More Than “Just Reflux”

Nora is 4 months old now - but the last two months have been anything but easy.

She’s currently fully formula-fed, though we mixed fed in the beginning. From early on, something just didn’t feel right. She developed rashes across her chest and tummy, wheezy breathing, and was vomiting multiple times a day. There was mucus in her nappies. She would cry and scream during and after feeds, arch her back, stiffen her little body, and throw her head back when she was distressed. She seemed uncomfortable most of the day.

Feeding became heartbreaking. She would pull off the bottle, choke, gag, strain to poo, and often seem like she was in pain after vomiting. Watching her struggle like that was overwhelming.

We started on Alula Gold, but it didn’t agree with her digestion - her poos were badly affected, and it just seemed too rich for her. We switched to Nan Comfort 1, which initially seemed better, but over time her symptoms became more obvious and more intense.

I took Nora to our GP because I was concerned she had Cow’s Milk Protein Intolerance or Allergy (CMPI/CMPA). That concern was dismissed as “just reflux.” But in my gut, I knew there was more going on.

After doing my own research into formulas suitable for CMPA, we trialled Aptamil AllerPro Syneo for a few weeks. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much improvement.

Still worried, I booked a second opinion with another GP at the same clinic. That appointment changed everything. After examining Nora and listening to her symptoms, he confirmed she has Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA). He provided us with sample tins of Alula Allergy - a rice-based formula - and referred us to a highly regarded local paediatrician.

Nora has been on Alula Allergy since 20 January 2026 and continues to use it.

We’ve now seen the paediatrician twice. The first appointment was to confirm her diagnosis and discuss whether she needed to move to an amino acid-based formula or stay on the rice-based option. Together, we decided to continue with Alula Allergy.

During that first appointment, the paediatrician asked whether Nora seemed upset after vomiting. At that time, she didn’t. But not long after that visit, everything escalated.

Her vomiting became more frequent and more concerning - especially during tummy time. She would silently vomit, and her little face would end up resting in it, leaving her skin and eyes red and burning. It was awful to witness.

We contacted the paediatrician again, and after reassessment, she diagnosed Nora with GORD (Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease) - essentially severe acid reflux. Thankfully, Nora hasn’t experienced weight loss, but there were concerns that the ongoing reflux may have started affecting her oesophagus. We wanted to start treatment immediately.

She was prescribed omeprazole (oral liquid via syringe) and a feed thickener.

It’s only been four or five days on this treatment plan. The omeprazole can take up to two weeks to show noticeable improvement, so we’re still waiting to see the full effect. However, the feed thickener has already reduced her vomiting significantly, which feels like a small but meaningful win.

This journey has been exhausting, stressful, and emotionally overwhelming. Watching your baby in discomfort day after day is something I wouldn’t wish on any parent. But if there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s this:

Trust your instincts.

If something doesn’t feel right, keep asking questions. Seek second opinions. Advocate fiercely for your child. You know your baby better than anyone - and sometimes that persistence makes all the difference.