Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 2/16/2009

Question
Hello there.  I have a 4 month old daughter who screams and arches her back during feedings.  We have her seeing a G.I. specialist who has her on Prilosec, but we aren't getting the help we really need from this person.  We also have her on Nutramigen formula.  Nothing is helping her and I am going out of my mind.  She doesn't display symptoms of a milk allergy (that has been an idea that her G.I. Dr. has toyed with) other than her discomfort during feedings (no coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, etc.).  Actually, out of 6 stool samples, only one came back positive for blood (and honestly, I think it was from a fissure).  The reason she is on Nutramigen is because the regular formulas cause her to be constipated and gassy.  She has been like this since birth, but it seems that the past few days have been sooo bad.  She is actually starting to eat less and scream more.  My heart is just breaking (and my eardrums are bursting).  Please throw some ideas at me.  Thank you.

Answer
Hello Amanda,
Thanks for your question.  It's difficult to say what might be going on, without finding out more about your health and the history of her symptoms.  Common issues that arise include food sensitivities,  flora imbalance, motility issues, and others, but I can't tell which is most likely without a full assessment.  If you have an ND near you (www.naturopathic.org), that would be your best option for finding someone who can find out exactly what's going on and create a treatment regime that may be helpful.  In the meantime, I'd suggest a homeopathic remedy--these are chosen for her symptoms, or there are combinations such as Hyland's brand.  You may consult a homeopathic or naturopathic doctor for this, but you could also choose whichever one fits her symptoms best, and often that can provide some relief.  You could also try a supplement called "gripe water"  it's a combination of herbs that help relieve colic and other GI symptoms, and very safe even for young infants.  Gripe water and homeopathics you can find at most health food stores, on-line, or some drugstores.    
Good luck,
Dr Conner