Reflux, CMPA or just a fussy baby?

[CurlyNo2]

Also posted on parenting forum

My 5 week old cries every waking hour. As soon as he opens his eyes, he cries. I took him to the GP at 2 weeks old who said he most likely had colic and to just get in with it, but I feel there is more to it being ‘just colic’.

I’ve noticed the following:

• always crying when awake, never happy or content
• arches back when crying as if in pain
• screams mid feed (formula fed)
• loose stools
• nappy rash - I think because of the loose stools
• being sick
• very agitated
• has a mucus wheeze sound in his throat every now and again
• sneezing a lot
• hates being laid down
• has a lot of wind

We started off on breast milk and formula and then moved to formula as he had an anterior tongue tie which was snipped at 3 weeks. He is on cow and gate formula but we have also tried Aptamil which didn’t change anything.

We have tried infacol but that just made him bunged up and added to his tummy pain. We’re now on colief and it has helped slightly. We’ve tried different bottles and size tests.

Does any of the above sound like reflux, CMPA or is my baby just an unhappy, fussy child?

This is my second baby and the difference between them both feels like night and day, and it is really upsetting to see him so unhappy and uncomfortable all day, every day.

I have requested a further appointment with a different GP to discuss further but just wanted to get others views or personal experiences in the meantime.

Thanks.

Sounds just like my 3rd baby, who has CMPA. You might have to fight for a formula from the GP but definitely worth a try switching for a while. Don't let them tell you to try soya formula as a lot of babies with CMPA have a soy allergy too, you will probably need to start with nutramigen

I also saw a infant feeding specialist because my baby had tongue tie too, who was annoyed at GPs saying 'colic' 'reflux' because she said reflux was a symptom of another problem, not a standalone diagnosis (I was also told reflux at first)

I've got comps and it sounds like that to me as well. See if you, or someone else can film a feed and go straight back to the GP.

Allergy UK have some useful information on getting help here.

Could you try a comfort formula whilst you wait for the GP?

So the GP has just called me and said that I’m over feeding him and that’s why we are experiencing all of the above symptoms.

He is a big baby born and currently still on the 75th centile. He is taking 6oz every 3-4 hours. Apparently he should be on 3oz for his weight. If I gave him 3oz he would scream the place down (even more than he does now!).

This is the 5th professional to give us different advice.
First one was the hospital who advised 2oz amount.
second was the midwife who said we were under feeding him and that’s why he lost so much weight and to up him to 4oz.
Third was the health visitor who said to up his feed to 5oz as still not putting on weight. The fourth was another health visitor last week who said if he is still searching for food to give him it, so he was on 6oz.

So.. to be told by the fifth in five weeks that we are over feeding him by double what she thinks he should be having, I don’t know what i should be doing for the best.

Aah OP, it is so upsetting and frustrating when you aren't listened to or get conflicting information! I have definitely been there trying to get them to recognise cmpa.

I think babies can feed to relieve the stomach pain, so it's a vicious circle, which is maybe what he is doing and why they think you are over feeding him. I don't think you are doing anything wrong.

So I would video his behaviour, take pics of loose nappies, has he got a rash or spots anywhere? If so, take pics of them too. Are you on Facebook? There is a good group called 'main group cmpa support'. Lots of people have been in the same position so maybe you can get more advice there.

I would probably email my GP with a list of symptoms and links to allergy/NHS pages of cmpa that match my child's symptoms and ask to at least trial a hypoallergenic formula. (I did do similar after a patronising, and dismissive GP) And try to get your HV on board, some can be supportive and contact the GP for you.

Overfeeding would not cause the wheezing. How very upsetting. Did you read the Allergy UK info?

I'd maybe give their helpline a call