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!