I’m beginning to find breastfeeding really traumatic and was wondering if anyone could help. My 7 week old baby girl has been diagnosed with reflux and is is currently on ranitidine and infant gaviscon. We think this is under control now as she is generally a much happier baby. However, I do struggle to work out a pain cry from other cries...
For most of the day, she is a happy and contented baby. She sleeps well, naps well, has lots of smiles and interaction, etc. However, feed times are another matter. Because she is on infant gaviscon, I am expressing 1-2 ounces for each feed and giving her that with the Gaviscon mixed in, then giving her more milk at the breast, if she wants it. She takes the expressed milk in the bottle fairly well (sometimes grizzly but generally ok). However, when I then put her to the breast, she is initially desperate for the milk and latches quickly, but then pulls away and literally screams. I struggle to think it’s pain because she has only had about one ounce by that point, as she starts screaming pretty soon after latching. By screaming, I mean that’s it piercing and there are real tears. It’s very distressing and if I try to offer the breast again, she sometimes latches on desperately quickly and the same thing happens again or she shakes her head around and waves her arms around. At that point, I obviously take her off as I think that means she doesn’t want any more but she doesn’t stop screaming. She appears hungry as she balls up her fists as some babies do when they are hungry.
Has anyone experienced this? I’m seeing the Health Visitor on Tuesday and will ask her, but I’m so upset tonight and wonder d if anyone had any advice. Thanks!