Well, as many of you know, much has happened over the past few weeks!! As soon as I get my new camera (woohoo for birthday's and generous family members!!) I will post more pictures of the ever growing angel babies. Since there is so much to update you all on, I will start today with the happier side of things. And the news is....we finally cured the troubles of my little AJ (I know I have said this before, but this time I REALLY mean it!! haha) As I was praying for my baby girl, I had an impression to go online and search for ways to help soothe her discomfort. I began researching different formula options to help with the reflux symptoms, and I randomly came across a very interesting blog. A father had written about his son (around AJ's age) who had basically the same symptoms and "diagnosis" as her. He commented on his blog that his son seemed to have a sensitivity to the DHA and ARA that they are now adding to infant formula. I thought, at first, that this was a bit strange. But the more I looked into it the more convinced I became that there was validity behind his claim. I researched where this imitation DHA and ARA comes from and found that it is extracted from plant algae and fungus and really bears very little similarity to the DHA and ARA truly found in breastmilk. I found reports from the FDA stating that there is very little conclusive evidence that these added elements truly do help support healthy brain and eye development (like it says on the can). I also found an article by the Cornicopia University (I'll include the link) that had documented over 100 reported cases of ADVERSE affect of the DHA and ARA on infants. I read through the reports and realized that most of them described exactly what my little girl was suffering from. So in short, I immediately went and bought the Nestle Goodstart formula WITHOUT the added DHA and ARA and started her on it. As of 48 hours ago, we have had a newly healthy and happy baby. She has had less fussier days, less spitting up, less needed medication, easier bedtime routines and she has even slept ALL through the night the past 2 nights!! Praise God for the internet and for His grace and guidance. If you happen to know a mommy who has a baby on formula and suffering from any symptoms related to acid reflux, excessive gas and/or colic please refer them to these sites. It may be a huge lifesaver!!
www.cornucopia.org/DHA/DHA_NewsRelease.pdf
http://usfoodpolicy.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-safe-and-effective-are-dha-and-ara.html
