Home for the holidays

Hi friends <3 Hope you’re having a great morning and enjoyed a wonderful weekend. 

In the spirit of keeping it real…

Sweet snoozer

Me and sleepy p

(Sweet snuggly baby, blotchy eyes from crying, and a cold sore because my immune system is officially giving me the middle finger)

I promised myself and you guys that I would share the good and not-so-fun parts this time around regarding the newborn stage. I remember last time, around this same point in time, I saw the carefully curated photos of new moms on other blogs and it made me feel worse than I already did. How were they perfectly coiffed, not wearing pajamas, showered, and their kids looked happy and equally picture-perfect? Well the second time, I found that it IS a little bit easier to get dressed and showered each day -you figure out the logistics for that kind of thing, and getting a tiny baby dressed doesn’t make you feel like you will break them like it once did- but some things, no matter what, just aren’t easy. New challenges can make the experience seem even more daunting and trying the second time around.

I mentioned last week that P has reflux, but I didn’t really go into details or any of the other things that have been going on. When we were in the hospital, she had jaundice and started losing weight which is why I had to supplement so early. She was on blue light therapy for jaundice, and that’s why we were in the hospital for longer than anticipated. They eventually let us go home when we could borrow our own blue light to continue the phototherapy treatment here. When we supplemented in the hospital, she started violently spitting up. I had to call the nurses to help me because while I’ve seen a lot of babies spit up (and have four younger brothers), this was unlike anything I’d seen. They brushed it off as “normal spit up” -the jaundice was their main concern- and we were finally able to go home. 

Over the past couple of weeks, the spitting up has been a part of life, and we learned ways to manage it. We elevated the head of her bassinet, started giving her small amounts of the supplemental formula at a time, switched to hypoallergenic formula, burped her frequently, kept her upright as much as possible, and I cut dairy completely out of my life. 

We’ve had 6 pediatrician appointments (including one for her belly button, which wasn’t sealed completely and another to have her tongue tie fixed), a heel prick at the hospital to check her bilirubin levels (which decreased quickly, thankfully), and a major scare regarding the spit up. 

Last week, she choked on her spit up, couldn’t catch her breath, and it scared the life out of me. It was during nap time, and I was watching her on the monitor. All of a sudden, it sounded like she was underwater. I ran into the room to pick her up, and she was entirely silent, skin bright red, and eyes wide. The spit up was so thick that she couldn’t clear it from her throat, and I had to firmly pat her on the back to dislodge it. I had 9-1-1 on the phone, and it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. 

We haven’t been sleeping much at all, which is expected with a newborn (especially one with reflux), but since the incident, I’ve laid awake in bed each night, fully ready to act in case something similar happens. Similar events have happened two more times, but less severe and she was making noise (able to breathe) during the episodes. We went to the pediatrician the first night it happened, and she said it was reassuring that it was associated with something (the spit up was stuck; she didn’t stop breathing for no reason), and gave us a prescription for Zantac. The first day I was convinced it was working, but now she just seems to cry and spit up even more. It breaks my heart because she’s so uncomfortable. When she hasn’t recently eaten anything, she is the happiest, sweetest baby. Otherwise, she’s sobbing and grunting. I’m just hoping we can get this under control for her.

For this reason, we’re staying in San Diego this week instead of heading to Tucson for Thanksgiving. We’ve been looking forward to seeing the fam for months, but it’s the right choice. We couldn’t think of something happening on the freeway, especially during the span of time where there isn’t cell phone service.

As for how I’m feeling, I’ve been trying really hard to fight the PPD and anxiety I experienced last time, but with everything going on, it’s been a lot to deal with. Sometimes I feel completely normal, and other times, mostly when I see how miserable P is, I start crying and have a hard time stopping. I just feel so bad for her, and wish there was more I could do to help her. I’ll be talking to someone about it this week just to make sure I can stay on top of things and won’t end up feeling how I did last time.

It’s a week for giving thanks, and I’m thankful that she’s otherwise very healthy, and while we won’t be in Tucson, we’ll all be together this week. There are so many things to be thankful for, and this is just a bump in the road in the grand scheme of things. I’m also thankful for all of you, and for your support and advice the past 4 weeks.

xoxo

Gina

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240 Comments

  1. Melissa @ girlchasingpavement on November 24, 2015 at 6:43 am

    Gina, I am sending you lots of love. For the first six months of my daughters life, she was miserable. She was either sleeping or crying and it was soooo hard! I felt awful for her and like such a failure as a mom. I know how hard those days and months are. I struggled with PPD also and finally sought help. She just turned one in October and is the most incredible young lady. I hope that P feels better soon. Hang in there. As they say, they days are long but the years are short.

  2. Katy Widrick on November 24, 2015 at 6:56 am

    Oh, sweetie. You’re such an amazing, strong mama and I know that this must be a really bittersweet time for all of you. Hang in there, and remember that this too shall pass (easier said than done, I know, but you have to love a mantra, right?).

  3. Monica on November 24, 2015 at 6:58 am

    GIANT virtual hugs coming from Minnesota. I’m in tears because I’m terrified just reading it! Hang in there Gina. I know how hard it is to have a newborn and deal with newborn issues. You’re an incredible mother and you’re doing a fantastic job. You and P will get through this. <3

  4. Katy H on November 24, 2015 at 7:14 am

    Be strong, Mama! You’re doing great!!! You guys will get through this! My daughter (now 7 months) had reflux, which wasn’t as bad as your baby girls, but she also had a severe cough at 3 weeks old. The docs kept brushing it off as “normal” but I knew it wasn’t. They ended up treating her for a upper respiratory infection (the same medicine they give for whooping cough) and it made it all better. Different situation than yours, but she had to have 3 chest x rays, an ER visit, and I shed many tears! It’s really hard when they’re so tiny and you know they’re not happy, but it gets better. You’re doing a great job and you’re a great Mommy! Stay strong!

  5. stacey on November 24, 2015 at 7:18 am

    Gina,

    I am sure you are getting lots of advice. My son is now 10, but the first several months of his life were horrible. He did not “spit up”, he projectile vomited after every feeding. He wasn’t miserable between feedings, but clearly something was not right. Docs wanted to give him meds, I refused. I knew deep down there was something wrong, but it wasn’t something meds was going to fix. I ended up going to the chiropractor, we did adjustments a several times over a month and the projectile vomiting decreased significantly, we also added a good probiotic to his bottles. His little body was so out of whack due to a long labor and rough delivery that it affected his digestion.

    hoping you get answers quickly.

  6. Helen on November 24, 2015 at 7:21 am

    Oh does this bring me back! We went through the EXACT same thing. Consider this a giant virtual hug and prayer. You WILL get through this, and you’re doing great. Reflux is the absolute worst. I remember all too well sobbing to a friend on the phone while my husband tried in vain to comfort our son on hour number three of screaming. These are some things that helped us (I’m not saying these are right for everyone, internet world. Everyone needs to check their intuition and their Pediatrician first):
    – Sleeping in the Rock N’ Play
    – Pumping exclusively and thickening the milk with rice cereal
    – Prilosec. I’ve heard from many people that Zantac looses its effectiveness while Prilosec does not.
    – Lots of patience with ourselves
    Hugs.

  7. JILL on November 24, 2015 at 7:24 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about this!! Being a mama is so hard. I pray that this hard season goes by quickly and becomes a distant memory. You are doing a great job! Keep telling yourself that even when you don’t believe it. Love to you and your family this Thanksgiving! <3

  8. Annette on November 24, 2015 at 7:26 am

    That seriously made me tear up…and at work. I feel so sorry for all of you. Poor little baby, it breaks my heart that she is in that kind of pain. I really hope things will get better very soon! I’m also glad you are able to share your story and maybe that will help you during this very difficult/sleep deprived time.

  9. Sarah G on November 24, 2015 at 7:40 am

    Hi Gina. I am so sorry that you are going through this- I know how amazingly difficult this can be. My now five year old, had the roughest six to eight months. I never, ever slept since the moment I would lay her down, she would immediately be up in pain (even elevated). I remember the grunting and squirming well.

    Eventually, she will grow out of it, but in the meantime, here is what worked for us:
    1. No dairy- at all. So hard when you are trying to take in enough calories.
    2. We stopped formula all together since it was exaggerating the problem
    3. Stopped Zantac- it was the worst (have you tasted it???) and did not help at all
    4. Started Prevacid. She had to take it on an empty stomach (maybe an hour after eating?) and then had to wait at least 30-45 minutes prior to eating again.

    The Prevacid helped us immensely, but not everyone agrees it is the best medicine. Our pediatrician was very strict about making sure she was off of it prior to her first birthday.

    I know how hard these times are. I remember at seven months I had a meltdown from lack of sleep. I left my daughter with my husband at 3:00 a.m. and ate cookies in our parked car in the driveway.

    It does get better! Hang in there and keep advocating for P. She needs it- don’t stop until your family finds what is right for you!

    Sending good thoughts!

  10. Colleen H on November 24, 2015 at 7:44 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about P’s acid reflux! That must be such a terrifying experience as a parent, and she’s very lucky to have such a loving and supportive family. I know you’ve received a ton of advice of the blog, and I’m sure I’m repeating the advice of others. My entire family, including myself, struggles with a ton of food allergies. I’m pregnant now, and my husband is hoping that his genes override mine in the allergy department 🙂 You mentioned cutting dairy — I know it’s super difficult, but I would recommend cutting all high allergen foods from your diet (wheat, eggs, soy, legumes, etc) as well. It takes a while for these foods to detox your body, so it might take a bit before you notice a significant difference in P’s reflux. Also, check the ingredient list of the hypoallergenic formula – often times, they still contain high allergen foods that could be having a negative impact on her reflux. If so, you can look into prescription formula options (which are usually pretty pricey unfortunately). You can start slowly reintroducing the high allergen foods back into your diet to determine if a correlation exists between a specific food and P’s reflux. Hope this helps — good luck and I’m sure this will all be sorted out quickly!

  11. Julia on November 24, 2015 at 7:45 am

    Poor little P! I know you are doing the best you can, but it’s still hard. Due to a genetic disorder, my 8 month old daughter is Gtube fed. She aspirates milk when taken by mouth, so I know well how scary it can be to see her choke on her spit up. Maybe others have said this, but it might be worth propping her in a side lying position at night, then hopefully anything that comes up will dribble out the side of her mouth instead of sliding back down her throat. Even healthy babies have a learning curve when it comes to swallowing, especially while sleeping.

  12. melissa c. on November 24, 2015 at 7:58 am

    I usually don’t comment but I had to on this one! I live in SD as well and love your blog! I have a 2.5 year old and now a newborn. She’s 4 months now but we’ve struggled with reflux with her as well! I felt so terrible because I could tell how uncomfortable she was! Please know that it slowly gets better as they get older! I started to tear up reading your post because its so true…I had so many moments where I just sat there and cried. You eventually pull it together and get off the couch but its so hard to not feel terrible for them since they are so little and helpless! I’m so sorry for your big scare…..I can’t imagine what that was like. I hope the Zantac works and she starts to feel better soon! Happy Thanksgiving!

  13. Jody on November 24, 2015 at 8:04 am

    All I want to say is Hugs to you and the family and you’re doing a great job.

  14. Snow on November 24, 2015 at 8:12 am

    There is so much great support here! I had trouble with my first. Breastfeeding was incredibly difficult for me – used wrong size breast tube suction thing, blistery bleeding nips, and after two weeks of finally getting the hang of it and stock piling, my daughter started having horrible diarrhea and I had to dump all my milk down the drain, cut out ALL dairy/soy and limit many fruits and vegetables from my diet. Never recovered enough milk from that and started dealing with reflux/colic. She slept in a rocker (fisher price swing/mamaroo) for the majority of the time and put her crib on cinder blocks to keep her elevated. We tilted her body slightly sideways with a a thick blanket really tucked underneath her and placed her head to the side rather face towards ceiling. she HATED being swaddled and HATED sleeping on her back. I suffered from PPDepression and the only way I overcame it was talking about it, to everyone (I hate expressing myself so this was VERY difficult for me) As she got older I had to supplement a few times but she did not react very well to the formula we gave her (hypoallergenic as well) So I felt guilt feeding formula to her when she just rejected it so many times. I found a brand called BABYS ONLY LactoRelief and that was the ONLY formula she really enjoyed and didn’t react to. I also tasted it and it was the best tasting of the many different brands we tried.
    The struggle is real and your daughter seems to be in great hands and is very lucky to have you as a mother who is willing to go through so much to keep her safe and happy. You are not alone and the mothers you see online still struggle too, those just happen to be the good photos of the day with others to help achieve that.

  15. Verhanika on November 24, 2015 at 8:13 am

    Oh, Gina. Thank you for your very honest account of it all. So many thoughts and prayers coming your way. <3

  16. Michelle on November 24, 2015 at 8:14 am

    I am so sorry to read that you’re going through such a hard time and that your sweet baby is going through so much as well. Depression runs in my family, and I’ve realized that exercise works as an excellent anti-depressant for me. Whenever I take more than a few rest days, I start feeling depression coming on (sleep deprivation sure does a number on you, too). Hopefully it will help when you can get back into your exercise routine? Don’t worry about keeping the blog going full-speed–be easy on yourself and rest when you are able to. We’ll still be here! 🙂 Praying things get better for all of you soon.

  17. Stephanie D on November 24, 2015 at 8:16 am

    Sending cross-country hugs your way from Florida! I’ve been dealing with PPD with baby #1 over here and while we don’t have the reflux issues, it is most definitely a crappy thing. I’ve been talking to someone too and it has been immensely helpful having a neutral third party to just unload on. I know it’s different for everyone but guilt about feeling sad during what should be a happy time has been a huge issue for me, and the psychologist has been so so helpful, it’s nice to hear someone else is talking to someone too. I sincerely hope things get better for you, you are such a great mom! Happy Thanksgiving

  18. Cstewart on November 24, 2015 at 8:17 am

    You are doing amazing. Thank you for sharing- brought tears to my eyes. You are an excellent mama and P is lucky to have you 🙂

  19. Jen on November 24, 2015 at 8:37 am

    Reading this brought tears to my eyes as the battle wounds motherhood brings are just as real as the fierce love we feel for our children. With our first born daughter she was jaundice, coliky and I struggled with my milk supply. Our 2nd daughter, born 6 months ago, had an extremely high palate and was unable to nurse and she struggled with reflux screaming like we were feeding her gasoline with every feeding. Between the loss I felt from not being able to breastfeed and seeing our daughter in so much pain there were many tears and sleepless nights. You are an incredible mother, the road is not easy but it is so worth it. Sending lots of love your way and hoping little Penelope and mom are both be able to catch a break soon. For what it is worth our pediatrician ended up prescribing Prevacid for our daughter and within a week she was still vomiting and spitting up all the time but she was in significantly less pain.

  20. Julie on November 24, 2015 at 8:55 am

    Sending prayers! I’m so sorry you’re going through this & that you had to cancel your trip to Tucson. 🙁 I haven’t had a similar experience so I have no advice to offer other than to trust your instincts. Just wanted to comment & let you know I’m thinking of you & sending good thoughts & prayers.

  21. Grace on November 24, 2015 at 9:15 am

    I’m so sorry to hear you are going through this – it’s always so hard to see your little baby going through something like that. We had a spitter and we were lucky that she gained weight well and never seemed to be in pain (lots of grunting, which is normal and not an indication of something being wrong per our pediatrician, but no crying or discomfort during nursing) so we never had to go the route of medication. Our doc said that copious spit-up can be normal, even at the volumes we had – she would soak herself and me multiple times a day. But it wasn’t fun! We also experienced an episode of choking on spit-up and it was so scary. We co-slept for many reasons, but that episode cemented in my mind that I never wanted my daughter sleeping alone in a room where g-d-forbid something happen and we weren’t there to help. It was such a comfort for us; I don’t know if you would consider co-sleeping but it really helped me physiologically in that first year. I hope things get easier for you!

  22. Betsy on November 24, 2015 at 9:18 am

    I’m so sorry you and P are dealing with this. I can’t imagine the stress and sadness this is causing. I have a an AngleCare monitor, which helps me sleep at night. The alarm has sounded once to let me know my daughter stopped breathing, I thank god every day I made that purchase. Maybe it would help you sleep at night? Also, my nephew has terrible reflux, he is using hyosyne drops that he got otc from a compounding pharmacist, maybe that would help. Thank you for being honest about your struggles with PPD. I struggled with it after the birth of my daughter and especially after I stopped breastfeeding. It is one of the most difficult things to go through. I’ll be thinking about you and sending happy thoughts your way.

  23. LJ on November 24, 2015 at 9:22 am

    Oh, Gina, I am sorry you have a lot to deal with. But then, on the other hand, I am really grateful for you to share these things. I was right there with you on the PPD boat and I just kept feeling like everyone else is doing SO GREAT, and I am such a failure. Many years ago I had a baby with a lot of discomfort after feeding, happy at other times, but I couldn’t figure out what made her so miserable. Turned out ditching milk was the right choice and the best of all, she eventually “grew out of it” (I think staying away from the dietary offender just let her guts heal and build her immune system up). I am hoping things do turn out well with miss Penelope’s digestive issues. There is hope, but I know from experience that a strict diet is HARD.

  24. Nicole on November 24, 2015 at 9:43 am

    We went through this too! Lots of great suggestions but wanted to add another;

    We have LO in his crib but on an angle. We are able to adjust the mattress settings to one high and one low but if you can’t do that then you can get a wedge especially made for the crib.

    We then took a pool noodle and made a u shape under the sheet. This helps him from not slidding to the bottom of the crib and keeps him cozy. We did cut the noodle to the size we wanted and secured the top part of the “u” to keep its shape.

    The good news is that the reflux tends to subside around 4-5 months. My first had it bad and was still spitting up at a year but he was happy about it around 5/6 months. We took him off meds around then.

    Hang in there and you are doing a GREAT job! XOXO

  25. LindsayH on November 24, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Prilosec was life-changing for us. Zantac seemed to “work” for about a week, then it was worthless. Once we switched to Prilosec, my Pea was like a whole new baby. She took it until she was about 5 months old, at which point when she started rolling over and sitting upright more, the reflux went away. I also cannot recommend a movement monitor like a Snuza enough.

  26. Courtni H on November 24, 2015 at 10:09 am

    We went through something very similar with our first. She had terrible reflux and I’m pretty sure she cried for the first couple months of her life. It was exhausting and debilitating and I spent many days puffy eyed … but there was light at the end of the tunnel! Someone suggested using Nutramigen formula and we tried a couple of different Rxs from the doctor (started with Zantac and then moved onto other acid reducers – some were even over the counter). We eventually found the right combo and before we knew it were out of the dark stages. Just keep an open mind and you WILL get through it. You have a beautiful baby and a seemingly wonderful support system. Kudos to you for staying on top of the PPD situation too. It can be so hard to acknowledge when in the midst of everything else new baby related, but it is truly the most important thing you can do for your family. Keep doin’ you, mama. YOU ARE DOING AMAZING!!!!!!!!

  27. Kayla on November 24, 2015 at 10:19 am

    I don’t have any advice or grand words of wisdom. I just wanted to pop in and tell you I’m thinking of you, and I hope little Penny (and you, too, of course) starts to feel better very soon.

  28. Kate on November 24, 2015 at 10:25 am

    Hi Gina, I have read your blog for years bit never posted. I couldn’t just walk away from this one though because my son had similar issues when he was born and they’re just so scary. Just a thought, but you might try to find a pediatric gastroenterologist for P. They’re much more likely to prescribe something other than Zantac (which never really seems to work but is always the first thing prescribed) and figure out if there’s more than just reflux going on (like FPIES or EoE). Finding our GI doc was life changing. They might also be better able to guide you in finding an allergist if a food allergy could be contributing. Anyhow, just a thought! Hang in there!!

  29. Christine T on November 24, 2015 at 10:54 am

    I can’t speak from experience because I have no children … but I am sure what you’re going through is stressful and exhausting.
    Just remember that you’re pretty damn awesome and an inspiration to so many women.
    Who cares about the mommy blogs with perfectly curated photos … that’s all staged! You’re a real mom, with a real life, and a real baby who is having a rough go of it at the moment. It is so refreshing that you’re opening up to the blogosphere about how tough it really can be – and the comments so far show that you’re not alone!
    You’ll get through and baby P will get through as well! Sending positive vibes to you and your family.
    x

  30. Micki on November 24, 2015 at 10:56 am

    Oh Gina, I’m so sorry that all of this is going on! I read this post last night and just cried for you. I’m a mother to an 8 month old and I totally understand how terrifying that must have been for you. Even though I don’t “know” you, I feel like we are virtual “friends” and I’m sending lots of love and prayers for you and P.

  31. Meg on November 24, 2015 at 10:57 am

    Oh, Gina. You are so brave to be bearing your heart to us. I am so sorry that P is struggling so much. I cannot imagine how terrifying it must have been to run upstairs and discover she was choking. I am also sorry you won’t be home with your family this week as planned when you probably feel like you need them now more than ever.

    You are doing a great job, Mama. This, too, shall pass.

  32. Tracy on November 24, 2015 at 11:16 am

    Bless your heart. Sending love and prayers! My oldest had very similar spit up problems and it is heart wrenching. Stay strong and positive as best you can and believe that this phase will pass!

    xoxo

  33. Ericka @ The Sweet Life on November 24, 2015 at 11:54 am

    My thoughts are with you, Gina…not going through it but certainly experience lots of newborn anxiety right now. Not fun. I see so many people have left amazing recommendations and have been through it so I Hope that is helpful to you. Here’s hoping P gets through this soon!

  34. Molly on November 24, 2015 at 11:54 am

    I’m not sure if any other comments said this, but maybe ask your ped about Prevacid. The little boy I nanny for had awful silent reflux, and Zantac did little to nothing. I don’t believe Prevacid is APA-approved yet, but many pediatricians will still prescribe it. It made a world of difference for my little guy. Hope everything gets settled soon, and you can get some rest. Happy Thanksgiving!

  35. Johanna on November 24, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    Thank you for our honest post. I hope things start getting better. I know they will. it’s so hard in those first few weeks! I remember crying and thinking I know I am not sad I just want to cry. It is amazing and scary what hormones can do. I remember I just wanted my own mom to be around all of the time. Sounds like you are doing everything you can. Continue to discuss your feelings with your doctor as I’m sure you know 🙂 God Bless! One day soon it will all be a distant memory!! I hope P starts to feel better soon!!!

  36. Christine on November 24, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    Hi Gina,

    I have a 3 month old with really bad reflux too. We didn’t see big results with the Zantac for about 10 days and now it’s been magic. Have you tried Bio Gaia? It’s a baby probiotic that also seemed to help a ton! It does get better 🙂 the choking still worries us but she seems to know how to clear it now. Good luck!

  37. Christine Daffan on November 24, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    Oh man, I wrote a long response yesterday and guess it didn’t go through :(. This sounds like us! I was in the grocery store and my little guy (now 2.5) had a crazy reflux episode while in his seat I. The stroller. He was making these painful gasping sounds, eyes wide and watering, turning red. I pulled him out so fast. I had been telling my pediatrician and she kept sayin no, he’s a happy spitter. After 3 aspiration pneumonias they did a barium swallow study at 11 months and it showed the reflux. He literally would spit up huge amounts for hours after eating. He went on Zantac and stayed on until he was 2. We used a snuza until he was 8 months which really helped me sleep!! Clips right on their diaper and monitors breathing. Also, he slept in this little napper called the summer infant napper (google it it’s only like 20-30 bucks and folds completely flat so it makes travel super easy). That was amazing for his reflux. It’s at just the right angle. I would nurse him, then hand him to hubby who would hold him upright for 20 minutes then lay him in the napper. This worked well for sleep. When we finally put him in his own room, I just put the snuza on him, and stuck the entire napper in the crib and he slept In that and I could see him on the monitor. He didn’t roll until 8 months so this worked well until he got got bigger. You’re doing great! It’s so hard. I didn’t even think I wanted another kid because our first year was so so hard between zero sleep ever and so many health problems with his GERD. Here I sit, 22 weeks pregnant, lol. Good luck! Hang in there! I read through and there are so many great suggestions, you’ll find something that works.

  38. Mo on November 24, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    You’re so brave and honest to open up to all of us Gina! Hang in there mama, sending you love and hugs.

  39. Cheryl on November 24, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    Thanks for being real, Gina! It’s ok to cry! I totally sympathize– the first few months are SO SO hard! But look at you, you’re doing it, one moment at a time. Just keep keeping on, girl. Sending you lots of love and light. <3

  40. Lara on November 24, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Hang in there, Gina. This stuff is not for sissies. You’re doing a great job.

    • Lara on November 24, 2015 at 1:43 pm

      G had reflux for five months. Not quite as extreme as what you’re describing but it’s exhausting and scary. He was a miserable baby for, a long time. And is now the happiest, easiest toddler/preschooler ever. You’re in the thick of it now but I bet every day will be a tiny bit better than the day before. Hugs!

  41. Shellie on November 24, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    Gina~I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. Thanks for keeping it real! I’m so sorry you are going through this! It’s has to be so hard! I’m wishing you and little P well!

  42. Kirsten Leighton on November 24, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    Even though I don’t have any kids, it broke my heart to read your post. I can’t even imagine what you are going through. My heart goes out to you, your family and little baby P. I wish you all a peaceful Thanksgiving. Sending you love & light

  43. Hayley on November 24, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    Oh Gina…what a terrifying experience. I’m thinking of you all xx early baby stage is exhausting (the reason I don’t want a fourth!) xxxx

  44. Danielle on November 24, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    Hi Gina,
    I’ve never commented before but like other readers I just had to!
    My newborn son (my daughter is 3) is 8 weeks old on Thursday and was diagnosed with reflux and colic at 2 weeks old. It’s SO hard. I totally know how you feel right now. The first 1.5 months I slept with my son propped up on my chest on the couch. He would be in pain, throwing up and be miserable.
    We were on prevacid but got switched to prilosec and it has helped him! Also, like one of your other readers suggested, start using BioGaia! It has helped my son SO much! He was super gassy and with the colic he was crying for 2-3 hours at night each night and this has calmed down so much since starting the Prilosec/BioGaia combo.
    I hope things start to get a little better…sounds like you have alot of support which is great. The lack of sleep, an unhappy baby, trying to juggle a newborn and a toddler and trying to take care of yourself…its a whole lot.
    Just know you’re doing great
    xo

  45. Avery Raley on November 24, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    This makes my heart break for you! Especially because I think I know how you feel. We experienced this almost to a T with our little one. We never had a choking episode, but daughter spit up BUCKETS for months and months of her life. And she screamed and screamed and screamed almost all day. We couldn’t go anywhere, because she was rarely quiet. The first 3 months of her life she was either eating, sleeping or screaming. That was it. Mostly after she ate, like you said. And the spit up was immense. We didn’t supplement but the nurses in the hospital gave her formula (without my permission) and I always wondered if that sort of set off something in her gut? She was born 8 lb 8 oz but did lose some weight and then stayed a pretty small baby after that (like, off the charts small) due to the spit up and my lack of good supply but she wouldn’t ever take formula so she stayed that way until we started solids (now she’s right in the middle!). She was also on Zantac for roughly 6 months or so, which I think eventually helped with the pain but it took awhile, and didn’t do much for the actual spit up. I would say around 6 months she turned a corner and was a pretty happy (still little) baby, even though she still spit up a lot. She continued spit up a LOT (painlessly) until she was a YEAR OLD and WALKING. We thought it would never stop! But ultimately it did and she is a super happy toddler, and great eater and hasn’t had any digestive issues at all once the spit up stopped. I don’t know if any of this is helpful but I just wanted to give you a virtual hug and let you know that you’re not alone! We felt very alone with our “struggling” baby in those hard months so just wanted to share that we had a similar experience. And I would bet anything that she will be perfectly fine after the newborn hump is over with. But praying you don’t have any more choking episodes Mama! Hugs!

  46. Brittany on November 24, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    Hi Gina, so sorry you are dealing with a reflux issue, I know how hard it can be! I went through something very similar, needing to supplement my daughter with formula early on. All of the different types of formula made her spit up including the hypoallergenic one. Then I came across a goat milk based one. It’s called Nanny Care and it’s available through Amazon. It made a HUGE difference! She pretty much never spit up again after switching!
    I’m not sure if anyone else suggested this yet, but wanted to leave a quick comment in case they hadn’t. Good luck!

  47. Jen on November 24, 2015 at 5:15 pm

    Oh Gina, that is so tough, you’re being brave, I can imagine how scary that would be, hoping you all find relief soon and thinking of you. Xo

  48. AJ on November 24, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    Gina,
    Sending a huge hug to you, you are doing an amazing job!

  49. Kristen on November 24, 2015 at 6:37 pm

    I feel for you! My daughter will be one next week and I can still vividly remember those days. I slept at an incline with my daughter on me for four months until we got out of that phase. (I know “back to sleep” but I had a similar experience with the choking) Everyone swore the transition to her crib would be awful and it was way harder on me than her. She sleeps 12 hours and has since about 4.5 months. My 3 year old still doesn’t sleep through the night!
    You’re doing a great job and your girls are blessed to have you as their momma!

  50. Liz S. on November 24, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    Gina, I’m sending good health vibes and prayers. I’m hoping things get better xoxo

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