A couple of weeks ago, I was at my friend Candee’s house getting my hair done. While Candee worked on my hair, I sat watching her 4 month old baby, Londyn. She was sitting in her bumbo, and was happy and content. It suddenly hit me, I haven’t seen my kids content since the NICU. (Not even sure if you can call that content) Both boys seem to try to be happy, but always end up stiff and rigid, and cry most of the day. When Candee put Londyn to bed, I realized I had forgotten how easy it can be. Preslee and Ledger had no problem sleeping, but Cruiz and Cannon cry themselves to sleep Every.Single.Time. It doesn’t matter if it’s bedtime or just for a nap, they cry for a long time, and trying to console them only makes it worse. I left Candee’s house realizing something was wrong, and it wasn’t just colic or fussy babies.
The next morning, which happened to be Saturday, I about cried when Pat broke the news he needed to head into campus to finish some homework. I live for the weekends when Pat is around to help, and it didn’t help that Cruiz and Cannon were so hysterical, that by 10:00 AM I called the Pediatrician begging to see my boys that day. Luckily, they fit me in. I was hoping they had an earache or something to explain their constant crying.
When Dr. H entered the room and asked what was going on, I seriously about broke down. I explained something was wrong, and I couldn’t handle it anymore. He looked them over, and said everything looked good, no earaches... He felt their gums and said they’re teething. I told him I knew that, but I felt something was wrong, and teething on top of whatever the issue is, puts them into hysterics. After talking for awhile, he thought both boys were possibly allergic to the protein in milk. He switched the boys formula to Enfamil Gentlease, and explained that Gentlease is easier to digest. If that didn’t work, we’d take it a step further. He then sympathized with me, and made me feel a whole lot better :) And then sent us home with two full cases of formula. I seriously love our pediatrician.
Interesting fact: We recently remembered right before Cannon was released from the NICU, the Neonatologist took the boys off Gentlease which Dr. H had put them on. So when I kept saying it only got worse once we left the NICU, it really was true.
We kept the boys on the formula for a week, it was helping, and I felt we were on the right track, but there was still a problem. In the meantime, I had a friend and a few blog readers leave comments suggesting we try a formula for babies allergic to cow’s milk. I had been hesitant, because it costs $35 a can. We go through a can every 2-3 days, and being college students we simply don’t have that kind of money. But I thought if that was the problem, we could figure out a way. We bought a can of Enfamil Nutramigen, and three days later couldn’t believe the difference.
It honestly was amazing to watch, suddenly both boys were -
- Crying significantly less.
- Sleeping much better during the night.
- Napping better.
- Their projectile spit up literally stopped over night. (Hallelujah!)
- Their chubby little bodies began to relax, they actually sit on our laps now without flailing and screaming.
- Became incredibly alert and aware of their surroundings for the first time.
- Began pooping regularly. (TMI? Sorry, but its been a challenge)
- Eating baby food! They simply wouldn’t even try to eat when I put a spoon to their mouths.
- Trying. We’ve always joked they are lazy babies, but they’ve made huge strides. Poor things, they were hurting so bad, they just couldn’t function.
Since then, I’ve learned many different insurances will help cover the formula. We are so grateful! (So if you are considering it, don’t hesitate! Look into it.)
Every single day both boys are getting a little better. Cruiz has progressed a little faster. Today was our best day yet, and now the boys will sit on the ground with some toys and play! This is a BIG deal people! I don’t have to hold two screaming babies ALL.DAY.LONG! I seriously stood there watching them, and felt like the proudest Mom out there!
Our challenge now is to teach them if life doesn’t go their way not to immediately scream. That’s all they know, and all they’ve ever done. We’re hoping to break this habit soon. My other goal is to finally get them on a schedule. Until now, we’ve all been in pure survival mode. I know being on a schedule will changer our lives even more. So that’s what I’ll be focusing on this week. Wish us luck.
(Big brother Ledger deserves a medal. The way he adapted to their crying was amazing)Today when I got both boys out of their crib, instead of screaming, they both gave me big slobbery kisses.
Life is good.
Thank you, to all those who recommended the formula!
My niece was allergic to cow's milk also, and went on that formula. She was a single college mom too so I know how expensive that can be. I'm so glad they are better! You're an awesome mom!
ReplyDeleteWe brought our daughter home from the hospital and she did nothing but throw up every time we fed her. We called the pediatrician on call and she recommended Nutramigen. We gave it to her and she immediately got better. She was later tested for allergies, which were many, but she had a milk allergy, same as me.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you have found the problem and a solution. God bless!
If you don't have the $$ to spend on the Nutramigen, you may consider just going to soy formula which is much cheaper and would still help if milk allergy/intolerance is your problem. My oldest was allergic to milk and we had a whole new baby after switching to soy too (which is good because I didn't want to spend the money on the Nutramigen either if I didn't have to). The good news is, she grew out of the milk allergy by her first birthday. I have a niece that is 3 and just barely growing out of her milk allergy,but she has been drinking soy milk since she was about 6 months old so for her, there really isn't a big difference. Good luck! So glad you found something that works.
ReplyDeleteYay! I am so excited that things are getting better!
ReplyDeleteDo you guys qualify for WIC? If so, you can get vouchers for free formula. It helped tremendously when my daughter was a baby!
ReplyDeleteOh what GREAT news! I am so glad that something is working and that you guys are doing better! I seriously think about you all the time and pray that the Lord gives you some peace each day! I can't wait to hear how much better it gets! Much love from Utah!!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley! Funny because I was reading about how much they were crying on one of your earlier posts and it reminded me of my little girl (who will be 12 in May - yikes!) and I immediately thought of their tummies. Of course, I didn't want to write to you and tell you that because I am very respectful of moms doing what works for them. However, I am so thankful that it seems like you might have found something that is helping ease their pain! Once we figured out what was upsetting Chloe's tummy she was a completely different baby. So I feel that you have blue skies ahead of you. Love your posts and love seeing all the pictures of your precious little family. Good luck and God Bless!! xoxo - Amy in Colorado.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley!
ReplyDeleteI have been having the same problem with my third baby who is now almost 5 months. I nurse her but she is NEVER CONTENT and is ALWAYS fussing and crying. Which is hard on a momma with two others under 3. I think maybe I should try formula too but have a question before buying it. You mentioned you used Enfamil Gentlease first from the pediatrician, then switched to Nutramigen. Which one worked better for you? Did you find that Nutramigen does since that's the one you stuck with? Should I try both? Thanks for your post. Every day I have had a hard time with this babe and even took her to the doctor too because for three days straight all she did was scream. Thanks for the light at the end of the tunnel!
Hi! This was my first baby. She was never content!! She had a cow's milk allergy. Until she grew out of it at ten months, I gave up all dairy. It was tough initially for me to get over not eating dairy but not a problem.
DeleteNot to butt in on your convo, but my daughter had the same problem. Formula did NOT help! In fact, it made it worse. I continued to nurse. When I went completely off dairy myself, the crying and screaming and constant diarrhea and vomiting stopped. Maybe try it and see if an allergy or intolerance is a problem for your little one. We saw a huge difference within a day, but it was a week out that the tears improved immensely. She continued to be a high-needs baby, but she didn't cry all day anymore. Good luck! There's nothing more taxing than a baby who cries all day and night.
DeleteThank you! I usually can only nurse for about 6 months so for the next couple of months so until then I am going to go off dairy myself, then slowly incorporate the formula as I become unable to sustain nursing. I hope it helps her. My other two definitely weren't as hard to figure out but it's a good experience to learn from.
DeleteNutramigen was a lifesaver in our now 4 year olds infant days as well. It was like a light switch just flipped after day 3 of using it. I believe we waited until 11 months to start mildly introducing cow's milk and he's adjusted just fine. It's just so sad their poor little tummies can't digest the proteins. Although we went completely broke that first year, it was SO worth it to have a happy baby each and every day after that. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteOk...i know some may think i am nuts but i ordered my nutramigen from ebay. They were sealed, not expired and so much cheaper. We had to use it for a year. I also had two friends who had to use it and they also got it off ebay. Like i said, i know some will think that is nut. But it we never had a problem and it saved us a ton! Good luck! I hope things get much easier!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you! I cannot even imagine how hard this season has been for you, and I am SO glad you're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! Keep your chin up, Girl, you're doing great!
ReplyDeleteYou had me crying. I'm so glad things are changing for the better. Your boys (all three) are precious. I'm sure Miss Presley is clapping her hands in glee that you've figure it out too. You're a good mama. I'm praying for this to continue to improve. Better days are here and are going to get better.
ReplyDeleteWow. I cannot even imagine what you've gone through. So, so happy you found something that works! Poor babies stomachs are just different than most. What a relief for you.
ReplyDeleteThat is so great to hear! It is SUCH a game changer when the baby can play for even a few minutes on their own. YAY for you guys!
ReplyDeleteYay! I am so glad you have some answers and a little bit of relief. Also, in case you do WIC, their clinic will provide you and even drop off the formula to your door. My son had to do the formula above nutramigen (elecare) and it was 95 dollars a can. There was no way for us to afford that as well on a college students budget. It may be something to look into as well.
ReplyDeleteNot to butt in on your convo, but my daughter had the same problem. Formula did NOT help! In fact, it made it worse. I continued to nurse. When I went completely off dairy myself, the crying and screaming and constant diarrhea and vomiting stopped. Maybe try it and see if an allergy or intolerance is a problem for your little one. We saw a huge difference within a day, but it was a week out that the tears improved immensely. She continued to be a high-needs baby, but she didn't cry all day anymore. Good luck! There's nothing more taxing than a baby who cries all day and night.
ReplyDeleteWhat a relief! So glad you were able to make that discovery and the boys are doing much better. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteSomething I learned while working on a Mother/Baby Unit: Contact Enfamil directly and tell them of your situation. Often, formula reps will give free cans by the case for the duration of formula feeding. 1-800-BABY123
ReplyDeleteBless your heart... poor babies crying all the time :(
ReplyDeleteMy son was 3 mos when they changed him to soy formula because of the constant projectile vomit.
3 lil handsome men... praying it continues to go smoother for all of you!
I thought I'd comment on your most recent post so you'd be more likely to see it. I had tried to comment on a previous post, but it never posted. Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I had a near-drowning experience, and it was surprisingly one of the most peaceful experiences I've ever had. When I was under the water, everything was so quiet, and, although I was still trying to get out, it was such a calm, almost beautiful feeling... I kept talking about that feeling to my husband after the fact. I would not be a bit surprised if Your daughter had the same experience. Thank you for blogging about so many personal experiences; I just referred another mom to your blog, because she recently lost her little girl.
ReplyDeleteOh Ashley I'm SO glad you figured it out! We had to use Nutramigen with Megan and (even though I wanted to cry in the Wal-Mart check out line when I was paying for it) it was totally worth it to have a baby not scream and puke all day and night long! I don't know how you've survived it with two! I hope it just gets better from here on out!
ReplyDeleteMy youngest had to be on Similac's Alimentum--- similar to Nutramigen. It was expensive too and our insurance covered it at 90%, which was very helpful. It made a HUGE difference. I'm glad you are finding something that helps.
ReplyDeleteMy first born had a cow's milk protein allergy (diagnosed by a GI doctor by the presence of occult blood in the stool) and it was terrible. We endured 4 and a half months of constant screaming and it was horrible. I can only imagine what it would be like with two. We had to go a step above Nutramagin and do the Nutramagen Amino Acid. (We tried Elecare first, but it didn't help). Once we made the switch it was like night and day! He also had severe reflux and prevacid helped. HE was on that until he was about 10 months old.
ReplyDeleteIt's pharmacy grade so definitely talk to your insurance and see about WIC. there will be a special form to have your pedi sign to authorize the name brand specialized formulas. So happy you found an answer!!!
ReplyDeleteI am soo glad this worked for you! What a relief to have happier babies! You are an amazing Mom Ashley! I've loved watching your precious family grow! Thank you for sharing your everyday with us, you give me hope that I can endure anything life sends me. I have so far and I'm thankful to follow your story and see your strength. Yay for happy babies!!
ReplyDeleteAshley one of my twins has to be on Nutramigen! Did you know Enfamil has a twin program and will send you a free case per baby? Call the number on the can and tell them you want to be enrolled in the multiple birth program. They are very friendly and will send the formula really quickly! Glad you guys figured it out!
ReplyDeleteI had ONE sone with a milk sensitivity who had to have Nutramigen. It smells AWFUL, but kept him happy :) I am so glad you got some answers!! We had also been dismissed repeatedly as having "a colicky baby" and "a fussy baby" and I would explain NO, it's not normal, he would vomit and my clothes would be soaking wet! When a pediatrician finally listened to me and gave me some options I was ELATED! He was a totally different kid after! To this day he is still a little lactose intolerant (hes 11 now!). Here is to some happier baby days!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are speaking my language!!! Seriously, as soon as I read your post I called my pediatrician (who is a good friend from my ward) and switched my 6 month old to nutramigen. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteAs a side note, I have never commented before but have read your blog since shortly after Preslee passed away. You are a wonderful example, and super woman with those kids for yours!
We also had these problems with our son. Just a warning: when he was one years old and we tried to introduce milk back into his diet, it set him back again! After getting an intestinal biopsy at Primary Children's, it was revealed that he's missing the Lactase Enzyme. He was born without producing this enzyme, which means he can have no form of milk at all- casein, whey, etc. I give this as a warning so that when you start with milk again, you may want to watch for a decline and you'll know what to do. So happy they're doing better!
ReplyDeleteoh ashley - I had no idea things were still that bad. I am so sorry. I should have been still offering to do your grocery shopping and bringing in some meals as well! I am sure you wish you would have figured out what was wrong several months ago. How frustrating! But I am glad things are finally moving in the right direction. It seems your refiner's fire is hotter than most....it must be that Heavenly Father has something very special in mind for you in the future (besides all of the good that you are doing now). I can hardly wait and see what your future holds. You are one of His elect...that is for sure!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley! :) I've been a follower of your blog for a couple years, but don't comment much & thought I'd finally introduce myself! I'm Karly! Ashley Allen is my cousin & that's where I first heard of you and your story! Anyways! This post literally made my day! Finding the right formula is no joke! My little Ivy was the exact same way, and by the time you finally figure out what works, the price seriously goes out the door! Hope your insurance or wic or whatever you have will pay for it! I'm so glad they are happy and content now, you are super mom and I love to read about your little babes! So adorable!! :)
ReplyDeleteI have two things to tell you. First of all, your twins look so much like Presley its amazing!!! They are so beautiful!!! Also, I wanted to ask you if Similac makes a formula like you are using. I have $10 worth of coupons that I will not use, so if you need them, I am happy to send them to you. Just let me know. :) lisamariemartz@gmail.com (if you prefer to email).
ReplyDeleteAshley, my first was on nutramigen and my second is 7 months and on alimentum. You can get a prescription for both. I know you definitely can in Idaho because I got the alimentum prescription in rexburg. If you have questions or need help with anything shoot me an email at Starbuck.kayla@gmail.com good luck!
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely go to the WIC office and just see if you qualify.
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd chime in, my son was on ready to feed nutramagin and WIC covered it. I was a student at the time too. Hope this helps! You just have to take your prescription to prove the boys NEED it for medical reasons and they will cover it!
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord!! So happy for you.
ReplyDeletexo
That formula saved us 8 years ago :) Sooooo worth it!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you guys! We just had our fourth baby and it's as if you our describing him! I finally reached my breaking point last week and took him to the chriopractor. I had several people recommend it, but trying to find the time to take him without hauling all the children didn't appeal to me :) I am totally sold! It has been amazing. Just to have him so content is life changing!
ReplyDeleteI googled "27 weeks pregnant with twins" and found your blog. So happy to have found it and loved reading your pregnancy weekly updates. I'm expecting two boys myself in June so your life with twin boys updates will be so helpful too!
ReplyDeleteYou just described my (now) 8 year old. He was such a fussy baby until we discovered Nutramigen! I tried nursing him for about 2 weeks and he would projectile vomit each time, so we tried formula which worked better but he was still so colicky. After switching to Nutramigen it was night and day difference. He only stayed on it until he was about 6 months old and then we switched to normal formula and he did fine with the switch. He also did fine when he started drinking cows milk. Also, a side note: I was worried that he might be missing out on nutrients and I read all kinds of things about how babies who were on formula would get sick more and had more behavioral problems than other kids. For me that is completely false. I have two younger kids who were both breastfed until one year and I would say my oldest son (my formula fed baby) is the best behaved and gets sick the least. He is in the gifted program in his elementary school and he is ahead in many ways. Keep being an awesome mama to those babies! :)
ReplyDeleteNutramigen saved my life with my 33week preemie baby. He was so grumpy but after starting it he was s new baby. wic paid fort a lot of it. I just found your blog and was reading through it. I just got on the contact you and suggest nutramigen when i found this post.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually sad that I didn't think to tell you this....I have twin boys as well and we had to go this far for a while. The actually only stayed on it for about a month and we switched back to Gentelease and we've been great so far! So happy everyone has seen improvement!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. sign up for the Enfamil website and they send 5$ coupons once a month. I think I get 3-4 coupons for each month. It's fantastic.
ReplyDeleteMy first daughter cried for the first 3 months of her life. (We had to supplement because I didn't make enough breast milk). We are still grateful for the day that we were given Nutramigen to try. That very same day she was transformed! She didn't cry! She was happy even! And we could put her down! It was a blessed day. So I can truly fathom your relief. Btw if you qualify for WIC they might still do it with a prescription. That's how we were able to get it. As she got older we switched to the gentlease too.
ReplyDelete