4mo will only eat if half asleep

[Bumbershoot]

DD 4mths has had a bit of a tough time with severe reflux/CMPA/anaemia, is on various meds and Neocate, and weight gain isn't great, though she's not currently at risk.

As a result she's developed some tricky eating habits - she's quite anxious about bottles due to the fact she associates with pain. During the day she'll have a couple of ounces (up to 3oz max) to take the edge off and then absolutely refuse any more till 3-4hrs later. However when she's asleep or very drowsy at night she'll take 4oz, sometimes 5oz.

She's obviously taking less even for her biggest feeds than average, but that's to do with the reflux and her not being able to keep more down, however the very small daytime feeds seem to be a psychological thing. Paediatrician is suggesting weaning early but so far two gentle attempts resulted in serious tummy pain and hours of screaming, so we're holding off for a bit. I'm wondering if anyone's been through similar and if you have any suggestions to help get more into her during the day. Stealth feeding while she's asleep isn't sustainable! She's not amazing at napping so not keen on stealth feeding during the day but is that worth trying? Sorry this is long. Hope someone can help!

Why the screaming from weaning?
What food was it?

It was just baby rice but she had horrendous tummy pain and strained for ages to poo. I don't think her little tummy is quite ready hoping it's not something else that's causing the other digestive issues as well.

Bump

No advice as such just letting you know you're not alone! My 6mo struggled with undiagnosed tongue tie til it was finally snipped at 4.5 months. Since then he has this anxiety around feeds and over the last month has got to the point where he'll only take anything if he's asleep. It's a bit of a nightmare to plan your day around but I've just gone with it otherwise he won't have anything. Just started weaning do desperately hoping he'll take to that quickly so can start dropping milk feeds. I'm trying an osteopath but only had one session and it's made no difference so far. Good luck with your lo I know how hard it is, I'll let you know if I find a solution!

I would hold off on weaning anyway. But baby rice can constipate (and i think that would cause reflux)
But also some foods are very acidic which can also cause problems

Naty I thought the same.

LittleMiss sorry to hear you and LO are going through similar. I'll let you know if we find any solutions too! How's yours doing with weaning?

He's doing ok thanks, it's quite a slow process but he's keen to try everything even if most of it ends up on him/ me/ the floor. He was prem so think it will prob take a bit longer to get going properly. Just really glad he doesn't have a spoon phobia! Who would have thought feeding babies would be so hard?!!

Haha I know! Is he processing it all ok and pooing normally etc? (Another thing about having babies you don't expect - how much time you spend thinking and talking about poo!!)

So far so good! Sounds like you've had a really hard time with your dd. Have the meds helped with her reflux?

They did initially and she doesn't projectile puke anymore but there's still quite a bit of pain. Paed thinks possibly ulcers or something else and next step is an endoscopy (camera down to have a look) if weaning isn't helpful. Has been a bit tough yeah!

Great that your LO is taking well to weaning! Hopefully the food/pain link will disappear

Bumber has tongue tie been ruled out? Have a read of the article and see if you think its worth getting her checked out

Hi Jilted - I wondered about tongue and got the paediatrician to check her. She said there was no issue but I have to say we tick almost every symptom on that list! Is it possible for it to be missed?

Yes there is every possibility that it was missed. The Paed is unlikely to have the experience to diagnose tt correctly, especially if she just had a quick look in her mouth.

My DS was very much like your Lo and it turned out to be tt and upper lip tie. Have a look on google images at upper lip tie and see if you think Lo might have that too.

There should be some information on the milk matters page about how to get a proper diagnosis

Wow would be amazing if it was something as simple as that! Paed is talking endoscopy next. She has had serious CMPA and projectile vomited regularly even after being put on Neocate before she got meds so I don't think it could only be tongue tie..? The wind is totally ridiculous though. Last night she was awake 1.30-4 writhing and panting and she leaks milk out the sides of her mouth even if we use a size 1 teat!

It could be a combination of tt and cmpasupport, but I'm no expert. Just think it would be in your interest to get tt ruled out.

There was a poster on here some time ago who's DS had had these symptoms for 18 months and the HCPs had never even mentioned the possibility of tt. Turned out that is what was wrong all along.

Will definitely get it checked!