My doctor has pretty much left me CONFUSED at Aidan's 1 year appointment. First thing he said was that there is no nutritionist around here but that Aidan does need to see someone. Mentioned something about a speech therapist specializing in feeding problems that could help us. Anyone ever heard of anything like that????
Okay second thing..... we were told to start Aidan on soy milk which we have and all he has been doing is spitting it up CONSTANTLY!!!! Does it take time for his stomach to adjust? How much time should I give him? I mean I can't keep him on formula forever, so NOW WHAT???? I don't know what else to do..... I guess I am basically at the point that I am at my wit's end and DON'T know what to do. The doctor and the GI feels he isn't getting enough nutritional value from his baby food but yet he can't eat table food well enough yet without gagging a lot or choking. But yet no one tells me what to do!!!!
I guess this ended up to be kind of a vent but there really is an underlying question here.
Have any of you faced this? What did you do? Have you heard of this type of speech therapist that specializes in feeding problems and do they help? How much time should I give the soy milk?
Does the fact that the soy milk is cold have anything to do with spitting up???
Thanx....

Courtney, we have seen many STs that specialize in feeding. They all have their own theories and ideas, so that is a very good place to start.

I can't help you with the soy question as we never went that route, however, if he really cannot tolerate any kind of milk, he could probably continue on formula designed for older children. It's my understanding that kids who do not get a variety of nutrients from solids should not switch over to milk and instead stay with formula.

Courtney, I am sorry that your docs have not been much helpt to you. I do understand your fustration about eating and keeping your child nutritionally sound. My one son was on formula for almost two years because he couldnt tolerate regular milk and dairy or soy milk. We were lucky because after he turned two he was able to start with soy. If your son is throwing up the soy he may then be allergic to it and not be able to handel it. I was wondering if your GI doc has suggested any kind of allergy testing be done yet? These test may help you find a better way to meet your sons needs.

Also as Becky stated there are many speech therapist that specialize in feeding issues in children and adults. I was wondering if your GI doc is able to refer you to someone that could evaluate him. Starting with a speech therapist is really a good way to go. I do wish you luck and hope that you are able to get some help and answers soon.


Melanie

Sounds like the ST with feeding skills is a good place to start. Any chance of seeing a dietician if a nutritionist isn't available??

We currently see a ST who specializes in feeding issues (she's one of the many people we're working with right now). I think a lot of the moms on IRD have had some experience working with a feeding specialist!

I agree with Becky--a few formula companies make Next Step forumulas for children over 12 months and I'm sure there is a soy-based option.

If I were you, I'd write down the specific questions you have, including referrals your ped might be able to make re: the ST, how he wants you to go about administering soy milk/forumula, etc. and call the office. Sometimes it gets confusing/overwhelming when you're actually at the appointment--I often think of my questions after I'm home and end up calling back when I have a minute to follow up.

I'm sending you {{Big Hugs}}! This stuff is never easy and I can't begin the count the number of times I've called the ped or the feeding specialist after an appointment to clarify information!

So, is he on soy formula now? I would definitely keep him on the formula. Evan just got switched to Neocate JR b/c he's not even really on baby food, just rice when he gets it. He loves to eat, just can't. I wish I could send of his food enthusiasm your way! Soy milk isn't good nutritionally for a child who doesn't eat much. You can definitely work w/ it if you have no other options, but since he's on formula now and doing fine, that's your other option. I would defintely find a dietitician to talk to, even just on the phone. Since he can't eat very much, they may reccomend something for you. I know Bright Beginnings has a soy based pediatric drink or they may go a step further and do something like Neocate since it's considered a food. Good luck!

We've been down the feeding therapy road. Evan's team consisted of an occupational therapist, a speech therapy and a dietitian.

About the soy milk, it could take Aidan a few days to get used to it. If he's just spitting up a little, I'd continue to see if he gets used to the change, but if it makes him vomit a lot, I'd look at something else. There are some formulas for up to 18 months. You could also look into supplementing with a calorie fortifier and a protein powder, but I'd check with the doctor first.

I doubt that the temp. of the soy milk is causing the problem. Perhaps the soy is too thin for him?

Hey! Okay here is the update!!! Aidan spit up soooo badly on the soy milk that I took him off of it and now he is on Isomil. He spit up bad with Alimentum too so they are switching him around soooo badly now. I keep thinking using maybe someone who knows more about nutrition might be a lil better....
I keep getting the run around. They tell me to use trial and error but he can't afford to spit up sooo badly