Help - ff 9wo baby wont feed

[addictedtofrazzles]

Hi there,

My 9wo ds was diagnosed with dairy intolerance and silent reflux by a specialist pead at 7 wo. He was prescribed nutramigen, gaviscon and ranitadine. Overnight the diahorrea and nasal congestion stopped. However, 2 weeks on and he has become impossible to feed. Things have deteriorated over the last week. He was taking 6oz a feed and now takes 1-2 oz in 1 hour. He screams, is impossible to wind (big belly burps have become small, tight ones that rarely come up). He takes a few sips and screams. He is pumping his legs endlessly.

I have mananged to get another appointment last thing on Wednesday but that seems an age away.

Can anyone suggest anything that I can do in the mean time, please?

Should I try Neocate?

Any suggestions are really welcome, please :)

That sounds really really tough .

I know it's a longshot and you might well not want to even entertain the thought, which is fine by me, but worth mentioning it in case you would. Did you breastfeed at all? Would you consider re-lactating and restarting breastfeeding? It might be quite an undertaking (you might have to go dairy-free too), but then it sounds like what you're dealing with now is really hard work too.

do you think the new formula is causing the wind? I couldnt comment on wheather Neocate is the answer.

I would try giving him lots of tummy time after each feed. The wriggling around seems to help the wind come up. I would also try giving him some gripe water or dentanox. That can be good for helping get the immediate burps up (not so good for gut wind IYKWIM).

The tiger in the tree hold is good for helping to soothe windy babies. Basically lay him along the length of your forearm with his head up next to your elbow and rub his back in small circles moving upwards towards his head. THe pressure on his tummy along with the rubbing can be very soothing. Becuase of his reflux i wouldnt suggest patting his back as i am told it can make the reflux worse but the rubbing in circles works.

Also, you can try winding him by putting him up on your shoulder but higher so that his stomach is resting on your shoulder. Again rub in circles moving upward.

My DD was very windy and was forever battling trapped wind. I used to hold her in the tiger in the tree position, rubbing her back and walking up and down the stairs. It was exhausting but it worked eventually.

We also started making her bottles up with cammomile tea which for us was a miracle cure. I still totally recommend it but am not sure how it would work with the medication your little one is on.

I hope that helps and your little one feels better soon.

does the gaviscon thicken the feed? Are you using a faster teat to compensate?