7 week old screaming when feeding

[Amberc]

My 7 week old twin has only been taking an ounce of milk at at each feed and today has started screaming after drinking it and then falling asleep (she's been sleeping all day too). She's already on Gaviscon and has been for a few weeks so although it sounds like reflux, she's already being treated for it. The doctor said she may have oral thrush and has given drops but I can't see it in her mouth and is this the reaction it gets? She has also had a bad cold for the last week. 1 oz per feed is not enough and I ma worried about her. The doc said I should bring her back if nothing improes over the weekend but I have found that MN is better for diagnosis than most doctors!

Hi amberc, sorry you're having such a stressful time. It could be thrush as the doctor said. Does your baby suck happily on a dummy? If so you might suspect a sore mouth is not the whole story.

If it's reflux, gaviscon is often not enough. For both my two babies it did nothing at all. Food refusal and screaming after feeding can be reflux-related. If you think it's this, then you need either a GP willing to explore other treatment options, or a referral to a paed IMHO.

I would go back on Monday as they said if she doesn't pick up tomorrow, and in the meantime if your baby is drinking very little do keep an eye out for signs of dehydration - few wet nappies, no tears when crying, etc.

Thanks narmada. She does suck happily on a dummy - it's her best friend which is why I don't think she has it. She's got constipation caused by the Gaviscon and I'm wondering if this has given her a tummy ache and drinking milk makes it hurt more. She's not been pooing very regularly but is having wet nappies and her fontanelle (sp) is not depressed. I'll see how she goes tomorrow if I take the gaviscon out of her milk to rule it out. I don't know what's worse, taking more and sicking some up or not taking much but keeping it down?

Oh gaviscon can cause horrid constipation, a fact known to practically all the mothers I know who've used it but always strangely denied by doctors and no mention of it in patient info leaflet!

I know the few times I have been severely constipated I definitle haven't felt like eating much ...

I would go back to the doctor and ask to be put on ranitidine - my DD has this for her reflux and it has been excellent, sucking on dummy is meant to be really good as it produces more saliva which neautralises (sp) stomach acid a lot more and makes them feel more comfortable. If you are BF try and avoid dairy if you can, if FF ask for dairy intolerance milk? Mine has this as well even though she is not dairy intolerant but it has been so helpful!

Could you ask your HV about giving a tiny bit of water to try and shift the blockage too?

I hope you get it sorted, one thing I have noticed with my Dd when she has been teething and refusing food and bottles all the time is that they are incredibly resilient and can go without for a long time, so please try not to worry.

Gaviscon is a food stabiliser only. It will prevent vomiting but not pain. You need ranitidine or something similar.

Ask for a referral to a paediatrician. If you have the means, book a private appointment as I know NHS referrals can take several weeks.

for a 7 weeks old baby who is sleeping much more than usual and taking less than half normal feeds, really MN isn't worth anything.

you should get her seen by a GP today.

Definatly go back and ask for ranitidine as well as the gaviscon all 3 of mine had/ have reflux although if there not throwing up it's called silent reflux when the acid comes back up hurting there tummy and throat resulting in screaming food refusal arching while feeding burping lots . Gaviscon only puts a barrier on the stomach ranitidine is a kind of pain reliever neutralizes the acid stopping the burning. Have you also tilted her cot with a couple of books and keep her upright for 20 min each feed. Good luck and hugs.

Thanks everyone. It's actually worse today. I took the gaviscon from all of her feeds to see if it would 'clear her out' and remove the constipation. This has worked and she's now pooing again but the screaming has not stopped although she hasn't been sick. I have a GP appointment tomorrow. I will ask about the ranitidine. Thanks all.