're sorting out the possible food allergies, I'm sure you're investigating alt sources of calcium but over the years I've found ways to sneak it into my kids diets since we use milk in our diet but not as the "most important" source of calcium, especially since the casein is so very hard to digest for humans since it's for baby calves that are going to be hundreds of pounds someday.

Raw organcic sesame seeds ground up(designate a coffee grinder if you can) and sprinkled into foods like oatmeal,etc. Almonds are very high also, so maybe try some almond milk at the healthfood stores, I made some but it was kind of labor intensive and messy. Tahini(?) is sesame seed butter(like peanut butter) and they make almond butter, both are great sources of calcium. Maple syrup is naturally high in calcium, even more than milk, ounce for ounce. Goes great with oatmeal.

I found with my 17 month old twins that they could only eat very yellow bananas, not freckled or else a terrible yeast diaper rash. I also added powdered acidophillus to counter the yeast issue and try and build up healthy gut flora. I can put a few raisins out for help in the BM department. Also canned pears, I get the halves and slice it into 3 or 4 little sticks dry it off with a paper towel and my toddlers pick them up and feed themselves. That works great for keeping them regular if they need a little boost.

I have tried some of the juices with added calcium, my kids didn't like the oj but there's a fruit punch by Mott's I think that they like. Also, Total cereal has a lot of calcium added to it.

I hope you can get the help you need, it seems like you've had a lot of good advice already. Trust your instincts.
LaurieK
www.mymonavie.com/LaurieK

So sorry for all your headaches. My 14 month has constipation problems. What appears to work some of the time is one jar of prunes with pears, half prune juice and half water mixed together mid-morning and late afternoon. Also I stay away from any constipating foods. I'm having a problem still trying to get him regular, but at least it isn't that often anymore that he is really constipated. Dark karo syrup sometimes works for babies. 2 teaspoons I believe is what I tried.

As far as the gas issue, you may want to ask your doctor about seeing a gastrointestinal doctor and or get tested for food allergies.

Since you have been keeping your child off milk, if you're not doing it, I suggest giving him yogurt, cheese and things like that for his calcium needs. A friend of mine does that since her child won't drink milk right now.

Hope this little bit of info helps.
Best wishes. Hope the little guy gets better soon.

Hi T.,

You should giving your baby any cow milk or regular formula if that is what he is taking. Try soy milk, rice milk, goat milk (Publix has it).
Try one kind of milk for a couple days and see how he does. If he has no red spots anywhere on his body and he is pooping ok then you know you have found the right milk for him.

Regarding stomach problem, the one thing that works every time again and again for my whole family (children and adults) is the Aloe juice, which is 100% natural! We don't take over the counter or prescription drugs anymore for stomach problem. If you want to try it, contact me V. at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com

Take care and good luck!
V.

If your pediatrician has done nothing but tell you he's colicky then you need to get a second opinion. At 16 mos he should no longer be colicky or he should have at leat gotten better. If you've tried Soy milk and got the same result than he's probably not lactose intolerant. If not than try soy milk. I have heard a lot of good things about Dr. Helft, Pediatric Wizards on eau gallie, the nurses I work with say that he figures things out that other doctors miss. Maybe go see him for a second opinion. Let me know how it turns out.

A. RN

Hi T.,

I can sympathize with your situation because my daughter was a terrible sleeper until age 2 1/2. I hope you can remedy this situation so you can also get some sleep, especially if you are working full time.

Listen to your mommy instinct. If you think the milk is causing stomach distress, discontinue feeding it to him. You are in charge of his health, not the pediatrician. Try organic soy milk instead. You can get it at Publix in their Greenwise section- try the Publix brand, it's not chalky tasting like some brands. Also, you might want to stop feeding him cheese or any other products containing milk and see if that improves his condition.

What else besides milk are you feeding him? Is he eating any raw fruits or veggies?

How happy are you with your pediatrician? If he is not knowledgeable about nutrition and wellness (and it sounds like he's not if he gave you no help since the "colic" diagnosis), you might want to seek out another ped. We use Dr. Cannizzaro in Longwood because he is extremely knowledgable about nutrition and takes a more holistic approach rather than prescribing drugs. His website is www.pediatricianscareunit.com

Hope to hear his condition improves soon,
~G.

All of the info giving to you is very good. I would rec having your child tested for food allergies. It should be a blood test, not just a skin test. I would also rec you seeing a GI specialist. Our youngest dd has to see a GI doctor, we see Dr. Michele Winsett. She is located in Tampa at St. Joe's. There are many out there.....
Good luck and God bless.

Have you tried soy milk?

consult a Pediatric Gastroenterologist

First of all if your doctor hasn't found a solutiion for this baby's pain you don't wait, you make plans to see a specailist you never know what the problem could be while your busy trying new ways to eliminate the pain lets see a new doctor. Call the number 1800 doctors and ask for a specialist in this area.Most of all you want to know how long has he been in practice. No disrespect to other doctors, I have had very good experiences with indian doctor. I have six Kids , I loved it whenI took my kids in to the doctor and we were thete for 5 minutes and the doctor tell me exactly what the problem was. it would bring so much comfort to my mind. What ever you do don't let people make a genny pig out of your child. Know something about the medicine they are giving him, and make sure you read the side affects to see if it's worth it. Lastly, if all else fails, visit a health food store. Ask them to recommend something natural.

hello T., I found a lot of really good thing on the subject on a site called www.babycenter.com you can search the words colic or lactose intolerant and it has symptoms, info. and remidies, ect. I hope this helps. I will pray for your baby to get rid of this pain poor thing. Good luck and God bless!!

I had lots of problems like that with my son. Not only did he have colic, which he grew out of (they usually grow out of it by 6 months old). But he had a milk protein allergy. The doctor had me put him on a special formula called Alimentum. Work wonders. Now he does great, problems were gone within a week. Check into a milk protein allergy!

T.,

We had some of the same issues when our son was born. Especially the gas. This is what we did:

1. Stopped using powdered formula. We started buying the premade (Isomil) and it reduced the gas in his belly tremendously! And No Mixing! It's a little more expensive, but not as bad as the Alimentum or the other special formulas out there.

2. The put him on Zantac

3. MOST IMPORTANT ONE Get your son tested for food allergies! My son was diagnosed with a Dairy Allergy (amongst a few others) which caused a lot of his stomach problems!
Feel free to send me an email if you need more information.

There has to be an answer somewhere! Your poor son, (& you and hubby) need to get a good night sleep!! Testing him can't hurt, just help!

Feel free to contact me if you need more information about food allergies, or just have questions.

Good Luck!
P.S. Where are you located?

L.

Hello, I am a mother of a six year old who sounded a lot like your baby. He was and still is lactose intolerant. Try a dairy free diet and desetin works well on the bum rash. I actually had to stop breast feeding my son at 6 mons. because that upset his belly as well. So as soon as he was breast and dairy free he was a new person. He drank a lot of oj with calcium and motts apple juice with calcium. I would also give him baby gas drops to help relieve the pressure. I now how frustraiting it can be but he is probably in a lot of pain if he is allergic to dairy. I know the dairy free formulas are more costly , but I would give it a shot. If you try soy remember that some people have allergies to that too. Does he even need formula anymore??? Good Luck, I feel for you. M.

Soy Milk may help. Doesn't hurt to try - and most brands are fortified with Calcium and other important vitamins/minerals.
For the constipation, make sure he is getting enough fruits during the day. They not only have the much needed water, but lots of fiber.
Hope that helps. Best of luck!