my daughter is almost 5 months and only weighs 9 pounds 14 oz at birth she was full term she weighed 7 pounds 3 oz. doctors are concerned why she isn't gaining weight they said she was lactose because she was throwing up several formulas. She has only gained 2 pounds and 11oz since birth. they said she had acid reflux but medicine isn't working. she is on neutrimigian now. and still isn't gaining they want us to go see gastroenterologist from texas childrens.
So sorry you are going through this! How hard! My daughter had the same difficulties. We saw a gastro specialist who told us that my daughter couldn't digest dairy protein. We had to find a formula where the dairy protein was already broken down. We put her on Neocate and her GI difficulties completely stopped. It was extremely pricey but it was so worth it.
Yes, go now to the gastroenterologist at Texas Children's Hospital. Not gaining weight will seriously affect not only her growth but just as importantly her brain development. Get an appointment ASAP. Protect your little girl.
My grandaughter was allergic to milk protein and thrived on Nutrimigen. I suggest that if Nutrimigen is not helping, there may be another reason for failing to thrive. The Children's Hospital has many specialists who can, working together, find the reason for and how to help her thrive.
Are you asking if there is something else you can do? There isn't. Please don't delay. If you are afraid the medical staff will blame you, not going will increase that possibility. You must follow doctors' advice to show that you are a mother who wants what's best for your baby.
Go to Texas Children's as directed. Great hospital for children
You just do what you have to do to help your child.
My dd weighed significantly less at age 2 than she did at age 1. A pediatric gastroenterologist determined what her food intolerances and allergies were, and also some intestinal abnormalities and we got a lot of help. She ended up seeing the GI, a pediatric feeding disorders specialist, a nutritionist, and several other professionals.
As an experienced "medical mystery" parent, I can tell you what will be useful at the appointment.
1. Start now by keeping a food journal. If you are breastfeeding, keep a detailed log of what you eat and drink, and be specific (not "snack" but "whole grain toast and fresh strawberries" or "brown sugar cinnamon Pop Tart" or whatever). If you are not breastfeeding, keep a journal of exactly what formula she drinks and how much and when. It's easiest to use a legal pad, and use one page per day. Keep a separate log of medications given - how much and when - and be specific.
2. Keep a similar journal for activities. I know she's only 5 months old, but for example: "woke up at 5 am, had 2 ounces of formula, cried for 30 minutes, slept for 2 hours, put her in the stroller and walked to park..." etc. If she goes to any caregiver's house or relative's house, they must do the same.
3. Note the products you use for baby shampoos, baby lotions and soaps, detergents, etc. Specify the brands you use.
4. Start a questions page for yourself. As questions arise in your head prior to the appointment, write them down. Some might be "does she have enough Vitamin D?" or some might be hunches, like "it just occurred to me that my cousin's baby went through this same thing two years ago, and I remember my grandma telling me that my mom didn't gain weight as a baby and how worried she was". Think back about family history, and ask yourself if any chronic diseases or medical conditions have been diagnosed in your or her dad's immediate family.
5. Keep an organized medical file and have it ready. I have a briefcase-like thing that I got at an office supply store with pockets inside. I keep my pockets organized by year, but you of course would keep yours organized by month. Keep copies of tests run, results, doctors' notes, formula changes, in each month's pocket. I also put Post-it Note Flags on the most significant test results and the serious medical emergencies that have occurred, and I keep a reference sheet of what the flags mean. For example, one doctor will say "when was the first time your daughter's blood work showed positive Lupus markers?" and I can look at my reference sheet and it will say "first Lupus markers, 2012 pocket, blue Post-it Flag" and I can pull it right out. You might do the same for, say, when your daughter's doctor first said she was lactose intolerant. The point is to be organized, to be able to retrieve info immediately, and to be thorough.
And yes, as Diane B said, take notes at the appointment. I look like a court stenographer when we're at the Mayo Clinic. I jot down everything, even if I can't spell it, I spell it phonetically, and later, Google will help me look it up. Write down the names of doctors and nurses and therapists and other providers who interact with you (not every technician who comes in to draw blood, but the ones with whom you'll be interacting routinely).
I hope you can get the help for your daughter that she needs.
That sounds like good advice. How soon can you get in the office to see them? I would be very concerned for sure. I do think the docs might put her in the hospital to do IV nutrition if she is at risk. Keep in contact with them.
I agree with the doctors - since you say it in the plural, you have multiple opinions already, and they are directing you to see a specialist at a children's hospital. That makes tremendous sense to me.
I'm sure you are so frustrated and worried, but that's why you need to put yourself in the hands of the people at Children's. They should give you a team of people (be sure they do) including a pediatric gastroenterologist, nurse practitioner, and ideally a social worker to help you through the emotional upheaval. Please take someone with you - a friend or a relative who is really calm and excellent at taking notes. You concentrate on asking questions and listening to the answers, and let the other person take notes. Make sure all the records get sent ahead of time, and if there's any question, hand carry a copy with you. If you have a 3 ring binder with sections for each doctor, a section for lab results, and a section with your notes about formulas and switches, sleeping issues, and so forth.
The sooner you get in there, the better. You will probably get advice from parents on this site about which formulas worked for them, but you don't have a ton of time to fool around with those for weeks and months.
Good luck!
Aw, that is rough. It certainly sounds serious enough to require a gastroenterologist. Elena B's post has excellent advice.
So sorry your little one is going through this. I had a the same problem with my son after he was off breast milk. He could not tolerate any formula, so i purchased milk with Lactaid in it. My pediatrician thought it was too soon for regular milk, but we found he did well with it. By the way, he was 9 months old.
Yes, we can help you. Follow advice and see the doctor at Texas Children's.
Welcome to mamapedia.
I'm sorry you are going through this. I can't help you. I'm not a doctor. You need to follow the doctor's instructions. Are they saying she's a failure to thrive? What are they doing for her?
I wish you luck.
Sorry to hear that. I had also faced a lot of problem since the birth of my baby. He had severe acid reflux, colic, and other tummy related issues and nothing was going to help, changing formula from bfing, burping, chiropractic, and Zantac. Then tried a natural tea called Babies magic tea that was really a big help and soothed my baby all in a sudden. Now, he's eating well and gaining right amount of weight.
How heartbreaking. I think the best thing you can do for your daughter is to go to Texas Children's. In the meantime, have you tried Similac Alimentum? It's super pricey, but might be worth it for your daughter.
