At least it does to Emma. Then again, she also thought the putrid smell of Alimentum formula was yummy, so take it for what it’s worth.
The good news is that we are officially off formula, and Emma is like every other 17 month year old out there… except she is drinking rice milk instead of whole milk. But actually, her pediatrician seems to think that’s perfectly fine. And so do I.
As long as I continue to add fat to Emma’s diet and buy the enriched rice milk (with Vitamin D), she really is getting all the nutrients she needs. And as any family member will tell you, I am still an anal retentive first-time mom that makes sure she gets a well-balanced meal 3 times a day. Go ahead and gag. And then tell me it will wear off. I know, I know. :o)
Anywho, the even better news is that Emma has been off her reflux medicine for about 2 months now. I am still not convinced she doesn’t have reflux, but I am waiting for more “evidence” before I put her through any tests. She is sleeping fine, but she still coughs up food and chokes more than I think is “normal.” Jeff isn’t convinced, but then again, he isn’t with her as much as I am. He realizes this and says he’ll support me if I want to get the scope done, but that’s a lot of pressure and honestly, I am not at that point yet. I’m waiting it out until I get that gut instinct to get it checked.
For now, I’m just staying away from very acidic foods (i.e., oranges, tomatoes) and spices, but that is slowly but surely getting annoying. I’d love to give her a meal with more taste, but I am nervous. I’m sure most of you think I’m nuts, and I know she won’t die, but I also don’t want cause her pain. I have seen what food does to Jeff, and I’d hate to make her go through that — or worse, have her think that sort of discomfort is normal.
I do realize that I have completely overanalyzed this, and I am now at the point where I can’t seem to move forward. We are stuck with the same old meals, but when you take out milk, acid and spices, there’s not much left. Our staples include ground turkey, chicken, whole wheat/organic pasta, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, pears, peaches, grapes, cantelope, eggs, wheat bread and oatmeal. And, of course, Cheerios!! Any new ideas out there? Emma has to be as bored as I am.
At what point do I take the plunge and try adventurous foods like peanut butter, fish and strawberries? Jeff and I had salmon and broccoli tonight, but I was afraid of the fish and I thought the broccoli would make her gassy. I’ve also read broccoli can aggrevate reflux.
But she might not have reflux, you say? Yes, I know. So what’s my problem?
This is the first time I’ve done this, but I’d like to hear your opinions. Do I go for the food and hope for the best, all the while getting sick to my stomach and stressing? Or do I get the test done, all the while feeling guilty for possibly putting Emma through this for no reason at all.
Or maybe I just need a glass of wine.
You tell me.