Baby 4 wks old with reflux, had c-sec, feeling down?

Question

My little girl was born after a long diffucult labour followed by a c-sec. She is now just over 4 weeks old and has been suffering from reflux, which is making her very miserable and sick constantly and not sleeping much at all. all this is making me very miserable too, i think i am suffering from PPD a little and am so tired and irriable. I feel cheated by her birth as i didn't get to cuddle her and bond immediately, and, although I love her to bits, she sometimes feels like a strangers baby. I so want to enjoy my little girl and at my wits end as to what to do. Has anyone else experienced this and how did u overcome it? any advice would be greatfully appreciated

Answer 1

Spend lots of time skin to skin. Not only does it help emotionally, but it also helps your milk supply.
The reflux will sort itself out in time as she grows.

Answer 2

The feeling of being strangers can also be from the stress of having a little one that is so very fussy. Talk to your pediatrician about getting her on to special formula for her reflux. Depending on where you live you may be able to get insurance to cover it? But maybe not - WIC will if you are eligible and the Dr writes a note that it needs to be covered. One really good one is Neocate but and I say this BUT it costs a TON ! ! ! ! Like $40.00 a can and it can only be gotten with Dr's Rx or sometimes you can buy it from people online who have extra.

Push with your Dr about the reflux - some will just tell you to keep trying and deal with it kind of answers but it may be more - also if there is no relief for your little one have a referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist for further testing.

You said “I feel cheated by her birth as I didn't get to cuddle her and bond immediately"
I do understand this - although I didn't have a c-section I had a child that had an issue that could have meant possible surgery within 24 hours of her birth so after she was cleaned up all I really got was a quick 2 minutes then she was whisked right away to the Dr's at the NICU. I didn't get to see her again for almost 7 hours. That feeling - as long as you don’t dwell on it - should fade. Again I think the distance you are feeling is very much a result of the sleeplessness and stress of her reflux and being so upset all the time. Colic/reflux and medical issues (BEEN THERE) can make even the most practiced mother (already had 4) feeling like AUGH...... I don't want to do this - but I love her - but I don't like this... I'm not enjoying this being a mom thing but I love her..... Get help with her medical issues and I would bet that things will look up. Also remember to get help from your husband/BF/mom/grandmother/ who ever will help - have someone take her for a bit. Maybe your Mother would be willing to have a sleepless night so that you could get a bit of a recharge. Have her - or someone who is willing to - come to your house stay there with the baby so there is less interruption in her routine. You and your husband/BF go to a hotel for the night. Nothing fancy - just somewhere where you can have a dinner together, go to a movie, and get a nights rest. Remember to have breakfast out before you go home. Then you'll be able to go home missing your little one and know that you are very connected and bonded. and it will give you a mini vacation that you sound like you so very much need.

Answer 3

I had the same experience as well. Had a c-section, suffered from minor PPD, and had a baby with severe colic and reflux, so used to cry constantly for the first 3 months of his life. I found it very difficult to bond with my son during this time. It was a really difficult time and there were times when I thought it would never get better, but it does. You need to ensure your family help out as much as possible with the little one, and just take each day as it comes.

You should see a doctor about the reflux. There are medicines available that can help out and make them a lot more comfortable, and sleep better. My son still suffers from reflux, but we have found a medicine that means he is now as happy as any other baby the same age (10 months).

Good luck with everything. x

Answer 4

I feel for you. Its hard enough having a new baby let alone one that is poorly. My daughter didnt have reflux but she had colic so i know how you feel. Talk to a friend or family member it does help. I found it hard to talk about it at first because i thought people would think i wasnt very good at being a mum but you will find you will have a lot of support from family and us on here. It will pass in time there is no quick fix for those feelings. but just try to rest. see if someone can take over for a while even so you can just get a solid hours sleep to recharge your batteries. It will make all the difference. Talk to your doctor he may have something for you too try also My nephew had reflux too and he was prescribed baby gavison and it worked a treat. and he started sleeping better too see your doc about it. Hope you feel better soon and good luck too you and your little girl xxx

Answer 5

I cannot say I know what your going through but I just wanted you to know with time it will get better most babies grow out of the reflux and I know that has to be really hard. I have 2 of my own and I didn't get to bond as much with the second child as i did the first. It is a blessing to be a mother not all the time easy but youll get better at it. Try and relax and take a little time out for yourself weather its reading a book or taking a warm bath,that always calms me. when you pray ask God for strength because it is hard and your baby needs you. I really wish you the best for you and your baby and try to enjoy it they grow so fast.

God Bless You!

Answer 6

I was the same way. I was very depressed, cried everyday, and upset that I didn't get to hold my daughter until an hour after she was born, and felt like I was caring for someone's baby. I loved her, but didn't have that immediate bond with her that others speak of. I started to feel better at about 4 weeks, and I really just fell in love with her, so I guess it was all hormonal. If you don't feel better by your 6 week checkup let your OB know.

Answer 7

I had a C-section too and it took a few days to warm up to my baby. I know it is frustrating when they are sick, my 5 week old has a cold and is not sleeping well, but I am handling it.
You really need to talk to your doc. There is nothing wrong with taking an antidepressant for a few months if needed

Answer 8

I wont lie to you ive not experienced what your going threw id just like to say hang on in there babe sometimes it takes time to bond with your child and from what youve wrote its only natural to have them feelings after a csection. Keep your chin up and keep smiling things will get better soon

Answer 9

aww That is so sad im sorry but i cant help cause im only 12 but i hope your child gets better =]