Oh please help: breastfeeding, reflux and a bit of thrush

[EmmyVonN]

The history: DS1 had a cow's milk protein allergy and reflux. Breastfeeding was very difficult (low weight gain, prolonged nursing strikes, lots of discomfort etc). But I was determined and managed till 6 months on a restricted diet. He went on Neocate then and was much more comfortable.

Now DS2 is nearly 3 months old and it seems we're heading down a similar path. He had nasal congestion for 7 weeks until I cut dairy from my diet. Because his nose was always blocked, there were obviously problems with latching and him pulling off to breathe.

Now he has terrible wind and spits up like a volcano. He won't settle. I'm feeling just a little bit fraught running between a busy toddler and uncomfortable baby.

The question (sort of): He still doesn't latch very well and even when the latch is good, he clicks while feeding. So he takes in a lot of air while feeding. He has mild thrush and I've been treating that but it hasn't helped much. I have seen a consultant and I know how to latch him. Why the clicking? If the clicking stopped would that stop the wind and reduce the spit up?

Am I mad to continue breastfeeding? While I'm happy that I perserved with DS1 to 6 months, part of me thinks that had I just given him the Neocate sooner, I could have enjoyed him more instead of feeling tense and anxious much of the time. Now it takes me ages to feed DS2, which means I have less time for DS1. Less time for nice cuddles with both of them. Should I be balancing other factors and rethinking the breastfeeding? I'd be gutted to stop, but it just doesn't seem to be working. Again

Wow, you did so well to carry on with DS1 and I can totally see why you're wavering now.

The only time my DC have clicked when feeding is when they had thrush or when I was very tense (like in the last couple of weeks DC3 has bitten my nipple which is now quite painful when she is feeding!). I am wondering how you have treated your DS for thrush,DC3 has had it quite severely and has had mouth drops which doc suggested I apply half prior to feed and half after so it would also treat me. I have thrown the empty bottle away so cant remember what it's called.

I think that the clicking and poor latch (which I think are both symptoms of thrush) are causing the wind, spit up and probably more little fussy feeds as a result.If you cleared the thrush and he fed happily then I guess you would both be more comfortable.

TBH with my DC1 & 2 I had no problems or pain, if my first 2 had been as troublesome and bitey as DC3 has been then I may well have given up.I fed my first 2 til 18 mnths each but with DC3 I plan to stop in the next couple of mnths (she is 11mnths) because it's quite hard to feed her when we're out.

You have done very well with both DC1 and DC2, it is very hard work having a baby and a toddler without breastfeeding difficulties adding to the pressure. Please dont feel bad if you decide to give up (what a pointless thing to say,I didnt know the meaning of the word guilt til I had kids!).Weigh things up for you and your family,and if you feel that transferring to a bottle is for the best then trust yourself,you know your circumstances better than anyone x

That's helpful, thanks.

I think that the thrush is causing the clicking but the gp checked it out and said that he only has it mildly.

We had a brilliant feed early this morning and I enjoy it so much when it works.