Im a FTM to my DS who is 5 weeks old.
Born via a forceps delivery at a weight of 7lb 2oz, born with a tongue tie. Fed by formula in the hospital on Cow and Gate, I used the ready made formula in the first week to help me as I was recovering so making feeds at night was easier, just heat up and feed. Now the last 2 weeks making my own feeds but last couple of days baby seems to be suffering. I admit some days I cannot wait for the 30minutes of kettle to cool down and prepare feeds, so have been making feeds in advance to help at night only, in the day I make when needed.
I feel my baby has developed silent reflux. Initially i thought it was colic as crying episodes started in the evening after feeds so used infacol for a couple of days, but it didnt do much (i skipped a few feeds).
However he has now started to show symptoms of silent reflux/acid.
I am dealing with following symptoms:
• inconsolable crying especially after feeding
• hiccups after nearly every feed
• choking while feeding
• gulping/swallowing very loudly
• crying in pain while trying to burp mid feed and always at end of feed.
• tongue always sticking in and out
(funny faces being pulled as well)
• back and legs tense and straighten in pain after feed with crying that does not stop (2 to 3 hours at a time)
• wheezy chest with whistling/breathing very heavy and fast
• phlegm/mucus in chest
• congested nose
• watery poos but can go a day or two of no dirty nappies
• Feeds well 5oz each time, 5 or 6 times in 24hrs (again i dont know if the feeding provides relief from pain temporarily so keeps drinking even though this makes the reflux even more worse)
• Breathing difficulties when laid on back, breathing stops for a bit then comes back. Scary
• Hands and arms crossed and on chest.
• Didnt bring up milk however now switched milk from cow and gate to hipp organic (only 3 feeds so far) and this has started vomiting/bringing up curdled milk after feeds.
I have tried infacol, gripe water, bicycle exercises, massages, baths, cooled boiled water to no avail of these crying in pain episodes and its killing me. I have ordered carobel to see if that will help, but with no sick or vomiting will a thicker formula help? Do I go for infant gaviscon from GP?
I am due to see my health visitor in a few days and havent sought help from GP as there have been days where its been a bit better but more days of these intensity.
I need advice. Do I need to try a anti reflux formula? Or are these allergies. Hes in so much pain and uncomfortable it is hard to see.
Thanks in advance.