Feeding Issues - Reflux? / Colic?

[sjroberston]

I'm struggling to get a happy baby when it comes to feeding! LO had EBM and Aptimil 1 from 3 weeks and only Aptimil 1 from 8 weeks. He is now 9 weeks old and as from 3 weeks he was showing signs of colic we decided this week to try Cow and Gate 1. The only change seems to be increased bowel movements and that is fine but he still spends his evening screaming and seems to hate feeding, he also seems to be drinking less? (on average 4 oz every 3-4 hours). We have only been using cow and Gate for 4 days so will give it a week, also we have been using Infacol for a month which does help with winding. He just seems to hate feeding and it feels like such a battle, he really fights the bottle and i'm feeling very low, dreading each feed.
I was also concerned that it could be reflux as he arches his back and brings up milk usually after every feed.
I have ben told that at 3 months we will see things improve but just want to make sure i'm doing everything i can to make him comfortable. We started using a dummy last week and he likes it, I just worry i'm using it to get peace rather than correctly! He doesn't sleep well either although it is getting better as he now can sleep for 3 hours at a stretch.
I've become very anxious which is very unlike me and almost avoid going out as don't want to feed him in public.
Any tips gratefully received.

[mrswishywashy]

It could be very normal and it sounds like you're doing all you can.

What bottles are you using? and how are you making the formula?

[sjroberston]

I am using Avent bottles and have ordered some MAM anti colic bottles to see if a different bottle helps. I have a Tommy Tippee machine for making up the formula. Just had a good feed of 5 oz but screamed during and after, only stopped when given a dummy to suck. Have called health visitor so perhaps she'll have some advice.

[stargirl1701]

If it is reflux, then you'll need medication to improve your LO's quality of life. Domperidome would reduce vomiting and Ranitidine would reduce acid.

Film a feed on your phone and show it to your GP. You will most likely be offered infant Gaviscon (causes constipation in most babies) which I would try to avoid.

[mrswishywashy]

Good idea to change to mam, avent doesn't suit all babies.

What's his sleep like over a 24 hour period? I've worked with some babies who've being treated for reflux but after adjusting their routine they've been able to come off meds. It's a bit of chicken and egg when babies are tired reflux symptoms are worse however if they have reflux then their sleep is likely to be disrupted.

I'd agree with above that if you see GP for meds don't settle for gaviscon and get ranitidine it has much better results with no side effects.