Bottle aversion?

[casswalts]

Hi - I recently posted '10 wo refusing to eat' and had some really helpful information about bottle aversion. I've done some research and ordered a book to find out more, but wondered if anyone had any advice on how they got over this! LO is 11 weeks old now and we've had a really bad few days - feels like things have got a lot worse 😣

Is DC only bottle fed? If so I would assume that feeding is hurting either their mouth/throat or afterwards they are getting tummy pains or some other reaction that would indicate perhaps an intolerance to cows milk/lactose.

If you breast and bottle feed DC just prefers breastfeeding... breast milk is apparently sweeter and the whole experience just more bonding/comforting so far as they are concerned.

Hello - I read your last thread with interest as my 10 week old baby isn't a great eater. It really is so stressful.
Last week he had a cold and that really affected how much he was eating. Fortunately it's really picked up again - do you think your little one could have a virus?

Firstly I would get the health visitor to come and weigh your baby. It'll let you know if your baby is gaining weight or not and may put your mind at ease. They could offer some advice as well. They're likely to have seen something similar before.
Maybe you should try some different bottles again. It may seem a bit pointless if your baby has had the same bottles since birth but it could help! There's a second hand baby shop near me that sells bottles - if there is one near you you could buy a few different styles on the cheap.
Again maybe try different formula - I would maybe get advice from your health visitor on that one though. I've heard sometimes it can upset babies to change.
Does your baby like to eat at a certain time of day? My son does the majority of his eating in the afternoon. If so offer more bottles then even if they have not long finished.

Lastly, trust yourself! You know your baby. Are they settled and happy? Do they sleep well and have alert periods where they smile and are content? If so and they are gaining weight okay then they may just not need as much compared to other babies. If not then I would go to the GP and try to see a paediatrician. I would want them reviewed properly.

I hope it gets better for you soon. It is such a stress - all I think I do sometimes is count and recount oz's taken throughout the day.
I'm sorry if this I long winded - I just didn't want to read and dash!
Sending hugs!

@RLI1105 thanks for the message. LO did have a snuffly nose which is how I think this all started but has since passed. Was prescribed saline drops which didn't seem to make much difference.

Wasn't aware health visitors made hime visits, I was planning on waiting until Wednesday to go to the local weigh in clinic. If I'm honest I've called the health visitor line previously for some advice on his eating and was met with a 'ummm hmmm' on the phone so wasn't overly pleased with the experience. One of the first questions asked was 'is this your first' - not sure why it matters if it's your first or third - id still be concerned.
He's been looked over by a pead and all ok, and is filling nappies, and is very happy when awake. He also sleeps very well (bad day time napper but from speaking to friends, their babies fight naps too) I'm sure I'll feel better once weighed. Had the same thoughts about the bottles so going to try again with different ones tomorrow.

@casswalts hey I was just wondering what you did to resolve this as it has been a while since you posted. I am literally having the same issue with my 4 month old and am so exhausted and drained. She literally screams and cries and just won't take the bottle at all.

The HV were as good as useless and I just feel so alone and gutted because no one has been any help. I literally have to wait for baby to go to sleep and then only can I feed her. Sometimes she would be so hungry she would cry herself to sleep and then only would accept the bottle.