FTM here. I have a 4 week old LO who has suffered with reflux and constipation since he was 2 weeks. He was fed stage 1 cow & gate but HV suggested switching to comfort formula which has resolved the constipation. However he is vomiting up his milk and seems to be really uncomfortable after his feeds. He's gaining weight well.
He is having 4oz (mostly) every 2.5-3hrs (7 feeds per day). We pace feed. Stop mid way for approx 15 minutes to wind and slow him down (otherwise he'd probably keep going). He becomes very fussy during this time, rooting and sucking hands (hunger cues) and then will finish the rest of the bottle. I keep him upright for approx 45 minutes after a feed otherwise he vomits it back up.
This is fine during the day but means overnight, by the time I go back to bed, he's waking up 60-90 mins later for the next feed (90mins if I'm lucky!). I'm sleep deprived and exhausted which is slowly affecting my mental health (am getting support for this). DP is only able to help in the evenings and weekends as he has to be up for work at 4am. I have no other family nearby.
The GP wants me to feed him less as he's having the "maximum recommend for his age" and suggested 2-3oz. This will not fill him up and he will be looking for more. If he does settle after this is, I reckon he will be up very soon after meaning I get less sleep between feeds. The GP said my only job is to make sure he's fed and I'll just have to get on with it... that's what I'm getting maternity pay for... helpful!!! 🙄🤨
The HV has advised if he finishing his bottles consistently for 2-3 days to increase by an oz. He's probably almost ready to go to 5oz but now not sure what to do with this or GP advice now.
In the meantime GP has given me some infant gaviscon to try.
Any suggestions helpful as to what I should do or change?