Problem Solved?

Unfortunately, I have more eating issues to report. Madeline threw up two times at my mother's house. She then came home, drank 4 more ounces (she was starving after throwing up the last 8 ounces) and then went to bed. About 20 minutes later, I heard her coughing and wheezing. I ran upstairs (I usually don't check on her for every peep, but I had just heard that noise over at my mom's house only hours before) and she was not only vomiting, but choking on it. She was struggling to breathe and her eyes were about 10 times their normal size as she tried to regain her breath. I grabbed her and flipped her upside down and hit her back until she was able to cough again and push the milk out. It was a horrifying experience, one I would not wish on any mother. With Alex out of town, a snow storm brewing, and my nerves shot, it was time to call reinforcements. My mom ran over in minutes and the three of us spent a somewhat nerve-racking night hoping to avoid a repeat performance. Although it is possible she may have had a stomach bug, we think it is more likely related to her acid reflux.

Thanks to an 18 minute chat with Dr. Hertzer, we have a new strategy. We are now adding rice cereal into Madeline's bottles. The theory is to make the milk thicker so that it is less likely to come back up. It seems to have worked. Today was a great day. She hardly spit up a drop. I used the same bib for three feedings...the same bib! Usually, I would take the bib off soaking wet and throw it straight in the wash. We have something like 20 bibs, and I would welcome 20 more. And, she hardly cried all day!

For all you mom's out there, Born Free makes a product called the Y-cut nipple. It is meant for just this issue. It had the perfect flow for her and I am going to pick up a few more tomorrow to cut down on the washing. Some mom's on the internet complained it was too fast for their kids and that they did not hold up well to numerous washings. The latter complaint, I have yet to encounter, but the flow was not an issue for us. She didn't choke or spill any extra milk.

Because of all the vomiting, I took a second action. I fed her only 2 ounces every 1 1/2 hours, rather than 4-6 ounces every 3-4 hours. It seemed to work, so I think I might go with that, at least until Alex gets home. I am curious to see how she sleeps after this difference in feeding.

Lastly, since we have had to switch to Nutramigen (although we may be going to the next step in a matter of days if this doesn't end up working), I have done some research. Regular Enfamil formula comes in a 32 ounce can for around $24. Nutramigen comes in a 16 ounce can and retails for about $27. A can lasts between 3-4 days. It is crazy expensive! I found a website that sells it for only $19 per can. It has free shipping and arrived when promised perfectly. (They also carry Alimentum). The website for this is www.i-medica.com. You have to be willing to buy in bulk (6 or 12 cans). For regular users, 12 cans isn't exactly a long-term commitment!

So, have Maddy's problems been solved by the cereal? Time will tell. I am cautiously optimistic. She certainly seemed content today, but it seems every time we have adjusted anything to her diet or medication, the first day usually goes well(see the soy posting) and things deteriorate from there. All I can do is cross my fingers and stick with it--a girl's got to eat!

***I don't want to confuse anyone...the picture with this post is old. I just always thought it looked like an advertisement for Born Free. =)