5mo only feeds when he's asleep- really struggling!

[LittleMissP81]

Will try to keep the whole story brief- ds born at 35 weeks at 3lb 3oz. In Scbu 3 weeks tube fed. Failed to establish breastfeeding so expressed for about 6 weeks and has been ff since. Was told in Scbu that he had a slight tongue tie but it wouldn't affect feeding. Went back to gp/hv repeatedly with feeding problems but since he has gained weight pretty well they've not been interested. Finally had tt snipped privately 3 weeks ago. Feeding improved a bit but for the last few days it's been horrendous again- he will not take the bottle at all- flinches away, arches back, turns head etc. I've had to wait til he's ready for a nap and feed him asleep when he'll drink 6-7 oz no problem. He seems so anxious/ stressed about feeding now- almost like a phobia and I'm definitely not helping as I'm also really tense around feeds. Have tried everything- different bottles/ teats, different positions, distracting him, singing, tv and no joy. Doctor suggested calpol . Am totally stuck and it's really getting me down. Any ideas??

I breastfed but this sounds like DS who had silent reflux (we had the same reluctance from GP as he was gaining weight well) - I think you might get more replies on the breast and bottle feeding boards. hope you find the solution soon, it's so hard to see your baby in pain or distress

Thanks for your reply. I've looked into silent reflux as a possibility. The reason I don't think it's that is because he will down 8oz and go straight down on his back at bedtime. He's not unsettled at night and once he finally has a feed he doesn't seem to be in any pain. Does that still sound like silent reflux??

not my experience of it no! but who knows, something is amiss isn't it? hopefully you'll find out what it is soon or he'll grow out of it. sorry I couldn't be of more help

OP,

I had the same thing happen with my DD at 3 months. She completely refused to feed whilst awake. She had silent reflux and we later found out CMPA, which may have been causing the reflux.

How is your LO during the day?

If I were you, I would ask the GP to prescribe you formula for cows milk allergy sufferers, and see if it makes a difference. This website is quite good:

www.isitcowsmilkallergy.co.uk/looking-after-my-baby/feeding/

Be very firm with the doctor. Tell him exactly what you want. If for whatever reason he doesn't, I am based in London, and I have some Aptamil Pepti 2 if you want to try that.

All the best x