Amazing Transformation
I couldn’t take any more of those sleepless nights. Dana was miserable and screamed all day and night. She was inconsolable, constantly kicking her legs and wiggling in pain. I just knew that something was wrong with my baby. This was not just a fussy baby. I spoke with the pediatricians and they said that she might possibly be lacto-intolerant, and that I should cut all dairy from my diet. I did cut most of the dairy but not enough to make a difference. Dana was still miserable. We went back to the doctor and she recommended that I try her on Nutramigen formula. This is for babies who have a cow’s-milk protein allergy. During the two days she was on formula, I completely cut all dairy out of my diet while Dana became a happy baby. It was an amazing transformation. Dana was happy during the day and sleeping a bit better and smiling. She was happy and not gassy and wiggling in pain. What a difference the formula made. I went to see a gastroenterologist just to be sure that it was not something else. She agreed and suggested that I go back to nursing and just keep a strict dairy-free diet since breastfeeding is the best thing for babies. I was so happy to go back to nursing Dana. My biggest fear was that I was not going to be able to do it again, and that would have made me very sad. Happy baby, happy mother!
Dana is doing better these days. She is just a fussy baby at night that still does not like to sleep in her crib. She would much prefer sleeping in my arms or in bed with me. I don’t blame her. I am much more comfortable than a crib. Being that I am still in survival mode, I still take Dana to bed with me and nurse her till she falls asleep. I figure that I will just have to break these bad habits down the road. You can’t spoil a newborn. This is my last baby, and I want to spoil her. I am so relieved that we figured out what was wrong. I knew in my gut that something was not right. Mothers know their babies the best, and I was right all along. The breastfeeding is going well. Dana weights 10 lbs, 3.5 oz. She is doing great with her weight gain. I now need to work on getting her to be a better sleeper both the day and night.
Marlee and Bradley are doing well and are totally enjoying Dana. They, too, are happy that she is feeling better. Marlee still cannot stop kissing Dana and smothering her with love. Both kids have learned to change her diaper and enjoy giving her baths and bottles — they’re my best little helpers.
