Poor Darling
Monday, June 05, 2006
Lilly is super constipated. Apparently soy formula is thickening and this just happens. It's been two weeks since we switched and the poor darling is really suffering. Even 2 ounces of prune juice (which she gobbles right up) isn't helping. I've called the pediatrician three times. It's so heart-breaking because Lilly is a happy baby and almost never cries. However, when she has to poop but can't, she'll scream for 30 minutes to an hour all the while straining and sweating. It just breaks my heart and I cry with her. Glycerin suppositories don't even help.
Today the doctor told us to try 1 tsp of corn syrup in a formula bottle, two tsps of straight prune juice/water, and an over the counter laxative (forgot the name) for babies over 6 months of age. We're starting this new regiment tomorrow and will probably have to continue it until she starts eating food and consuming less formula.
I feel so incredibly guilty. If I could only breastfeed her again she wouldn't have to suffer like this. I've been back on a dairy diet for two weeks now and it isn't helping the Crohn's at all. The only good thing is that I've stopped loosing weight. I know I can't sacrifice my health so Lilly will be more comfortable, but it sure breaks my heart to know that I could put a stop to all her pain and suffering.
The doctor told us that he'd like us to wait until Lilly is 6 months old before introducing food. However, that was when I was nursing. Now that Lilly is really suffering, maybe he will suggest some food at 4 months. Lilly's 4 month appointment is on Thursday, so we'll find out soon enough.
On a more positive note, Lilly learned how to roll from back to front! She's been rolling over and over and of course she cries because she gets stuck on her tummy and can't roll back.
posted by Avorie @ 7:36 PM,
7 Comments:
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At 9:17 PM,
Isabel said...
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Oh man, poor little girl. Just reading this made my heart hurt for her. I can't even imagine how hard that must be for her. Especially since you can't really explain to her why she's in pain and why you can't help her.
Hopefully this new plan will help her feel better.
And then you can feel better also.
Good luck. -
At 4:25 AM,
Emmakirst said...
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Awwwwww, poor Lilly. I sure hope the new things work for her. It is so heartbreaking when they are in pain. Glad that you've stopped losing weight, hopefully things will start to get better for you.
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At 5:49 AM,
said...
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Oh, how heartbreaking! Poor girl.
Noah has a really hard time pooping too, although not quite that rough, even though he's 90% breastfed. And so does Alex at the Llamatorium, who has been formula fed since birth.
Alex's mom had a lot of success with corn syrup in the formula; we had more modest results. I hope all this helps you and Lilly too. -
At 10:07 AM,
said...
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Alex's mom nis now also having success with Pear Juice (by gerber) because she felt funny giving him so much sugar.. and the karo syrup was messy!
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At 7:34 PM,
said...
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Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. Kira had some constipation as well, and for a little while 20mls of boiled warm water cured it. Then when she was REALLY constipated, it was 20mls of boiled warm water with about 1/4tsp of brown sugar and she was fine the following day (and it was a bit messy to say the least).
Also, warm baths help out alot to relieve abdominal pressure, as do light circular motions (clockwise) across the belly. We've found this to be especially effective after Kira had her bath and her warm water.
Does she need to stay on Soy based formula, or can you switch to something else? We use Heinz Nurture Starter, and aside from the initial problems, we haven't had any since and Kira goes once a day.
I hope the new regimen helps! -
At 6:02 PM,
liz said...
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Fortunately, Henry's been a regular pooper. Just like his Daddy.
However, our friend Baby Nikolien can attest to the warm water and brown sugar treatment. No sooner had it hit her lips...
...monster doodie.
Glad you're feeling better, and snuggles for Lilly. -
At 3:35 PM,
Corinne said...
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Hope the poopin' has gotten better.. I've been thinking of you guys and hoping you are doing better... I can't imagine what you're going through. How wonderful that Lilly is rolling over.. isn't it great!? How's the Bumbo working out? We got one for Shepherd and it ROCKS! :)
