Confusing feeding cues in bf newborn: reflux? WTD?

[LaTristesse]

5 week DD is I think beginning to show signs of reflux, or silent reflux, not sure yet which, if either!

During the night she sleeps (lucky me), but during the day, all day, she will feed for about 20mins then go red and squirmy while latched on, kick her feet about, arch back, cry, at which point I take her off and wind her. Inevitably she won't burp but might sick up some milk but then appear to be ravenous again (gnawing fists, rooting, crying) so we repeat the above several times until she falls asleep exhausted, usually after a bout of hiccups.

What do you think is going on? Is she actually still hungry or are these signs just her trying to get comfort from a windy tummy? Can a bf baby over-eat? What's the best techniques for winding a baby who struggles to burp? How can I improve things, she seems so uncomfortable? (I try to keep her upright in a sling during the day already).

My dd was the same- she is ebf and the windiest baby I have ever seen. I used to walk up and down the stairs with her to shift some of the wind and just hold her with her tummy pressing against my shoulder. Have you seen anyone about the position you bf in? I was holding her in a bizarre way so switched to feeding lying down and it certainly improved the amount of air she took in. Might be a load of old flannel though!

Yes I've tried different positions, going against gravity (so with her lying on my chest while I'm on my back) seems to help as I know I have a fast let-down, as does lying side by side, but those positions only improve things a little, and they aren't so practical when we're out and about!

Good to hear I'm not alone, thanks for the reply... Do you think she is still hungry when she roots like this?

I've the same issue with my 5wo. Sleeps like a top (fortunately!) during the night, but I think it's because she's so exhausted as she's not getting much sleep during the day (1 or 2hrs max) due to squirming/wind etc.

Currently using Infacol, which seems to produce bigger burps, but she's still uncomfortable for upto 90mins after a feed. She hates lying on her back (so end up having to carry/hold her - she's sometimes too uncomfy for the sling) and has thrown up a couple of times when on her back.

Have you had the latch checked? I know that can cause issues and a poor latch can increase the air that's swallowed. Had mine checked twice now and apparently it is fine (though prone to be shallow), but I'm not convinced - my nipple still comes out lipstick shaped on one breast.

Sorry, not much help in solving your problem, but to let you know you are not alone.

She could be, I suppose the best thing is to offer it again. A bit later once she seems a bit calmer. She is still very tiny and still learning the hard way about chugging milk too quickly! If you have a fast let down sometimes it's helpful to express a little off first so it's not as forceful? It will improve in time, we're still feeding lying down when at home and going with infacol. Easier said than done but please don't fret, if it is wind it won't be doing her any harm and once her gut matures a bit (ours settled somewhat at about 8wks) she will be less grunty and wiggly. But you know that tiny person best so don't ignore your instincts if you think it might be something more x

Hi LaTristesse, I don't have any advice am afraid but will be watching this with interest as my five week old DS is also as you describe (without the night sleeps- jealous!!) He additionally makes some quite extraordinary noises when feeding - a range of grunts, squeaks and squawks. I sort of assume they are from discomfort? He seems to be either very windy, constipated (well, he prob is as he doesn't do a poo very often but what I wonder is whether this is the source of all his discomfort or not), or has reflux. He's not consistently and copiously sicky but he does tend to puke up a little after most feeds.

He does the hand sucking signal a lot and like you I'm starting to get confused as to whether he is hungry or worked up from unsuccessful winding etc. this can get quite stressful when we are both exhausted!

Congrats on your DD by the way! I recognise your name from the April thread I think?

Ds is 6 weeks and similar- good sleeper at night but fairly unsettled unless feeding or being carried during the day. Also throws up quite a lot.

At the moment I think it's well within the remit of 'normal' newborn behaviour as he doesn't scream in pain and is putting on a reasonable amount of weight.

Will watch with interest for any further insight

Hi Carter, yes I was on the April thread, but she came in March!

We get the array of animal noises too, so much do that her older brother calls her the mouse, or sings the Peppa Pig theme tune when she starts feeding!

I think her latch is fine (no discomfort or misshapen nipples), but she does struggle with the let-down. I've tried running some of it off into a muslin until the flow slows but she gets very annoyed at seeing her precious lunch being wasted having to wait!

Good to know it at settle in a few weeks. Today has actually been much better as she did manage some good burps after this mornings feeds.

DS arrived in March too! Two weeks before my due date. My mum was sure I'd give birth at 38 weeks as she did with me and my two other siblings. Obviously she had to be right..

Am also glad to hear it is relatively normal and should settle in a bit. Had a bit of a dark day yesterday when it all seemed a bit much and I cried. But like you today has been better and I can cope with the thought that it won't be like that ALL the time..

Just two questions if you don't mind? - what sling is recommended for helping with these sort of 'issues' (for want of better word!) - the moby type or baby bjorn type? I might go sling shopping soon and am not sure which type to focus on. Secondly - does misshapen nipple mean bad latch? Mine look a bit 'pointy' on one side after he's come off- is that bad?

Am amused by your DS singing Peppa Pig etc! And glad to hear weird feeding noises are also normal.. :)

As far as slings go I'd avoid the Baby Bjorn ones as some people say they're not ideal for baby's groin - something to do with the shape around the bottom, particularly if used facing outwards - might be best to read up on this if you wanted to... I use a Close which is easy to get into, comfy and I can feed in. DD loves it. They work the same way as a Moby just with rings instead of tying fabric which I could never be bothered with.

And the lipstick nipple is a sign of a less than perfect latch, but if you're not uncomfortable I wouldn't think you'd need to change anything. My older DS fed for 20 months leaving lipstick nips behind him and I wasn't uncomfortable. But if other things are off it can be an indicator of what's wrong...