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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

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Original poster

Is this reflux? (thread title amended by MNHQ)

24 replies

hullabaloo234 · 05/07/2015 21:59

Looking for some advice please as I BF my DC1 so am new to FF. DC2 is 2 weeks old and is wanting 3oz of formula every 1.5 hrs, sometimes even drinking 4!

I'm concerned as this takes her way over the recommended formula amount for her weight in 24 hrs.

Is it just a growth spurt she's having or should I be concerned at her level of hunger? I will give my HV a call tomorrow but any advice I can get would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your help

OP posts:

bippityboppitypoo · 05/07/2015 22:03

"Recommend" is such a small word for how differentiating each child is, I would go with what she wants not what the box says.

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 05/07/2015 22:06

That's what I was thinking too, but a paediatrician friend yesterday looked alarmed when I told her how much she was drinking and jotted down a calculation for how much she should be having which is roughly half the amount she is having It's got me worried I'm overfeeding her or that there is something wrong

OP posts:

Gileswithachainsaw · 05/07/2015 22:08

It's been really hot she's bound to be thirsty so I wouldn't worry at this point unless she's uncomfortable after feeds or throwing up alot?

they feed alot at this age.

is she definitely crying for food? are you sure your not mistaking cries fir hunger?

does she have a dummy

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 05/07/2015 22:11

She occasionally throws up a feed but for the most part keeps it down fine. has been taking small amounts of water too as it's been so warm. It's definitely hunger, has all the hunger cues - lip smacking, sucking on her fingers and anything else that gets close to her mouth like my face etc.. yes she has a dummy and will use it if tired but not hungry, if she's hungry it makes her angry as she wants a bottle instead.

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Gileswithachainsaw · 05/07/2015 22:14

The only thing I'd wonder about is reflux. reflux babies from what I've read on MN feed alot because the swallowing makes their throats feel better.

is she happy in herself? sleeping ok?

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 05/07/2015 22:19

She doesn't sleep long as shes feeding so often! I did wonder about reflux as she often seems uncomfortable feeding and frequently has hiccups, but only throws up one or two feeds a day, whereas I thought refluxy babies vomit much more than this? Thank you so much for your help I really appreciate it x

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Gileswithachainsaw · 05/07/2015 22:27

from what you have just said I'd maybe start a new thread titled "is this reflux? " or something as I've no experience of it really and there are many MNetters who have alot of experience and expertise on it and will be able to advise better.

The uncomfortableness (is that a word?) would make me wonder if she really was hungry an entire feed is alot to puke up.

avoid lying her flat. prop up the head end of the moses basket/cot. and keep her upright after feeds.

definitely worth asking your HV tomorrow.

Gileswithachainsaw · 05/07/2015 22:29

I meant to ask, does she ever go longer than 1.5 hours? is this day and night?

and how long has she been doing it for?

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 05/07/2015 22:29

Ok will do, thank you ever do much for your help!

OP posts:

BlessedAndGr8fulNoInLaws4Xmas · 05/07/2015 22:31

Whatever happens do not worry that the ? Reflux may be caused by not breastfeeding this time .... That is just not the case - it's simply an immature gut .

Gileswithachainsaw · 05/07/2015 22:34

I wasn't much use really sorry

2/3 week is usually when things settle down a bit. so if it turns out not to be reflux hopefully it will ease off a bit very soon.

In mean time don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member to take her out fir a walk and give you a break. You must be exhausted

UpUpAndAway123 · 05/07/2015 22:35

Reflux can be silent I.e. they don't throw up. Baby would be in pain and uncomfortable-screaming, arching back etc. They feed more often as the milk settles the acid. If you think it is this then see GP.
I assume your friend advised 150mls/kg/day. I work on NICU and believe me, some newborns take way over this-especially bigger babies!
Your baby doesn't need water, only milk. Try to stop worrying about the amounts until you speak to HV and get her weighed. I think it's down to the heat and probably a growth spurt. If baby was bf you wouldn't question this as you don't know how much they are taking.
Was she a big baby? My nephew was and he is nearly 3 months-he feeds loads-way over the recommended but he is a big, hungry boy :-)

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 05/07/2015 22:36

Thank you, I am feeling so guilty that I can't give her the same start in life as DC1 and I was thinking exactly this.Yesterday I was all set to stop taking my medication so I could until my DP talked sense into me. I can't take care of them properly if I'm not well so FF really is the best option for us this time.

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Gileswithachainsaw · 05/07/2015 22:40

Don't you dare feel guilty! !!

if you need medication take it. Your no use to your family if whatever your taking medicine for gets worse and leaves you unable to function properly. looking after yourself is just as important! !!

There's nothing wrong at all with formula. nothing. and your baby won't feel any less loved or wanted because milk came from.a bottle.

UpUpAndAway123 · 05/07/2015 22:44

Don't feel guilty. Your baby is getting fed by a healthy mummy, that is what matters x

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 05/07/2015 22:50

I know you are right, and I'm sure I will make peace with it eventually. I can't take care of them from hospital and there really is nothing wrong with formula I know I will speak to the HV tomorrow and if needs be make an appointment with the doctor to talk about the possible reflux.

OP posts:

Gileswithachainsaw · 05/07/2015 22:53

Once she's rolling around on the floor shoving dead bugs in her mouth you will wonder why the milk ever bothered you

good luck with the HV tomorrow

MNHQ

TheOnlyOliviaMumsnet · 05/07/2015 22:54

We've changed this title for you - hope you and DD get some sleep soon

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 05/07/2015 22:56

hahaha yes you are so right!! And thank you, hopefully she will tell me its all perfectly normal and not to worry If it is reflux we'll do what we need to do to make her more comfortable

OP posts:

Gileswithachainsaw · 06/07/2015 21:06

How did it go.

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 07/07/2015 08:50

Hi Giles, the HV told me to take to GP as it sounds like reflux to her and may need some gaviscon etc. I couldn't get her an appt yesterday but I am taking her later today so will see what they say.

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Gileswithachainsaw · 07/07/2015 09:52

Fingers crossed for you

hopefully all those with experience of reflux will be able to tell you what worked fir them and answer questions of you have any after the gp.

I hope things start to improve for you. A miserable baby is hard work.

Original poster

hullabaloo234 · 07/07/2015 10:00

Thank you. She's so unhappy today, has vomited her last 2 feeds and seems in pain if the GP confirms reflux I will post asking for advice definitely! Whatever it is I just want to be able to make it better for her, I feel so helpless

OP posts:

Gileswithachainsaw · 07/07/2015 10:07

Oh bless her. Poor baby :( apparently reflux babies don't do well flat so keep her propped up. hold her upright over your shoulder or something.

Poor thing

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