5 month refusing feed

[Pinksoda08]

Hi. It's always been a struggle to feed my baby. During the first 3 months, I tried my best to breastfeed her, however, due to issues with her latching, I've had to supplement with formula. She would rarely take the recommended amount and if she did, 9/10 times she would bring up the entire feed. We've been in and out of hospital and docs aren't concerned as she's steadily gaining weight (she's on the second percentile).

However, things got better and she started to increase her intake and all was well but approx 3 days ago, she started to refuse the bottle, we had to take her to the docs because she was projectile vomiting. The doc said she might have a cold/viral infection. She's taking far less than what she should be taking but the doc said she's not dehydrated and as long as she's producing plenty of dirty and wet nappies, I shouldn't worry. But I can't help worry. As a first time mum, I'm literally googling non stop. I really dont know what to do. I'm offering small feeds every 2 hours. I tried feeding her again at 2.30am but she pushed out the bottle. What more can I do?! I just want her to get better asap.

If she's been sick it could be just a bug. I can understand you being concerned though.

Did they ever find out what the issue was with her latch? Was Tongue Tie ruled out?

My son has been exactly the same, a constant difficult feeder. Wouldn't take more than 50/60ml at a time. I spent my whole day trying to feed and also in tears. I struggled to get 300ml in him a day!

A Paediatrician changed his milk to a non cows milk one and instantly he fed better. Still on the lower end of recommended intake but was taking 100ml at a time and more. He has suspected CMPA but had no major symptoms of it apart from smelly poos and failing to gain weight well. Also on the second centile.

It does sound like a bug if it’s only been a few days. Keep trying the little and often approach. Only give 2-3 ounces at a time. Wait for half an hour to an hour and give another 2-3 ounces.
As doctor said, if there are still plenty of heavy, wet nappies then baby is not at risk of dehydration immediately.
I always found with mine that the second I got to the point of really worrying, thinking it had been going on too long, he would just bounce back in the blink of an eye, almost to mess with a worried first time mum!
I hope she feels better soon.
The vomiting does sound like a bug, but given her age, if they aren’t already then teeth are going to also be a bothersome thing that will stop her feeding well for a few days at a time over the coming months. Try not to stress too much as periods of decreased appetite for a whole host of reasons are perfectly normal.

I raised concerns regarding her latch and managed to get her doc to check. He mentioned that there's a possibility that she could have a tongue tie but given her age and the fact that she's steadily gaining weight, surgeons won't do anything about it until she's 1 years old and only if there's issues with speech. I also went to a breastfeeding consultant who said that my daughter's latch is fine and I should continue to breastfeed and stop supplementing. I tried this and my daughter wasn't gaining weight.😢 It's my fault really, I had a very traumatic pregnancy and birth so when she was born I gave her formula instead of being patient and trying to breastfeed/express. It's upsetting because I had a really good flow.

I think my daughter takes after me. Apparently I was the same. I used to feed her Aptamil but I absolutely hated the smell and it made her extremely gassy so I switched to Kendamil. She was fine with Kendamil and we finally managed to increase the amount she was taking to 170ml per feed. I fed her a couple of minutes again and she only managed to take 60ml. I should've switched to goats milk. 😔

Thank you. We finally managed 5 ounce for one of her feeds today. I think the change in weather has made her unwell. 😢

It's my fault really, I had a very traumatic pregnancy and birth so when she was born I gave her formula instead of being patient and trying to breastfeed/express. It's upsetting because I had a really good flow.

Having a traumatic PG and birth and poor BFing support is not your fault at all. Please do not beat yourself up about it.

I am wondering if it's worth switching to a comfort type of formula to see if she tolerates that any better?

We had a slightly better day today. She wasn't as fussy during her feeds - maybe she's feeling slightly better. I give my daughter RTF Kendamil as powder formula seems to make her even more gassy. 😔 But I might give comfort kendamil a try!