Madeline has been growing more restless through the week - she seems happy, or at least content, most of the time she's awake but will occasionally erupt in screams. She also sleeps fitfully, hasn't been feeding as well and spits up often. We attributed the symptoms to excessive gas and the general state of being a baby, and Lacey scheduled a check-in with the lactation consultant today to address the feeding issues.During the visit, the consultant brought up the idea that the symptoms indicate acid reflux. That would explain the excessive spit up and the howls of pain that wake her from sleep and interrupt her happy periods. We have an appointment with our pediatrician tomorrow to investigate further.
I guess the good news is that reflux is a common situation as infants' digestive systems mature, and she will grow out of it. In the meantime, there's not a lot we can do outside being mindful of the way we feed and burp her and the position in which she sleeps. Lacey is also going to eliminate dairy from her diet for a couple weeks as recommended by the lactation consultant.
I think am beginning to understand a basic principle of parenting: while this is a minor issue, it still hurts me to know my daughter is in pain, especially now that she's started smiling at me every day and I know what I am missing when she's crying.
- Note: Madeline weighed 10 pounds, 3 ounces at the lactation consultant's office today. Tomorrow we'll get an "official" weigh-in at the pediatrician's office, but it seems like she's still putting on weight at a healthy clip.
1 comment:
I'm so sorry that Madeline has acid reflux and that she is experiencing pain.
As a parent, one of the most difficult times is seeing your child in pain and knowing that there is little you can do to make it better.
When you were holding Madeline and walking her around today while she was crying - just know that although she is hurting, she knows that she has loving parents who care enough to pick her up and hold her close to give her comfort.
No matter how old your children are - when they hurt, you hurt and want to put your arms around them to try and make it better.
Just as Madeline has blessed your life, you are blessing her life by being loving, caring parents.
And Jeremy, being your mother, I love watching your interaction with Madeline. Your love for her is so apparent. The way you look at her, the way you hold her and the love I see on your face when she cries is priceless.
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