I decided to go ahead and put Ava back on her blenderized diet after to many reflux-y events. The doctor has been out of town and I just didn't want to make Ava suffer through any more formula. She has also been dealing with an ear infection, so we've had a bit more crying...which means a lot more vomiting...which means a VERY unhappy mommy!
I saw a nutritionist within the last month to help guide me with Ava's diet. OK, actually, I walked into the office in tears and begged her to "Just tell me what to feed my child!!!" My last formulation was too high in fiber and caused things to move through her digestive tract too fast thereby causing her to mal-absorb nutrients. I just wanted a few recipes...I was sick of thinking and analyzing and worrying and second-guessing...SOMEBODY TELL ME WHAT TO DO FOR A CHANGE!!!!!! Somebody who has some common sense and knows what the H*LL they're talking about.
After two and a half years, I finally got what I've been begging for. Within a week, I had 2 recipes created by a therapeutic chef...one is fruit and yogurt based and the second is veggie and broth based. Both recipes give me the ability to easily substitute ingredients to give Ava a variety of foods within a weeks time. It's the actual measurements that were so important to me. 1 cup of fruit...simple and easy...any fruit...just use 1 cup of it. 2 TBSP tahini...can be almond butter or peanut butter...just use 2 TBSP. So many combinations and variations!
After making the recipes and calculating out the calories, I realized Ava was going to be a bit short each day. So...I called the nutritionist and within a few hours, I had the additions and quantities needed to boost the calories in each recipe.
It's amazing to have some REAL help with all of this. I feel a weight being lifted from my shoulders. It's wonderful! I'm sure we will have to continue to tweak the recipes, but I finally have some help ...some support.
Ava's body is LOVING being back on real food! She's not reflux-y at all and her stools were back to normal the first day. She fell and bumped her cheek today. Even with some pretty good crying, she didn't so much as gag once. On formula...every drop would have come spewing out of her. I'm so glad to have her back on real nutrition. It makes her feel good...and that makes me feel good.
Ava sings the ABCs...SO CUTE!!!!
